SUPSHIP GROTON, Conn. (May 18, 2022) – Vice Adm. William Galinis, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, presented Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Groton, Team Member, Robert Malone, Code 156A, Supervisor General Engineer, Deputy VIRGINIA Class Project Office, the Department of the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal in recognition of his significant contributions to the United States Navy while serving as Deputy Program Manager’s Representative, VIRGINIA Class Project Office, Supervisor of Shipbuilding Groton from January 2021 to February 2022. Supervisor of Shipbuilding Groton, Captain Andrew Gillespy stated “While conducting oversight of Electric Boat in its execution of the VIRGINIA Class program, your effort to oversee completion of the Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) of USS SOUTH DAKOTA (SSN 790) which included several significant modifications not included on previous VIRGINA Class Submarines; completion of the PSA for USS DELAWARE (SSN 791); completion of the new construction period of PCU OREGON (SSN 793) and PCU MONTANA (SSN 794), all of which happened simultaneously, demonstrated considerable acumen during a time of intense production pressure.” Gillespy stated “Furthermore, your successful implementation of organizational changes on the VIRGINIA project at SUPSHIP Groton has laid the foundation for complete oversight of design and construction and will play a critical part in accelerating production pace to meet the combatant commander’s requirements of sixty-six attack submarines.” Gillespy concluded “Your work has been of substantial benefit to the United States Navy and to the nation.”