SAUGUS — Dr. Thomas Wall, a member of the Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 team and a Saugus native, has been recognized as the Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Senior Civilian of the Year.
Wall, the Deputy Director of Emergency Planning for training at CSS-15, led the development, coordination, and execution of a highly successful training and exercise program that incorporated COVID-19 precautions into a diverse response organization involving more than 400 personnel both in and outside of Guam.
He was awarded his Civilian of the Year title and received the Civilian Service Achievement Medal during a ceremony at Konetzni Hall in Piti, Guam, late last month.
“This award is a direct reflection of the work that our emergency planning team puts in daily,” said Wall. “I’m honored to be part of a successful program that continues to train sailors and civilians at the tip of the spear.”
Recognized as an expert in community planning, Wall served as a key member of a corporate working group involving several shipyards, Naval Nuclear Laboratory, and Naval Reactors headquarters. His work was meant to ensure strengthened relationships between the U.S. Navy and the Guam government.
CSS-15 is located at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam in Piti and consists of four Los-Angeles-class fast attack submarines. The squadron staff is responsible for providing training, material, and personnel readiness support to these commands.
Also based out of Naval Base Guam are submarine tenders USS Frank Cable and USS Emory S. Land. The submarines and tenders are maintained as part of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed submarine force and are readily capable of meeting global operational requirements.
“Tom has been an integral part of the planning and response team here for six years,” said Captain Bret Grabbe, commodore of Commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “His efforts have positively contributed to our emergency preparedness and have ensured our readiness across a full range of real world events.”
Elyse Carmosino can be reached at [email protected].
