VADM Levering Smith Award
Established in 1986, the Vice Admiral Levering Smith Award for Submarine Support Achievement recognizes specific or continuing submarine support actions which have most contributed to the furtherance of the spirit or fighting mettle of the Submarine Force. Submarine support actions shall include service in submarine support activities, submarine maintenance and training activities, and other such activities engaged in direct support of the operating Submarine Force.
2024 Awardee: LCDR Correy J. Borrelli
for outstanding meritorious service as Submarine Squadrons Six and Eight Material Officer.
Over the past three years LCDR Borelli has provided operational, logistical, and administrative support to six fast-attack nuclear submarines in Squadron Six, seven fast-attack nuclear submarines in Squadron Eight, and the submarine support barge, He meticulously planned and tracked, each submarine’s material condition. Although tasked with several deployments just months apart and several surge deployments, his team expertly managed resources to place each submarine in the best combat-ready condition possible. LCDR Borelli embraces challenges and views setbacks as opportunities to improve and gain efficiency. Norfolk area submarines entered theater operations capable and ready. During his tenure the maintenance team accomplished several maintenance items for the first time setting the precedent for the fleet. The efforts by LCDR Borelli and his team allowed the extension of operating cycles and service lives of several submarines. This provided operational commanders with additional vital assets for national security. His dedication and attitude support the submarine crews and the operational commanders. Each submarine received excellent service confident that critical maintenance is fully accomplished within the maintenance availability.
LCDR Borelli is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Vice Admiral Levering Smith Award for Submarine Professional Excellence.
Previous Awardees
2023
CTTC(SG/IW) Daryl F. Maynes, USN
2022
LCDR Nicholas D. Chiudioni, USN
2021
LCDR Andrew Regalado, USN
2020
ETRCS(SS) Andrew J. Enholm, USN
2019
SSC(SS) Kip C. Farrell, USN
2018
MTCS Jeremy Reardon, USN
2017
LT Zachary J. Prefontaine, USN
2016
LCDR William C. McBride, USN
2015
LT Jason D. Baker, USN
Vice Admiral Levering Smith
Levering Smith graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1932. During World War II, he participated in campaigns and engagements in the Pacific including the Battles of Santa Cruz and Lunga Point, and surviving the sinkings of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet and the cruiser USS Northampton. He also took part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in the cruiser USS Indianapolis.
Admiral Smith’s contribution to the promotion of technology began after his distinguished WWII service with his assignment to the Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake, California. In that work, he concluded that a small, solid propellant missile would be the logical choice for surface ship and submarine launching. This work propelled him into the pursuit of a viable strategic deterrent for the nation and caused the disbanding of the joint Army-Navy Committee pursuing the application of a liquid fueled missile. Admiral Smith was appointed Technical Director of the Navy’s Special Projects Office, which was given complete responsibility for the Polaris Program.
The years that followed, with Admiral Smith as Technical Director, then Director of the Strategic Systems Project Office, saw the deployment of an operational system in just four years. After Polaris came the Poseidon and Trident Programs, each developing a set of technologies crucial to the success of these strategic force elements. Admiral Levering Smith, more than any other individual, was responsible for the successful marriage of the ballistic missile with the nuclear submarine. His early pioneering in large solid propellant motors made the submarine launched ballistic missile a safe and practical reality. His technical direction in advancing technology of solid propellants, electronics and weight reducing materials led to increased range and payload that made the Fleet Ballistic Missile the most survivable of our strategic forces. His management practices focused the efforts of a highly successful and enduring government and industry team on common goals with clearly understood priorities.