Commander, Submarine Forces (SUBFOR) holds a retirement and awards ceremony for Executive Director Donald L. Hoffer at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, April 23, 2021. Hoffer, who served as SUBFOR’s third executive director, retired after more than 35 years of service in the Department of the Navy. During the ceremony, Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, SUBFOR, awarded Hoffer the Department of the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cameron Stoner)

Transcript

The retirement ceremony you’re about to witness is very unique to the name. It is steeped in tradition. It is our names, way of expressing appreciation for the many years of faithful service, a job well done. It is a day of great significance marking the culmination of a highly rewarding way of life serving the United States government and Department of the Navy and the greatest navy in the world. It is a pleasure to have with us today by several zero call as a guest speaker. A career submariner is the date of a Winston Salem North Carolina, Graduate of North Carolina State University class of 1985 at sea myself call, served on month posting missile submarines and fast attack submarines And commanded USS Jefferson City SSN 759. Sure. He served as life Director for strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff Commander. So many force us pacific Fleet Commander. Submarine group ate today. Will you please help me? Welcome to parallel right wall to appreciate the introduction. I’ve been doing some speaking engagements lately and I found out the best thing about speaking is I don’t have to wear that mask. Also found him not to do when you eat. So sometimes you can’t get covid when you speak or eat. So it’s giving me ¬£20 and a lot more speaking. Okay, So anyway, today is really, really special. So don, thanks be part of this. Uh, you know, I hate to see don go running out every ounce of time I can get him. I think I’ve ascended you at least another month. Yeah, I hate the city go because I want to just a great friend and just a special person, the submarine Force. Hopefully this ceremony today will give us a chance honor you and your family and thank you. I want to thank everyone who reserved their time. You’re in person or covid dictates how we kind of do these things on this special day to honor Dog and made such a profound impact During a 35 year career. So I think it’s very fitting that would do this. I’m excited to see your family here today as won’t already mentioned Captain Hoffer and Mrs offer Donna’s parents are coming in virtually and let me take this opportunity to thank the following for his service to our nation is a retired Coast Guard captain. That’s not easy going. And I think I’ll have a little something to say later about that white Karen and son brad Megan. You’re here in person Dark 80 and brother Douglas, sister Stephanie and the residents family who is attending virtually. I can assure you missed here, but we appreciate you calling in this afternoon to thank all of you for coming and sharing this special moment in God’s career. I’d like to think that that impressive list of folks stop there, but it does not also in attendance. Uh, we have a multitude of senior executive service. You’re well liked. Hopefully you got to see all the folks her dialed in to share this afternoon with this white spectrum and industry and important defense organization, all of who had the pleasure of working with Don throughout his illustrious career. He’s also mentioned attendance virtually as converse occurrence. Submarine Force commander in the pacific and former Submarine Force commanders. Conner, I said, I want to follow Vice Mcdonald. In addition to Sullivan Secretary Gertz, I want to say thank you for being part of this. These leaders have made an impactful and lasting contribution to the submarine force and the fact that they’re here today and gone ceremony speaks volumes to your own legacy in our force as well. Dawn has served as an SCS since October of 2008. So 11 years as an S. E. a long time That just was on top of a 35 year career as a civilian and our navy Since 2014, Don has served as the executive director to Commander Submarine Forces. His tenure spanned seven years, the longest executive director in Sunland History, providing his leadership and professional advice to four submarine force commanders, including Animal, harder to follow Richard and meeting. I’m sure they would all agree on your impact of the submarine force has been nothing short of inspiration. Whenever Richard was a submarine force commander and Secretary of Defense General Mattis challenged all branches of the Department of Defense to quote, get stronger, more lethal and more agile that we were way behind on. Don was leading that charge even before that challenge was ever issued. He guided $22 billion dollar portfolio undersea workfare programmes or requirements for someone force. That’s a big number. That included the future Columbia Class six generation attack of ballistic missile submarine programs, undersea surveillance and unmanned undersea systems and supporting programs. He’s also served on countless oversight boards to name a few. The undersea enterprise commanders executive board which I only conservative. He actually created transition advisory board, undersea warfare performance to plan. Which basically build me out on countless occasions and ready relevant warning program spanning across multiple summary force commanders. He was there aligning strategic efforts of the summary force to prioritize all future undersea warfare capabilities against readiness facilities, the workforce where he mentored and guided for civilian forces, Sablan and sometimes technology development and the implementation of the Navy’s emerging under seeing unmanned systems. The legacy of his work has already paid huge dividends. Changing the way to some reinforced conducts its business allowing unprecedented access and improving commanding control of our units beyond anything previously imagined. But perhaps most important to me and God is God’s advice is Sage Counsel is work behind the scenes to get really tough things accomplished. God’s leadership style, his demeanor and technical competency make him extremely effect. Further. This amazing portfolio adoption isn’t limited to his tenure as the executive director and some like From 2012 to 2014, he served as the director of advanced undersea integration, Responsible for program started over $1 billion dollars annually. He led Colombia research and Development assessments and assisted the National Science Foundation and returning deep subversive Submersible Alvin to service. I look up and see what that was. Uh huh. Between 2008 and 2012, he served as the Deputy Director for Advanced Emergency Systems, leading over $2 billion dollars in research, acquisition and life support And more than 30 over across more than 30 divers under C programs. He even delivered the last of our Seawolf class submarines which continue to serve our nation today with missions vital to national security. I really could go on and on about God’s incredible list of accomplishments and accolades. I’m sure he’s got much better things to do. Why go fishing for puppy term and season starts getting hot and may I understand and I’m sure the timing of this retirement, no way shape or form has nothing to do with that completely. My team tells me that on that you like to fish alone and uh there’s word out on the street that you may be doing that without a license. So Captain Hoffer, if you need me to take care of that from here, I will. I’m sure he’s shaking his head. Significant disappoint. Mhm. And I want to take a time to do something that we created since I’ve been Submarine force commander. And and I think this is an important honor. It’s really the highest honor beyond any metal I can give is to present dollar with them honorary silvery. No reward. This is not an award. I hit lightly. To Where are dolphins? A submariner must demonstrate the grit, ingenuity, courage, resiliency and show that they care for their brothers and sisters of the deep ahead of their own needs and desires. Don you consistently proven over the years. If you embody the true spirit of a submarine and it would be my honor. If you would accept the honor of Prairie Submarine. If you can come up with me, submariners, please stay resonating suffering, forced to all those who see these presents greetings know ye that in special recognition of the personal character and ability for Mr Donovan Hill harper, who has repeatedly been intruded patriotism, the tenacity and continuing respect this theme for the submariners and has frequently contributed to the row of the submarine force, cheerful willingness to render assistance to submarines and the submarine force when indeed I do here with the point him by and with the consent of the alternative sailors of the Submarine force. An honorary submarine, no need throughout the United States Navy is a special more. Our gratitude is entitlement where the honorary submarine warfare stadium. Further, he is entitled to all privileges of submariner and district charged and required all members of the summary, forced to read to him every courtesy and their highest esteem. Do encourage them to assist him and any matter within their capabilities. Whenever the opportunity arises, move on to this submarines creating a World War II. Actually download the 23rd day of april in the year of our Lord 2000 and 21. Son and Career will play converse command or somebody for specific advice. Animals, parallel call commander submarine forces. Alcohol is a gift from the captain’s berg Commander, Submarine forces. I am extremely jealous of this. Uh huh has been great regret that I beautiful because everybody knows that a lot of prisoners but The God, this is a cribbage board from the 16 right and numbers and offense there. Yeah, you’re right, it is. Thank you. Walk. Vice Admiral Karl will now present mister harper with the Department of the Navy Distinguished civilian service Award. Well, the guest please drive the secretary today takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished civilian service award to Mr Donald. Recognition and appreciation of the Distinguished service is set forth in the following civilization For sustained a single service. As executive director of Commander serving forces from August 2014, April 2021, Mr Hoskins exceptional dedication ensured the summary course, probably resource to provide on that ready forces to combat commanders that we’re capable of conducting sustained in combat operations. He supported the enduring success of the strategic deterrent mission through his focus on the mission homeless. Underpinned by force structure, readiness enhance capabilities, ensure infrastructure. His efforts ensures the submarine force remain more force for Columbia class submarines on time, delivery and media operation. His innovative approach to strategic messaging resources led to a resurgence and undersea warfare, including if the growth for structure, field mission ready, unmade and autonomous undersea system capabilities and new acoustic sensors which enhance asymmetric advantage of us understood forces in this era. Great power competition. This superb achievements culminated a distinguished career of over 35 years of loyal and faithful service to his country. Mr Gonzales offers yourself this is total devotion to duty reflected credit card here we’re keeping with the highest traditions of the programs. Navy signs thomas W. Heart, Acting secretary A tell the group that got make sure dr illness. There is no higher reward in the Navy service. Hi san Ricardo will now present MR hub popular with the retirement certificate. 35 years then gentlemen, service, retiring This certificate, retirement pen and 35 year government service finished presenters Mr Dunn will offer following your retirement from the government of the United States of America. Following 35 years of loyal service Son D. Oh paul Commander. Some reason, that is all right. Thank you. Please be seated wow. Yeah. Thanks your speech, your your friendship and for all those folks being here today. Secretary Gertz, Admiral, Senior executives. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for sharing this milestone with Karen and no cobble and converse. Thanks to you in the submarine force for recognizing me as an honorary submarines. It is something I will always cherish the services submarine force provides. The nation is without equal The sailors of the forced our at sea. 24 hours a day. Seven days a week, 365 days a year. An attack on ballistic missile submarines defending our nation, deterring aggression and underwriting the peace that we all enjoy. They are the tourist professor and hold themselves in the highest standards. Words cannot properly express my gratitude for people. Thanks also, thank you for the personal award. The accomplishments cited belonged to the navy team that I’ve had the privilege to lead and serve alongside commanders suffering force atlantic and pacific as as we work to extend into the future. The advantage of the U. S. Has another son. Thanks to all that are watching the ceremony virtually more in person. It’s great to have my family, including my parents and friends share this milestone. Thank you to walter Jackson, my executive assistant, holly Kerry from our public affairs department and others who assisted them in setting up this ceremony in the current time of gold at night. Today I feel immense gratitude for the leaders who mentored me. The teammates who worked at my side In my family for the past 35 years shared my journey working for the Navy and truly blessed and I’ve enjoyed every minute of what I consider a location. Even the extremely challenging times, the Navy has provided me with unbelievable opportunities to work to design, construct and operate the most technically advanced systems in history that operate the most challenging environments. With the limited time we have today, I will fail to identify all that should be recognized. It is an impossible task. There are just too many shipmates that have had my know that each chapter my career has been incredible and the friendships made are just as gratifying as the work itself. I will also tell those sea stories today. Do the time. Yes. And there are many. I’d like to start by thanking the atlantic and pacific commanders of the submarine force that I’ve served under Admiral McConnell Richard to follow Converse Row G and Sawyer. The work for leaders such as these have been absolutely thank you for providing me the opportunity to participate in the manning training and equipment of the Submarine force and the planning and develop the embassy force of the future. Here in the U. S. Fleet forces. I’d like to thank Admirals Lenin Bircher and Wall for their partnership and friendship as they the desert to the Chiefs of Staff have worked with including animals. Doug, perry Tony, Corallo rob, gouger rick, sief steve man and john ross. Thanks for your partnership and your friendship. The work of the chief of staff is amazing to watch the sheer volume of issues they superbly handled to the staff that comes to pack comes to plant. You’re amazing group of quiet professor. You do a difficult job flawlessly. Never paused when faced with adversity but died directly. All tale of car. I’m particularly proud of how you responded to COVID-19. You let our force in overcoming this new and unprecedented, kept their ballistic missile and attack submarines in their usual high state of readiness. While all of our end heads are superb. I’d like to single out the taipan inmates, john Moss normal or Jeff Moss who provide me with wise counsel and partner to sustain the force of today. Plan the force of the future. Your world class. I’ve been fortunate to have four outstanding captains leading our embassy capability and unmanned systems. Carl Hartsfield, Ryan, sit, low jay, Snyder and Mike Mcginn. Well done. Thanks for your partnership in your efforts. I’ve had four executive assistants during my tenure going to commanders, josh, ross, Mike Wickham, That Phil jones and mr Well, Jackson with me today and the service. Well, thanks for the outstanding job done over these past years. Wanted to get something to one of gratitude. I was thinking about fish but instead one up. Look at that. I just so let’s read the inscription with sincere gratitude. Mr walter Jackson for his outstanding service. Exactly bravo. Thank you. And dr marty Urban, my relief is an outstanding choice. He’s going to keep this suffer enforcement Most of you know, has been discussed earlier. I spent 26 years and undersea warfare programs in FC. Yes, sir. Together known as teachers up made many great friends. And I’ve worked my as I worked my way through some map Deep Submergence program. The advanced seal delivery systems brought Seawolf new construction in the multi mission planning, the Advanced Undersea Systems program that ultimately deep sub leadership. These efforts were all extremely challenging and it was only through government academic and industrial teamwork that we were able to to support the Operation Force. Each undertaking also forged great lifetime friendships. I’d like to give a shout out to Rich Carla who recruited me to stop Jeff klein work with me in the Deep Submergence program, paul and lee who left me around the naval shipyard to keep uss dolphin operate. Bye! Captain joe blow. Who led me through the design, construction and testing of the advanced delivery system. Apple’s tom Eccles and Dave johnson who are my business partners and friends to deliver uss jimmy carter an animal Pat brady and Captain Gary double or my teammates for creating the advanced undersea system. Yeah. E. M. S highlighted only a few examples. There are just too many shipmates to name. Thanks to all of you. I’d like to thank the flag officers and senior executive teams up and if that I’ve had the pleasure of working with including animals, paul. Sullivan Willy Hill artist, Dave johnson, tom eccles, Pat brady, my javelin, David Goggins and Anderson scott and scott. And the senior executives that have meant being I’ve been able to work alongside McNamara, john James, steve Shelton, Kristie Egan, Don McCormick. Jack Evans, Davis Kimmons. Thank you. Gary mike, mike, flash Mike, breslin. And that sort. I greatly greatly appreciate your leaderships. Yeah. Also have to give a shout out to mark moniker match warts and Todd Shaffer who has the fleet executive directors while I was here except for provided great support. Leadership wise counsel front. Additionally, I’d like to recognize the senior executives support the fleet type commander, staffs, naval reactors, shipyard leadership and the obvious with brian 1000 Bradley. My companions at 97 and jerry Ferguson who is a living legend Leaving the undersea warfare development. You’ve been out setting standing partners. Thank you all. I turned to my family that makes and greatly blessed that my mother and father Donald fisher offered watching up on Cape Cod. They gave me my love to see. And I’ve always felt growing up small, tight knit. Those garden gave me full appreciation for the sacrifices that service members and their families. This has always motivated me to support service members and appreciate Thank you mom and dad, my brother Doug and his family Andrea Henson Alison Hot Police might in Carolina. My sister Stephanie offer my brother and sister Jim and Ellen Fitzgerald and their daughter Sarah. Thank you for your love and support. My personal secret weapon is my family. I’m blessed to have such a terrific wife. Wonderful Children of red. My son Brad has a successful career in 19 now the Navy stood land 4%. His wife Maddie offer is a gifted pediatrician who works for the Food and Drug Administration. As you can imagine too smart, talented people like that. Two little Children, my grandchildren, Rice who spree and lower always played one month here. The greatest joy and I’m looking forward to spend more time. And as a kind of immediate demonstration of that rice who’s three just gave me this car that he may and that has some public dictation. But in the inside he’s drawn a submarine culture. Yeah. By his over in a submarine. That beast here. So I working on that any building. The next work. My daughter Catherine is a nurse practice the midwife Washington state. She’s a superstar has brought countless new babies. The youngest daughter is with us here. Dr Megan. Fox is an emergency room physician in Washington D. C. He’s very cool under pressure graveyard and that is probably why the emergency department asked her to be one of the few doctors at the hospital when they went to skeletons recent presidential You get out of work at six am and she’s here participating with us. Probably sleep. It’s your no. And finally there’s my best friend Karen Erin joined the Navy with me 35 years. We’ve known each other since we were 15 years old and graduated from the same high school. She truly has earned part of all the awards and accomplishments. 13. She raised our Children on his way. It was often awakened by phone calls in the middle of the night. From summary squad. Yes and yes in the old days there were no cell. Yeah. Aaron is a nurse by profession is currently running a very large pdf. Yes if you work with me you definitely know she’s the best baker in the world and I think she’s the best wife, mother and grandma. The love of my life, greatly blessed where would you please come? So Karen a painting by favorite global art, it’s called a little slice project and I hope our paths continue to thank you. Thank you. Mr Mr. Well the government is taking her name. Standard will deliver the Benedict. Just be close today. Let’s close with one final point. Almighty God we today have had the distinct honor and the privilege to say fair winds and following seas to a leader whose dedication and emotion 10 seconds from now. Today we say to our very own Mr Don Hall for thank you and God bless you for the many years of dedicated service and sacrifice. But you’ve given to this nation and those who and so doing we are once again reminded that we serve among the greatest warriors, military or civilian within the greatest navies the world has to offer and honoring the leader who has given the days of his life and protecting our nation and the nations of the school from those who wish us harm. We as his fellow submarines, those who support them at home or across the globe, collected the ask your blessing on this great man, his family and all they do will continue to from the state as we say, both very well, godspeed your neighbor group. This concludes the job. Yeah, reinforces Mr. Hoffman. His family. Thank you for attending today’s ceremony. Please join us and congratulated them all those gas and stuff. Attending verse. We are invited to the reception being held in the commander’s report, Right? Yeah.