VADM J. Guy Reynolds Award

Established in 2010, the Vice Admiral J. Guy Reynolds Award for Excellence in Submarine Acquisition recognizes a member of the submarine acquisition corps who has demonstrated professional excellence in submarine acquisition. The award is presented to an officer in the grade of Commander or Captain.

2024 Awardee: CAPT Timothy M. Clark, USN

for exceptionally meritorious service as the Major Program Manager of the In-Service Sustainment Submarine Program (PMS 396).

CAPT Clark is leading the sustainment of 18 Ohio Class submarines across the ship’s lifecycle to optimize operational availability. In addition, he is responsible for safe and reliable SSGN and SSBN operations, class maintenance and modernization and support to select Strategic Weapons Systems for the U.S. and the United Kingdom. He provides full time fleet and technical support to ensure the Ohio class is efficiently sustained and SSBNs continue to execute strategic deterrence operations. Under his leadership his team is proactively managing the end-of-life for Ohio Class Submarines through the introduction of new technologies, engagement with industry, and providing strategic engineering and logistic support. He is facilitating the smooth transition from an all Ohio Class SSBN Fleet to a mix of Ohio and Columbia SSBNs. This encompasses not just the submarines but also includes all required maintenance, training and sustainment infrastructure. He and his team provide proactive and innovative approaches to problem solving, which saves time and money. CAPT Clark’s action to prioritize team culture and care for his personnel has resulted in outstanding work performance, increased retention, programmatic growth, and improved teamwork and cohesion.

CAPT Clark is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Vice Admiral J. Guy Reynolds Award for Excellence in Submarine Acquisition.

Previous Winners

2023

CAPT Mark C. Parrella, USN

2022

CAPT Peter D. Small, USN

2021

CAPT Douglas J. Adams, USN

2020

CAPT Gregory M. Zettler, USN

2019

CAPT Steven Harrison, USN

2018

CAPT Mark M. Matthews, USN

2017

CAPT Scott W. Pappano, USN

2016

CAPT Bradford S. Neff, USN

2015

CAPT Stephen M. Debus, USN

Vice Admiral J. Guy Reynolds

VADM Reynolds graduated from the Naval Academy in June 1959. After serving aboard the destroyer USS BAUSELL (DD 845), he completed submarine and nuclear power training. Nine months later he qualified in submarines onboard the USS ROBERT E. LEE (SSBN 601), becoming the first officer to qualify in nuclear submarines without having previously qualified on a diesel submarine. VADM Reynolds subsequently served aboard USS JACK (SSN 605), USS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (SSBN 640), and USS Sam Houston (SSBN 609). In 1969, VADM Reynolds served with the U.S. Naval Forces Vietnam. From 1973-1977, VADM Reynolds commanded the attack submarine USS PINTADO (SSN 672). Following this command, he became Deputy Senior Member, Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In this capacity, he certified the safety of seventy-two nuclear powered ships. In June 1979, VADM Reynolds took command of the submarine tender USS SPERRY (AS 12). USS Sperry was responsible for the upkeep and modernization of submarines attached to the Pacific Fleet. VADM Reynolds commanded Submarine Squadron THREE from May 1980 until August 1981. He was then assigned as Project Manager, Torpedo MK 48, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC where he was responsible for development, procurement and testing of Navy torpedoes. While serving in that capacity, he was selected for flag rank.

In July 1983, VADM Reynolds became the Vice Director for Collection Management, Defense Intelligence Agency where he directed the Agency’s all-source collection effort. VADM Reynolds left DIA to become Director, Attack Submarines, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. In September 1985, VADM Reynolds established the Navy’s Submarine Combat Systems Directorate, to direct the development, acquisition and maintenance of all submarine combat systems. In May 1987, VADM Reynolds took command of the Submarine Force, United States Pacific Fleet. He commanded the Force of 48 attack submarines, eight Trident submarines and associated support activities and nearly 20,000 people for twenty-nine months. After COMSUBPAC, VADM Reynolds assumed duties as Director, Test and Evaluation and Technology Requirements, Washington, DC He served in that position for three years before leaving active duty. VADM Reynolds has been awarded numerous service awards including the Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit with Three Gold Stars. He had a Master’s degree in Operations Research.