Sullivan Takes Command of NAVSEA

By Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON - Vice Adm. (select) Paul E. Sullivan assumed command today of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) at the Washington Navy Yard. Sullivan most recently served as the NAVSEA Deputy Commander for Ship Design, Integration and Engineering.

"This assignment is a wonderful honor, and I look forward to working with the Navy's finest at NAVSEA, on the challenges that lie ahead," said Sullivan. "The dedicated people at NAVSEA build the systems that have assured our overwhelming success in time of war."

A native of Chatham, N.J, Sullivan graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. He served aboard USS Detector (MSO 429) from 1974 to 1977 and earned his surface warfare officer qualification.

Sullivan attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he graduated in 1980 with dual degrees of Master of Science (Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering) and Ocean Engineer. While at MIT, he transferred to the Engineering Duty Officer Community.

Sullivan's Engineering Duty Officer assignments include Ship Superintendent, Docking Officer, Assistant Repair Officer and Assistant Design Superintendent at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where he completed his Engineering Duty Officer qualification; Deputy Ship Design Manager for the Seawolf class submarine at Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), where he completed his submarine qualification program; Associate Professor of Naval Architecture at MIT; Ohio (SSBN 726) Class Project Officer and Los Angeles (SSN 688) Class Project Officer at Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Groton, Conn.; Team Leader for Cost, Producibility, and Cost and Operational Effectiveness Assessment (COEA) studies for the New Attack Submarine at NAVSEA; and the Director for Submarine Programs on the staff of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition).

Sullivan served as Program Manager for the Seawolf Class Submarine Program (PMS 350) 1995 to 1998. During his tenure, the Seawolf design was completed, and the lead ship of the class was constructed, tested at sea, and delivered to the Navy.

In Sep. 1998, Sullivan became the Program Manager for the Virginia Class Submarine Program (PMS 450). During his tour the contract for the Virginia Class Submarine Program was signed, construction was initiated on the first four submarines, and most of the Virginia design was completed.

NAVSEA's Vice Commander, Rear Adm. Anthony Lengerich had been the acting commander since Vice Adm. Phillip Balisle retired Jun. 6.