CDR Richard Celotto, USN (Ret.)

Award: Frank G. Law Award - Servive to ASNE
Year: 2022
Recipient: CDR Richard Celotto, USN (Ret.)
Reason: for his significant contribution to naval engineering as set forth in the following  

CITATION:

CDR Richard Celotto, USN (Ret.) graduated from Webb Institute of Naval Architecture in 1973 and followed that with a 23-year career as an Engineering Duty Officer. While in the U.S. Navy he received a graduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and participated in six Navy ship class acquisition programs.

After transitioning from the Navy, Richard spent the majority of his career working for BMT Designers & Planners as Vice President and Director. Most recently, Richard has joined CACI as a ship acquisition advisor where he continues to support US and foreign Navy ship acquisition programs.

Richard has been a long-time, active member of the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) for over 45 years, and has been recognized both nationally and locally, for his dedicated work ethic and servant leadership.

Richard has taken on leadership roles in his local Flagship Section of ASNE, serving as the section chair. Throughout his longstanding ASNE membership, he has been an active supporter of the mission of the Society, serving on numerous committees and supporting a variety of both local and national efforts.

Since 1996, he has served as the Charmain of the ASNE scholarship committee, playing a critical role in leading the promotion and execution of scholarships to college and graduate school students nationally. Through this work, Richard has worked tirelessly to review and evaluate applications and award 15-20 scholarships per year. Hundreds of college students have benefited from these scholarships with much of that through the hard work and mentorship of Richard Celotto.

Richard has been an active member in the Webb Alumni Association serving two terms as President and many years as a trustee. In 2016, Richard received the William Selkirk Owen Award presented to a Webb graduate in recognition of outstanding achievement and service to the profession and his/her Alma Mater.

Richard Celotto’s dedication to encouraging and advancing the education of naval engineers through the society’s scholarship program is unprecedented. Rich’s dedication and truly outstanding volunteer support to students, members and senior executives is truly the embodiment of a lifelong service to ASNE.

Richard Celotto is THE quintessential ASNE member and has walked the talk of ASNE’s core tenants to advance the knowledge and practice of naval engineering in public and private operations, to enhance the professionalism and well-being of members, and to promote naval engineering as a career field.

The American Society of Naval Engineers is honored to recognize CDR Richard Celotto, USN (Ret.) as the recipient of the 2022 Captain Frank G. Law (Service to ASNE) award.