Lt. Benjamin D. Smith is presented the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal as an end-of-tour award by Capt. Steven W. Antcliff, commanding officer, Naval Submarine School, aboard Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, CT on May 19, 2021. As the Prospective Nuclear Engineering Officer (PNEO) for the Naval Submarine School, Smith ensured that over 150 office students passed the engineer examination, providing highly qualified new department heads to the submarine force. Additionally, Smith’s innovation which allowed for continued instruction with no interruption to the training pipeline during the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Navy photo by Charles E. Spirtos)