FLTCM(SS) Frank A. Lister Award
Established in 2000, the Fleet Master Chief Frank A. Lister Award for Exceptional Leadership and Motivation while serving as a Chief of the Boat recognizes a submarine Chief of the Boat who has displayed exceptional leadership and motivation of his crew. The award is presented to a submarine senior or master chief petty officer while serving as or having recently served as Chief of the Boat in a submarine during the nomination period.
2024 Awardee: LSSCM(SS/IW) Jonathan L. Hollenbeck, USN
for outstanding meritorious service as Chief of the Boat on USS KEY WEST (SSN 722).
Command Master Chief Hollenbeck’s superlative performance as Chief of the Boat was instrumental in KEY WEST completing a change of homeport from Guam to Bremerton, WA, preparing for inactivation and decommissioning, and providing emergent operational tasking. These tasks were a challenge to morale for the crew and families. Master Chief Hollenbeck’s personal leadership made a most positive impact in KEY WEST meeting all these challenges. He demonstrated a natural ability to connect with the crew as he coordinated efforts to conduct repairs to critical ships systems requiring around the clock efforts to meet schedule. Promoting each of the CNO’s priorities for warfighting, warfighters, and the foundation that supports them, he focuses and insists on investing in every crew member at every level. An example of this is demonstrated by his implementation of a comprehensive ship-wide schools’ program. The number of qualified operators has increased as well as their level of knowledge and standards of performance. Master Chief Hollenbeck provides clear and concise directions to all the crew, and he ensures they fully understand the ship’s plans and goals. His leadership has directly resulted in improved productivity and quality of life. His motivating leadership style and natural ability to connect with the crew, and his continuing high level of performance, sound judgement, and effective communication are a winning combination This has made a positive result in KEY WEST’s performance during her final operating schedule and the commencement of decommissioning and inactivation.
Command Master Chief Hollenbeck is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Master Chief Frank A. Lister Award for Exceptional Leadership and Motivation.
Previous Winners
2023
MNCM(SS) Jason S. Hays, USN
2022
CMDCM(SS) J. R. McGarrah, USN
2021
CMDCM(SS) Chris Yacur, USN
2020
CMDCM(SS) Timothy R. Glazner, USN
2019
FTCM(SS) Richard C. Heering, USN
2018
CMDCM Steven Rauch, USN
2017
ETVCM(SS) Anthony P. Torres
2016
LSCM(SS) Kevin M. Gibbs, USN
2015
MMCM(SS) Wayne E. Fetterley, USN
Fleet Master Chief Frank Lister
Fleet Master Chief Lister’s Military career began at age 16 when he enlisted in the Arizona Air National Guard. He served one year and made one deployment before leaving to join the Navy. After completing recruit training in San Diego, California, he attended Submarine School in Groton CT, and was assigned to USS SEA FOX (SS 402), where he completed two WESTPAC deployments, serving as Leading Seaman/Small Boat Coxswain, Landing Party Team Member, Small Arms Petty Officer, Ships Diver (SCUBA), Sonar Watch Stander and Torpedoman.
FLTCM Lister was awarded numerous letters of commendations for outstanding performance of duty, and advanced quickly from Seaman Apprentice (E-2) to Torpedoman Second Class (E-5), setting a personal goal to become a Chief Torpedoman and serve as a Chief of the Boat (COB). FLTCM Lister then served aboard USS BUGARA (SS 331) as Leading Torpedoman, After Torpedo Room and completed one WESTPAC deployment.
In 1962, he attended Launcher Technician training at the Guided Missile School in Dam Neck VA and graduated first in his class. He was then assigned to USS ROBERT E. LEE (SSBN 601) (BLUE), where he completed six deterrent patrols and an 18-month shipyard overhaul in Vallejo CA. After overhaul, he was transferred to USS ROBERT E. LEE (SSBN 601) (GOLD), where he was advanced to Chief Torpedoman and served as Chief of the Boat/Enlisted Advisor, and completed five deterrent patrols.
In his next assignment at the Navy Recruiting Station, Salt Lake City, he distinguished himself as an outstanding navy recruiter, advancing from Field Recruiter to Station Supervisor to Zone Supervisor, Utah/Eastern Nevada. His zone consistently led the nation in Advanced Electronic and Nuclear Power enlisted recruiting.
FLTCM Lister next served as Chief of the Boat of the commissioning crew of USS LOS ANGELES (SSN 688), where he became the first person to be selected and assigned to a Chief of the Boat position by the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS).
FLTCM Lister was selected to serve as the Atlantic Fleet Submarine Force Master Chief (FORCM) in 1975 when he served for Force Commanders VADM Joe Williams, Jr. and VADM Ken Carr for four years. In 1979, he served as FLTCM for CINCLANT, ADM Harry Train, for three years. FLTCM Lister was also selected three times, in 1975, 1978 and 1982, as a finalist for Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON).