Navy League Awards Boeing’s John Lockard Arleigh Burke Award at Exposition  

The Navy League of the United States presented its Arleigh Burke award for outstanding leadership in the maritime industry to the president of Boeing’s Precision Engagement & Mobility Systems business unit John Lockard at the Navy League Sea-Air-Space Exposition banquet on Wednesday, April 4 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Lockard, a retired Navy vice admiral and naval aviator is credited for being the key influencer in the U.S. Navy’s ultimate decision to put the F/A-18 Super Hornet into production; a program that has been absolutely critical to the continued relevance and viability of carrier aviation. After a distinguished 36-year naval career, Lockard j oined The Boeing Company in 2000. Since then, his stewardship of Boeing’s naval aircraft programs - Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and P-8A Poseidon - has been equally impressive in forging the future of naval aviation. His Boeing team has won the Navy EA-18G Program Office prestigious Packard Award for Acquisition Excellence, and completed a highly successful P-8A Mission Systems Critical Design review.

"John’s role in shaping naval aviation, as a military and now industry leader, can not be overstated," said John A. Panneton, National President of the Navy League. "He has an inspiring ability to develop leaders and build teams and the make-up of today’s and tomorrow aircraft carrier air wing bears the strong imprint of his unmatched technical expertise, deep understanding of the defense acquisition system and superb leadership skills."

The Navy League’s Admiral Arleigh Burke Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding leader from the maritime industry whose life is in keeping with the example set by Admiral Burke. Admiral Burke is recognized as a true American hero whose professional achievements, ethical standards, and unselfish dedication to his calling and his country, personify all that is noble in the American character. Past recipients of this prestigious award include former President George H.W. Bush, billionaire businessman and former presidential candidate Ross Perot and Booz Allen Hamilton principal, retired Navy Vice Admiral David Robinson. The winner is presented with a bronze medallion and will have his name inscribed on a model of the USS Arleigh Burke on display at Navy League Headquarters.