Naval Submarine Support Center, New London's (NSSCNLON) Supply Operations Program Manager was selected as the 2015 Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Field Civilian of the Year, Feb. 2.

Edward "Ed" Collette was officially presented a Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award in recognition of being named Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic's first field Civilian of the Year.

Commander, Submarine Force, Vice Adm. Joseph Tofalo personally presented the award to Collette. Tofalo praised Collette for his achievements and recognized the excellence of the NSSCNLON supply team.
Collette's efforts gave the command and the waterfront the tools necessary to accomplish its mission.

He was recognized for his duties as NSSCNLON's Government Purchase Card Agency Program coordinator, where he processed hundreds of material requests under the micro-purchase threshold with 100 percent accountability.

Collette coordinated with the type commander and industrial maintenance activity personnel, in order to process more than 140 material cannibalization request and more than 20 critical material transfers, which prevented more than 150 reductions in mission readiness.
Collette's efforts were instrumental in keeping 22 nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarines fully ready for mission tasking in all lifecycle phases.

Collette's careful analysis of evolution timelines, superior customer service and timely advice were critical to eight submarines deploying on schedule and be fully mission capable around the world.

"Mr. Collette is a wealth of experience," said NSSCNLON Commanding Officer Cmdr. Michael Burianek. "After 20 years in the submarine force, almost all in the supply field, he retired as a chief petty officer and continued to work to support the submarine community. For nearly eight years he has provided continuity as our military team members reported in and transferred. His leadership allows NSSC to support the waterfront's needs and keep our customers, the Groton area submarines and their crews, ready to answer the nation's call."

Collette praised the entire NSSCNLON, supply department.

"Supply is a team sport; no one person can do it alone. We might not be down in the machinery room making air like A-div, or in the engine room fixing equipment, or in the torpedo room launching weapons, but none of that happens without supply."

Collette humbly closed his acceptance by addressing the members of the NSSCNLON supply department, "So thank you, none of this is possible without all of your hard work."

For more information from Naval Submarine Support Center, New London visit www.cnic.navy.mil/newlondon.