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Email: asnehq@navalengineers.org




  • to promote naval engineering as a career field.




Charles H. Brown, Jr.

Award: Harold E. Saunders Award
Year: 2000
Mr. Charles H. Brown, Jr.

Mr. Charles H. Brown, Jr. spearheaded the development of innovative electrical equipment and systems for the Navy's nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. His vision for well designed, operator-efficient electrical and instrumentation systems led to reducing the cost and manning requirements for propulsion plant electrical systems long before it became a budgetary necessity in Government contracting. He tirelessly championed the need of the Fleet to have sailor-friendly methodologies in use for maintaining electrical equipment.

Mr. Brown's specific accomplishments include the following: Simplified the acquisition process by fragmenting the development plan into smaller, bite-size tasks, reducing the risk of cost overruns for the vendor and allowing the Navy to better control overall project development costs. Championed electrical equipment maintainability by ensuring supporting technical documentation and test equipment were sailor-tested and readily available to support troubleshooting and that appropriate repair parts were carried onboard nuclear-powered ships to allow the Fleet to quickly restore their electrical systems in full operation. Initiated manning reductions by imaginatively harnessing new systems technologies to provide for improved electric plant control with fewer required people. Pioneered efforts to lead the Navy toward development of revolutionary electric drive systems for naval ship propulsion. Insisted on Fleet involvement early in the design process, where the practical advice of the sea-going Sailor could have a profound impact, and closely involved the Fleet in all decisions relating to operational limitations on existing equipment.

Mr. Brown is the quintessential professional engineer. His skill and initiative in guiding Navy electrical systems into the future are a superb example for all to come. His leadership has provided highly reliable electrical equipment and systems for the Nation's aircraft carriers and submarines. The ships affected by Mr. Brown's dynamic leadership will serve well into the 21st century. It is to his credit that the systems he conceived will effectively meet the needs of the United States throughout their intended life. For a lifetime of superb engineering achievement, Charles H. Brown, Jr. is most deserving of the Harold E. Saunders Award for 2000.