Back to main menu

General Dynamics' Toner Receives Navy League Nimitz Award

By AMY L. WITTMAN, Editor in Chief

Citing his "outstanding contributions to the shipbuilding industry, the Navy and the nation," Navy League National President J. Michael McGrath presented the 2008 Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz Award to Michael W. Toner, executive vice president of General Dynamics' Marine Systems.

Joining McGrath in presenting the award during the 2008 Sea-Air-Space banquet in Washington March 19 was Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

The award, named after Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, is presented to an individual or organization for exemplary contributions to the enhancement of U.S. maritime strength and, in turn, to U.S. national security.

Calling Toner a person of "great leadership, compassion, adaptability, innovation and business acumen," Greenert praised the industry veteran for his ability to deal with a partner that "is really a pain in the butt" -- the Navy.

"He has served with great prestige, if you will, at the tactical, at the operational and at the strategic level," Greenert said. "He very much defines what the Nimitz award is about -- leadership, dedication and statesmanship."

In accepting the award, Toner credited all the men and women not only at General Dynamics' yards, but at shipyards across the country who work tirelessly to construct this nation's ships.

He said the award belongs to the shipbuilders, the metal benders. These men and women "ply their trade every day" and are the "last bastion of craftsmanship" in America today.

Toner, who joined Electric Boat in 1965 as a test engineer and held several managerial positions over the next 25 years, was appointed director of operations in 1995. He was promoted to vice president of operations two years later.

In 1994, Toner was appointed vice president of delivery and was responsible for all production, delivery and support activities at Electric Boat's five facilities in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. He became vice president of innovation in 1995, and was responsible for all engineering and design activities. Toner became Electric Boat's senior vice president in 1998.

He directed efforts to create the Navy-General Dynamics-Northrop Grumman team that produced the Virginia-class submarine, and spearheaded two submarine conversion programs.