RADM Jack N. Darby Award
Established in 1986, the Rear Admiral Jack N. Darby Award for Inspirational Leadership and Excellence of Command recognizes a submarine officer who has displayed exceptional leadership in command.
2024 Awardee: CDR Robert A. Low, USN
for exceptionally meritorious service as Commanding Officer on USS DELAWARE (SSN 791).
Commander Low prepared the DELAWARE crew for its maiden deployment to the European Command on time and ready for all tasks. This impressive readiness condition was achieved by CDR Low and his team embracing “get-real get-better” attacking training and readiness weaknesses. During deployment certification DELAWARE was assessed improved in every tactical area demonstrating sustained, superior performance and readiness in all areas. DELAWARE quickly became the go-to submarine for the most challenging European Command missions. DELAWARE performed flawlessly in supporting six Fleet Undersea Warfare exercises, nine inbound and outbound piloting evolutions and twenty-two Brief Stops for personnel/Cargo from nine different ports. Delaware conducted a first-ever port visit in the Faroe Islands. In addition to the spectacular deployment performance DELAWARE was selected to support Submarine Command Course (SCC) 78 and completed the first of its kind UUV testing. DELAWARE’s operational success was built on a foundation of empowering his crew to take pride in their service and in their ability to find and fix problems. CDR Low’s investment in his crew resulted in a marked improvement in several key performance indicators leading to lower attrition and higher rates of retention and promotion. The crew amassed a significant number of watch station qualifications and accomplished above average reenlistment results. DELAWARE Officers have been well served and rank among the best in the squadron.
Commander Low is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Rear Admiral Jack N. Darby Award for Inspirational Leadership and Excellence of Command.
Previous Winners
2023
CDR Scott A. Bresnahan, USN
2022
CDR Joseph L. Campbell, USN
2021
CDR Nathan D. Luther, USN
2020
CDR William H. Wiley, USN
2019
CDR Eric D. Cole, USN
2018
CDR David L. Edgerton, USN
2017
CDR David S. Forman, USN
2016
CDR Patrick B. Clark, USN
2015
CDR Todd A. Figanbaum, USN
Rear Admiral Jack N. Darby
Jack Darby was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, upon graduation from the University of Colorado in 1958. He first served in USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DL 3). Following Submarine School in 1961, he reported to USS CAIMAN (SS 323). He qualified in submarines in Caiman, was accepted into the Nuclear Power Program, and completed a year of training in May 1964. He next served in USS DACE (SSN 607) and then USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (SSBN 600), where he fleeted up to Executive Officer. Command of USS Thomas Jefferson (SSBN 618) was followed by command of USS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (SSBN 640).
He went on to serve as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Submarine Warfare, Commandant of Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy, Commander Submarine Squadron TEN and Deputy Director Attack Submarine Division, OPNAV, where he was selected for flag rank. Rear Admiral Darby went on to be Deputy for Politico-Military Affairs in the Plans and Policy Directorate, the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In June 1985, Rear Admiral Darby assumed command of the Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The Naval Submarine League annual leadership award honors this dynamic and inspirational officer. Throughout his naval career, Jack Darby instilled a sense of purpose and dedication to excellence in all who served with him. His devotion to duty, his uncompromised integrity, and his exemplary personal manner epitomizes the qualities one identifies with the term “command presence.” His assignment as Commandant of Midshipmen was particularly appropriate since it gave then Captain Darby the opportunity to touch the lives and careers of so many aspiring young officers. His last command, the Pacific Submarine Force, once again allowed him to influence directly officers in command of the ships of the force.