Naval Sea System Commands (NAVSEA) celebrated the exceptional 36-year career of Ms. Lisa Radocha, executive director for New Construction Submarines, Program Executive Office, Attack Submarines (PEO SSN), during her retirement ceremony Feb. 10.
The ceremony featured guest speakers Rear Adm. Jon Rucker, program executive officer PEO SSN, and Ms. Bilyana Anderson, president of the Defense Acquisition University. Many of Radocha’s loved ones including her husband, sons, friends and colleagues were also in attendance.
Radocha first joined the NAVSEA family in 1989 as a Cost Estimating and Analysis intern, and has played a major role on numerous Navy teams, including as the Executive Director, Combatants, in PEO Ships with responsibilities that spanned multiple major programs and program offices: DDG 51 program, DDG 1000 program; Large Surface Combatant, Electric Ships Office, and Ships Acquisition Management. She was also an integral part of the Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle program for ten years while the program was in development.
In her current position as executive director of design and new construction submarine programs, Radocha has provided leadership across a portfolio that includes Virginia-class Submarines, the Next-Generation Attack Submarines, advanced submarine systems development, and submarine stealth integration programs furthering both the Navy’s mission and development.
“Nuclear submarines and their combat capability provide our Nation’s undersea dominance,” said Radocha during her remarks. “The work we do in Team Submarine, together with our Naval Reactors and Industry partners, is complex and demanding. I have never served in an organization where the most junior employee can raise a question to the most senior flag officer and instead of getting censured, they have a voice and their viewpoints are welcomed. I’ve been the hand-raiser and I’ve been the questioned, and I’ve embraced every moment. This is what makes us different. This is what makes us excellent. This is how our team learns and grows, and this is how we’re going to win. We must selfishly preserve this culture and welcome new people who will continue to strengthen our convictions.”
Radocha’s impact has not gone unnoticed.
“I really do consider myself fortunate to have been able to work with her,” said Rucker. “She is one of the few people that I can truly say has worked across all aspects of the Navy-Marine Corps team. Across it all! And I know everyone she’s worked with will agree with me. Lisa has excelled leveraging her key strengths of taking care of people, her outstanding acquisition acumen, her amazing leadership, and her passion and dedication for what she does. She has truly improved everything she’s touched.”
Radocha has earned numerous awards and recognitions through her career, including the Presidential Rank Award, Navy Civilian Meritorious Service Award and two Navy Civilian Superior Service Awards.
“I’m reminded of a favorite quote that epitomizes Lisa’s leadership and is apropos for the occasion,” said Anderson. “‘If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.’ Lisa, you have befriended us and inspired us. You broke barriers. You have bought and built more ships than most navies. We will miss you dearly but know that you have indeed taught us to yearn for the vast and endless sea, and we have the watch.”
Beyond professional achievements, Radocha has served as a mentor to countless individuals throughout the enterprise during her time in service. The example she has set has become a target for many in the workforce to achieve.
“Ms. Radocha, thank you for your support, your guidance, and your unwavering belief in both me and in the importance of helping others in this workforce,” said Lindsay Webster, chief of staff for Team Submarine. “You’ve not only shaped the careers of countless individuals, but also made a lasting impression and difference in the lives of those of us lucky enough to know you. Here’s to you and the extraordinary legacy you leave behind – may your retirement be everything you dreamed of and more!”
In her closing remarks, Radocha spoke directly to the workforce.
“You work amongst – and are – the very people who have shaped me over the years. While I was mentoring you, you were mentoring me. It didn’t matter if you were junior, senior or my peer. Continue to challenge yourselves and each other to find new and innovative ways to advance our efforts. Partner with others in unexpected ways to spur creativity, adopt the unconventional – you will be surprised at what you unlock. But don’t lose focus on the basics, because there are no substitutes for experience and proficiency. Work to integrate these principals toward our North Star as we discover new ways to accelerate our learning, scale our innovations and deliver warfighting capability to the Fleet.”