Distinguished Civilian Award

This award recognizes individuals whose work has been of significant importance to the Submarine Force. Some will be in high visibility positions, but of equal importance are those individuals who are less visible but whose work is best understood and appreciated by their associates on the submarine team. The criteria for the Naval Submarine League Distinguished Civilian Award are outlined in COMSUBLANT/COMSUBPAC INSTRUCTION 1650.6E, Enclosure (1), Section 10.  Nomination packages should be sent to the Executive Director of the Naval Submarine League by 31 May 2024..

INSTRUCTIONS FOR NOMINATIONS (2024)

2023 Recipient

The Naval Submarine League

DISTINGUISHED CIVILIAN AWARD

for

Significant Contribution to the Submarine Force

is presented to

CAPT Carl H. Oosterman, USN (Ret)

For meritorious service as Program Manager for Advanced Submarines and Facilities.

Mr. Oosterman’s 41-years of government service encompassed multiple key management assignments in the submarine and nuclear surface ship fields. He held top program management positions in the LOS ANGELES, SEAWOLF, OHIO, and VIRGINIA Class submarine projects where his responsibilities included propulsion plant design, manufacturing, construction, and testing. He was the principal member of the Navy team implementing the successful VIRGINIA Class Integrated Project and Process Development Program. He led initial sea trials on two SEAWOLF Class and five VIRGINIA Class submarines. Mr. Oosterman was the principal manager in initiating project development of the nuclear propulsion plant for the COLUMBIA Class strategic missile submarine. Beyond his involvement with submarine maintenance and construction he was assigned as program manager for recapitalizing and maintaining facilities at Naval Reactors laboratory sites. His program manager duties also included overall coordination of nuclear submarine propulsion research and development within the U. S. Navy and technology exchange with foreign governments. He formed a field office in the United Kingdom to improve the exchange of nuclear propulsion technology.

Mr. Oosterman’s accomplishments truly merit his being recognized as a national asset, and the recipient of the Naval Submarine League Distinguished Civilian Award.

Past Distinguished Civilian Award Winners

2022     Mr. Stephen J. Trautman
2021     Dr. John M. Huckabay
2020     Dr. William F Bundy, Mr. Donald F. McCormack, and Mr. Eric S. Snider
2019     Mr. Steven Schulze and Ms. Sheila M. McNeill
2018     Mr. Fred Harris and Mr. Bill Johnson
2017     Mr. G. Daniel Tyler
2016     Dr. Edward G. Liszka
2015     Mr. Richard R. McNamara
2014     Mr. Thomas C. Conran
2013     Mr. Phillip E. Lantz
2012     Mr. Andrew (Jerry) Razmus and The Honorable John W. Warner
2011     Dr. Robert M. Snuggs
2010     Mr. Walter P. Kitonis III
2009     Mr. Michael Toner
2008     Mr. Thomas C. Schievelbein and Mr. John Welch
2007     Mr. Franklin C. Miller
2006     Mr. Andrew W. Marshall
2005     Dr. David Stanford
2004     Mr. Thomas R. Nutter
2003     Dr. William Browning
2002     Mr. James E. Turner
2001     Dr. John E. Sirmalis
2000     Mr. Richard L. Haver
1999     Mr. Carl H. Schmitt
1998     Dr. John P. Craven and Dr. Waldo K Lyons (posthumously)