Groton — Jonathon P. Houser, executive director of the Submarine Learning Center (SLC), was the recipient of the Navy League of the United States' 2015 Robert M. Thompson Outstanding Civilian Leadership Award, presented during the League's National Convention in Tampa, Fla., from June 16-21.

The award, named for the Father of the Navy League whose message about the need for U.S. sea power serves as "a reminder of the importance of vigilance in maintaining the nation's maritime strength," honors an outstanding civilian leader who has made a personal contribution to furthering the importance of sea power.

Houser, responsible for creating, coordinating and executing the future training and education vision for the Submarine Force, was praised for "guiding the development of a 'Virtual World'  prototype project, a virtual 3-D classroom and laboratory environment which represents the future of Navy training delivery."

"Possessing an innate ability to foresee problems and develop answers ahead of time, Houser authored studies to address expanded submarine training needs on Guam and additional Virginia-class submarine loading in Norfolk," according to a press release.

"The award is a lot bigger than just one person," House said. "It's an organizational achievement and a terrific reflection on the excellence of the SLC staff.

"Their engagement, energy and expertise, are all critical to our success both in maintaining a consistent level of excellence on a daily basis and also in the continuing development of training solutions for real-world situations that have not yet developed," he said.

In nominating his executive director, Capt. David Roberts, commanding officer, Submarine Learning Center, wrote, "John Houser's Submarine Learning Center is an agile organization, ready to respond to the warfighter, such as when Commander, Submarine Forces identified a critical need for Electronic Surveillance (ES) and Contact Management performance improvement.  He oversaw development of new courses of instruction to improve readiness.

"His vast experience and leadership ensures that we will retain undersea dominance throughout the world's oceans for years to come."

The Submarine Learning Center with training sites located at fleet concentration areas worldwide is accountable for all undersea curriculums, training delivery methodologies, and for developing and maintaining professional development continuums for all undersea warfare officers and ratings to include Electronics Technician (communications and navigation), Fire Control Technician, Sonar Technician, Machinist's Mate (auxiliary and weapons), Missile Technician, and all nuclear training ratings.

For more news from the Submarine Learning Center, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/slc/.