Timme Takes Helm of Naval Undersea Warfare Center

 Since 01-23-03

JAN 17, 2003: Timme Takes Helm of Naval Undersea Warfare Center

By JOC David Nagle, Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs

NEWPORT, RI -- Rear Adm. (sel.) William Timme relieved Rear Adm. John Butler as Commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center during a Change of Command ceremony here on January 10.

NUWC, along with its two divisions in Newport, R.I. and Keyport, Wash. and several detachments around the world, is the Navy's full-spectrum research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support center for submarines, autonomous underwater systems, and offensive and defensive weapons systems associated with undersea warfare.

"NUWC is one of our Navy's key development commands committed to providing our Sailors the right capabilities to allow them to answer any call, any time, and to dominate a challenging battlefield," said Vice Adm. Phillip Balisle, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

Since July 2001, under Butler's leadership, NUWC has been on the forefront of a wide range of achievements in undersea warfare systems, such as the Submarine Imaging System and unmanned vehicles.  NUWC is a leader in distance support technology, working with Microsystems, Inc. to develop the Remote Technical Assistance Support System, that provides real-time expert technical assistance to the fleet.

Butler also began a realignment of NUWC to meet the changing needs of today's Navy and to change the perception of NUWC as a product line-oriented activity.

"For too long we have been thought of, rightly or wrongly, as a 'torpedo lab,' a 'sensor lab' or a 'communications lab,'" said Butler.  "In other words, an activity that supported a particular product or technology. If this perception continues, the customer would see little difference between us and the growing R&D capability of the private sector.

"When the realignment process is complete, NUWC will not be regarded simply by the products we create and the life-cycle support we provide," he continued.  "We will be thought of as the Navy's primary resource for achieving undersea warfare solutions. Our main focus will be on the solution, not the product."

Butler's next assignment is Program Executive Officer for Submarines in Washington.

Timme, a 1978 graduate of the Naval Academy, was most recently program manager for the Undersea Weapons Program Office.  Other assignments have included the staff of Flag Officer Submarines as part of the Personnel Exchange Program with the Royal Navy of Great Britain: senior aide to Commander, Submarine Forces Pacific: new construction engineering officer of USS Tennessee (SSBN 734): executive officer of USS Chicago (SSN 721): command of USS Helena (SSN 725); and the New Attack Submarine Program office.

In addition to his role as NUWC Commander, Timme will also assume duties as NAVSEA Deputy Commander for Undersea Warfare later this month.

"My vision of NUWC is to be the focal point for anything having to do with undersea warfare - that is where I want this warfare center to go," Timme said.  "NUWC now finds itself with an opportunity to become a key player in the CNO's Sea Power 21 vision for the Navy's future."

C.J. Ihrig

President, Capitol Chapter, Naval Submarine League