RADM Wayne E. Meyer, USN (Ret.)
Award: Harold E. Saunders Award
Year: 1984
Recipient:
RADM Wayne E. Meyer, USN (Ret.)
Reason:
For his significant contribution to naval engineering as set forth in the following:
For exceptionally meritorious achievements in the performance of outstanding engineering service to the United States Navy and the naval engineering community throughout his military career.
Rear Admiral Meyer, following a distinguished academic career and military service at sea, was an early pioneer in the fleet introduction of the Talos Guided Missile Systems aboard USS GALVESTON in the early 60s. Later in the same decade, as Terrier Weapons System Manager, he led the modernization of the Navy’s primary surface to air missile system and subsequently, as Director of Engineering, Naval Ship Missiles Systems Engineering Station, Port Hueneme, substantially increased the fighting effectiveness and operational reliability of naval ships weapon systems by the application of new technologies and proven engineering techniques to the deployment and support of these systems.
As Manager, Aegis Shipbuilding Project, he exercised unusual insight, ini9tiative and resourcefulness in directing the research, design, development and engineering essential to the construction of the Ticonderoga class of guided missile cruisers. His meticulous attention to detail, especially as he applied it to total systems engineering concepts, became the hallmark of his inspirational leadership in this program which achieved on time, within cost delivery of Ticonderoga. He was quick to recognize and exploit the inherent ability of this new and formidable fighting ship to coordinate the antiair warfare firepower of the battle group in the detection, control and engagement of enemy targets, an operational capability that was effectively demonstrated this past year in the Mediterranean Sea. Over the ears, he has demonstrated a unique proficiency for welding the expertise of the Navy and industry into a unified effective team, which has produced unsurpassed firepower at sea.
RADM Meyer’s exceptional technical competence, engineering performance and professional leadership have given the Navy-Industry team new standards of excellence. His sustained career-long contributions reflect great credit upon himself, the engineering profession, and the United States Naval Service, and make him most worthy to receive the Harold E. Saunders Award.