RADM Frederick B. Warder Award
Established in 1986, the Rear Admiral Frederick B. Warder Award for Outstanding Achievement recognizes a specific action, contribution or continuing performance, which most positively influenced the reputation, readiness or future well-being of the submarine force. The award is presented to a government employee (Civilian, Active or Reserve military; LCDR or junior).
2025 Awardee
Joe Williamson
for outstanding performance at the Fleet Maintenance Branch (FMB), Norfolk, VA.
Mr. Williamson is a key player in delivering results at FMB Norfolk. Drawing from his extensive experience on active duty and with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Mr. Williamson ensured maintenance planning was rooted in realism and accountability. He conducted detailed reviews of ship maintenance requirements across 15 submarines assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadrons 6 and 8, and carefully aligned requirements with the right maintenance activities. Mr. Williamson spearheaded the development of a Casualty Report tracking database that provides a real-time snapshot of casualty status, associated materials, responsible entities, and repair timelines. Mr. Williamson’s efforts on USS ALBANY stand as a model of grit and rigor. By leading the team through 332 Planned Maintenance Requirements, he ensured the boat's successful recertification. As Deputy Material Officer, he embodied the spirit of continuous improvement through every facet of his role. His leadership was instrumental in planning and executing CMAVs with precision and foresight. Mr. Williamson’s influence stretches beyond logistics, to include creating a culture of trust, initiative, and excellence.
Mr. Williamson is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Rear Admiral Frederick B. Warder Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Previous Awardees
2024 |
LTJG Elizabeth Rullo, USN |
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2023 |
CSS2(SS) Dakota J. Aubry, USN |
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2022 |
LT Curtis R. Olsen, III, USN |
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2021 |
CDR Michael S. Hartzell, USN |
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2020 |
LCDR Jeremy W. Wheelis, USN |
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2019 |
Mark A. Tuohy |
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More Awardees
2018 |
HM2(SS) Prudencio C. Sy, USN |
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2017 |
Mark A. Cook |
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2016 |
LCDR Jonathan V. Ahlstrom, USN |
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2015 |
Michael J. Carreiro |
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2014 |
Myra M. Yamada |
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2013 |
Richard Butler |
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2012 |
LCDR Angel F. Rodriguez, USN |
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2011 |
ETC(SS/DV) Kevin Rench, USN |
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2010 |
FTC(SS) Edward Brennan, USN |
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2009 |
MMCM(SW) Timothy Cremeans, USN |
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2008 |
Randy D. Holloway |
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2007 |
CMDCM(SS) Christopher Clark, USN |
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2006 |
LCDR Paul J. Frontera, USN |
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2005 |
LCDR Jimmie L. Miller, USN |
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2004 |
LCDR Vernon N. Hasten, USN |
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2003 |
LT Brian M. Stites, USN |
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2002 |
LT Michael Yawn, USN |
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2001 |
LCDR Teryl Edward Chauncey, USN |
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2000 |
Cheryl R. Stensby |
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1999 |
LCDR Charles P. Melcher, USN |
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1998 |
MSC(SS) Martin C. Mongiello, USN |
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1997 |
CWO2(SS) Nigel A. Sealy, USN |
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1996 |
LCDR Frank O. Madia, USN |
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1995 |
LCDR Lindsay R. Hankins, USN |
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1994 |
LCDR Robert E. Pritchard, USN |
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1993 |
LCDR John E. Bruns, USN |
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1992 |
LCDR John A. Stone, USN |
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1991 |
MM1(SS) Kevin J. Hoge, USN |
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1990 |
(Civilian) W. Victor Morningstar |
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1989 |
LCDR Michael John Matthes, USN |
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1988 |
EM1(SS) Stefano B. Neis, USN |
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1987 |
(Civilian) George Horn |
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1986 |
TMC(SS) Michael J. Brown, USN |
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Rear Admiral Frederick B. Warder
The Naval Submarine League Outstanding Achievement Award is named for Rear Admiral Frederick Burdette Warder, USN (Ret). Rear Admiral Warder was a true hero of the Submarine Service during World War II and a dynamic leader throughout his active career. As a result of his aggressive and innovative leadership during a war patrol, he was dubbed “FEARLESS FREDDIE,” by his crew on SEAWOLF.
A member of the 36th class at the Submarine School, he served in S-16 during his initial submarine training and went on to command S-38 and then USS SEAWOLF (SS 197). He completed seven war patrols in command of SEAWOLF, and is credited with sinking eight Japanese ships totaling 38,900 tons. For his performance in Seawolf, he was cited for “displaying great courage and leadership in the face of aggressive enemy advances…” Later, he was assigned by Commander Submarine Force, Pacific Fleet as the Commander of the second Wolfpack, with Snook, Harder, and Pargo in the pack. Their combined action sank seven ships.
His wartime duties concluded with his assignment as Commander Submarine Division 122. From 1944 to 1946, then Captain Warder was Commanding Officer of the Submarine School. Here again, the young submarine officers gained from his leadership, and many of them became the first commanding officers of our early nuclear powered and ballistic missile submarines. RADM Warder’s submarine career culminated in his assignment as Commander Submarine Force U. S. Atlantic Fleet, where his leadership was again felt, as submarines moved into the era of nuclear power and the sea based leg of the nation’s triad of strategic defense.