WASHINGTON -- Naval Sea System Command’s Undersea Weapons Program Office recognized Pearl Harbor Torpedo Intermediate Maintenance Activity (PH IMA) as the first-ever recipient of the Lockwood Award during a ceremony, Jan. 28, for excellence in maintaining the Navy’s arsenal of Mk48 heavyweight torpedoes.
Rear Adm. Rick Seif, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, presented the award to Mr. Dave Montague, PH IMA Manager, on behalf of the Pearl Harbor IMA team. In his remarks, Seif praised the team’s exceptional contribution to fleet readiness.
“The Pearl Harbor Intermediate Maintenance Activity team’s unwavering commitment to excellence ensures the combat readiness of our submarine force, a cornerstone of our national defense,” said Seif. “Their sustained superior performance is a testament to their dedication, professionalism and expertise.”
Named after Adm. Charles A. Lockwood, a pioneering figure in submarine warfare during World War II, the award honors excellence in torpedo maintenance and recognizes sustained superior performance in the service of the U.S. Navy.
“The Pearl Harbor IMA embodies the qualities Admiral Lockwood championed—innovation, precision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Capt. Chris Polk, Program Manager for PMS 404, commending PH IMA’s dedication to precision and accountability. “Their work not only strengthens the fleet but also secures the trust of the warfighters who depend on them.”
As a part of Program Executive Office Undersea Warfare Systems (PEO UWS), the Undersea Weapons Program oversees the undersea weapons portfolio – including torpedoes and torpedo systems. The office created the Lockwood Award in 2024 to honor organizations that embody the commitment to excellence Lockwood championed throughout his career. Lockwood revolutionized submarine warfare tactics and technology as Pacific Submarine Force commander during World War II, particularly in improving the reliability and effectiveness of torpedoes. This legacy makes the award’s focus on torpedo maintenance particularly fitting.
The award encourages friendly competition among the Navy’s three IMAs – Pearl Harbor, Keyport, and the Navy Submarine Torpedo Facility at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown – with the program’s leadership selecting a winner annually. Criteria are based primarily on the Torpedo Certification Examination Board (TCEB) results, which rigorously evaluate IMA performance across five critical areas: administration, quality assurance, safety, procedural compliance, and supply. Over the past two years, PH IMA, part of Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport Detachment Pacific, has consistently excelled in these assessments, earning the highest possible ratings in every category for both 2023 and 2024.
PH IMA plays a critical role in the Navy’s undersea warfare mission as one of only three Navy IMAs responsible for maintaining the Heavyweight Torpedo (HWT). The team is involved with the repair, testing and modification of HWT, ensuring their operational readiness for use in the fleet. Employing 155 government civilians and Lockheed Martin contractors, PH IMA operates under a Government-Owned, Government-Operated and Contractor-Supported model, consistently setting a high standard for performance.
As the first recipient of the Lockwood Award, PH IMA sets a high standard for future award contenders. Their success is not only a testament to their hard work but also a reminder of the critical role IMAs play in maintaining the Navy’s warfighting readiness.
Rear Admiral Doug Adams, Program Executive Officer PEO UWS, underscored the significance of the Lockwood Award in his remarks.
“The Lockwood Award is more than just an accolade—it is a continuation of Admiral Lockwood’s legacy of excellence in undersea warfare,” said Adams. “PH IMA has set a benchmark for performance that we hope will inspire IMAs across the fleet.”
The PH IMA’s culture of excellence and sustained superior performance have earned them this historic recognition. Beyond their TCEB achievements, the team’s dedication to safety, procedural compliance, and quality assurance reflects their deep commitment to supporting the Navy’s mission.
PH IMA Manager Mr. Dave Montague, who accepted the award on behalf of the team, said the IMA is a team of civilian, contractor and Navy personnel that work together as a unit toward a common focus – not just for the inspection board, but every day.
“This recognition reflects the incredible dedication and teamwork of everyone at PH IMA, a true team with manifold parts that operates like a machine,” said Montague. “We are proud to carry forward Admiral Lockwood’s legacy and to contribute to the Navy’s mission with excellence.”
The Lockwood Award marks a new chapter in recognizing the vital work of IMAs and highlights the Navy’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in undersea warfare. As its inaugural recipient, PH IMA has cemented its place in naval history, ensuring Lockwood’s enduring legacy continues to inspire.