BREMERTON, Wash. –
Chris Hughes, carrier program manager, Code 312, Aircraft Carrier Program Office, received the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award Dec. 21, 2023, during a surprise ceremony at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility.
Hughes, the carrier program manager at PSNS & IMF since 2016, was honored for his “superior contributions to the United States Navy,” according to the award citation.
“The leadership and dedication of Mr. Hughes resulted in the on-time execution of 17 major Chief of Naval Operations aircraft carrier availabilities, returning important operational readiness to the fleet and saving more than $8 million,” according to the citation. “The innovation, guidance and commitment of Mr. Hughes has left an indelible mark on fleet readiness and the aircraft carrier maintenance industry. His work has been of substantial benefit to the United States Navy, to the nation, and reflected great credit upon himself, while upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
Hughes, a PSNS & IMF employee for the past 34 years, began his career in 1990, as a nuclear engineer with Code 200, Nuclear Engineering and Planning Department.
“I’m honored to be considered for this award. I’m surrounded by so many great people, who do the real work on these carriers. They deserve this more than me. I’m proud to serve with them and to serve in this command with great leaders who support our people,” Hughes said. “I owe so much to my wife, Julie, who has supported me — and our four children — throughout my career, with so much off-station work and so many long hours. I could not have done it without her.”