Quinn ’90 Honored for Leadership Impacting Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile Program By Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Corporate Communications
“Mr. Quinn’s emphasis on innovation in program After 20 years of active duty service, former submanagement has led to significant successes promarine service officer Paul Quinn ’90 decided to viding new capabilities to the warfighter,” accordbegin his civilian career at Naval Surface Warfare ing to the award citation. “Quinn was the thrust Center Dahlgren Division after personally experibehind Dahlgren Division adopting development encing the command’s responsiveness and impact process and methods. His dedication to technical to his needs as a warfighter. excellence, leadership, and mentoring reflect great “The quality of workmanship I was provided, honor on himself, Dahlgren Division, and the as well as the analytical quality, really impressed United States Navy.” me,” said Quinn, recounting his first interaction “I’ve always felt it’s important to be a positive with NSWCDD employees while on active duty. influence on the community of people we work “When I retired, I knew I wanted to come back and live with every day,” said Quinn. “I see this and work at Dahlgren. The people especially were award as an affirmation of that effort. This award incredibly responsive to fleet needs.” is just as much a testament to my team, as much as Ten years after making that decision, Quinn won me, of what we’ve been able to achieve together.” the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian In addition to his team, Quinn credits his father, Service award for his responsiveness to the fleet’s Cecil; wife, Debby; and daughter, Caitlyn, for requirements and “exceptional leadership and motivating him. commitment to the Submarine Launched Ballistic “This award shows me I’m setting a good exMissile Program,” according to the award citation. ample for my daughter. I want the future that she The program is one of the three parts of the lives in to be a bright one. It inspires me to continue Navy’s nuclear deterrent for the United States. to do all I can to positively impact the community Quinn acts as the program director for the different Quinn ’90 and workplace.” strategic systems projects at NSWCDD. Caitlyn is also a NSWCDD employee, recently “This program is very different than other transitioning to a full-time position after her involvement in the Departweapon system development programs because it’s actively doing its job ment of the Navy Pathways Internship Program. today,” said Quinn. “I personally believe that this program has stopped Pathways is a program designed to provide degree-seeking students the spread of world wars on a global scale since the concept was first with early exposure to public service, educational experience enhanceintroduced in the post-World War II era. I feel like I’m actively saving ment, and possible financial aid. Within four months of degree complelives in my day-to-day job.” tion, most interns receive a career appointment. NSWCDD is one of two warfare centers with programs under the Caitlyn says her dad encourages her to keep doing her best. “He is a overall SLBM program. “Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division very forward-thinking person, and I think that’s really rare nowadays. is associated with the hardware portion of the program. At Dahlgren, He strives to make everything he touches just a little bit better,” she said. we have a primarily software and analytical background,” said Quinn. “This award shows that his hard work and dedication are really paying The SLBM program at NSWCDD performs software development for off. I’m really proud and honored that he got this.” the current system and for the not-yet-commissioned newest submarine Quinn is one of 90 individuals and 39 teams honored with various class: The U.S. Navy’s Columbia Class submarine and the British Royal awards. Navy’s Dreadnought submarine.
2021-Issue 1
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