VADM J. Guy Reynolds Award

Established in 2010, The Vice Admiral J. Guy Reynolds Award for Excellence in Submarine Acquisition recognizes a member of the Submarine Acquisition Corps who has demonstrated professional excellence in submarine acquisition. One award is presented annually to an officer in the grade of Commander or Captain.

2022 Award Winner:

CAPT Peter D. Small, USN

for exceptionally meritorious service as Major Program Manager of the Unmanned Systems Program Office (PMS 406).

The Program Office includes coordination of stakeholders to combine technical requirements and Fleet priorities to design, build, and sustain surface and subsurface systems. Captain Small consistently displayed exemplary team building skills and expert leadership, engendering a culture of partnering and stakeholder engagement and investment. Paramount among his accomplishments was the establishment of the Navy’s central hub for the development and acquisition of unmanned surface and subsurface warfighting capabilities. He supervised unprecedented growth in the program office and led the expansion of four Acquisition Category 1 unmanned systems. He led the development and operational testing of three major systems. He manages a program of over a billion dollars across fourteen separate programs and projects. He was instrumental in leading the Program Office in the development of the Unmanned Maritime Systems Strategic Plan. His efforts pioneered a new capability for the Navy, implementing new unmanned technologies with the existing manned fleet. His dynamic leadership, common sense approach, and the ability to embrace innovative solutions will ensure that the Navy’s unmanned systems will serve the Fleet and the Sailors who man it well into the future.

Captain Peter D. Small is most deserving of recognition by the Naval Submarine League to receive the Vice Admiral J. Guy Reynolds Award for Excellence in Submarine Acquisition.

Vice Admiral J. Guy Reynolds

VADM Reynolds graduated from the Naval Academy in June 1959. After serving aboard the destroyer USS Bausell (DD 845), he completed submarine and nuclear power training. Nine months later he qualified in submarines onboard the USS Robert E. Lee (SSBN 601), becoming the first officer to qualify in nuclear submarines without having previously qualified on a diesel submarine. VADM Reynolds subsequently served aboard USS Jack (SSN 605), USS Benjamin Franklin (SSBN 640), and USS Sam Houston (SSBN 609). In 1969, VADM Reynolds served with the U.S. Naval Forces Vietnam. From 1973-1977, VADM Reynolds commanded the attack submarine USS Pintado (SSN 672). Following this command, he became Deputy Senior Member, Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In this capacity, he certified the safety of seventy-two nuclear powered ships. In June 1979, VADM Reynolds took command of the submarine tender USS Sperry (AS 12). USS Sperry was responsible for the upkeep and modernization of submarines attached to the Pacific Fleet. VADM Reynolds commanded Submarine Squadron THREE from May 1980 until August 1981. He was then assigned as Project Manager, Torpedo MK 48, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC where he was responsible for development, procurement and testing of Navy torpedoes. While serving in that capacity, he was selected for flag rank.

In July 1983, VADM Reynolds became the Vice Director for Collection Management, Defense Intelligence Agency where he directed the Agency’s all-source collection effort. VADM Reynolds left DIA to become Director, Attack Submarines, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. In September 1985, VADM Reynolds established the Navy’s Submarine Combat Systems Directorate, to direct the development, acquisition and maintenance of all submarine combat systems. In May 1987, VADM Reynolds took command of the Submarine Force, United States Pacific Fleet. He commanded the Force of 48 attack submarines, eight Trident submarines and associated support activities and nearly 20,000 people for twenty-nine months. After COMSUBPAC, VADM Reynolds assumed duties as Director, Test and Evaluation and Technology Requirements, Washington, DC He served in that position for three years before leaving active duty. VADM Reynolds has been awarded numerous service awards including the Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit with Three Gold Stars. He has a Master’s degree in Operations Research.

After retiring from active duty in 1992, VADM Reynolds consulted with numerous organizations in areas of international programs, business development, defense policy, nuclear power, mergers and acquisitions, program management and executive placement. He served as a member of the Defense Science Board, Chairman of the Board of MariPro, Inc., on various advisor boards and as the President, Naval Submarine League, Washington, DC.