THE
AMERICAN SOCIETY
|
 RADM John D. Butler, USN, presents the Gold Medal Award to Dr. William K. Blake |
Dr. William K. Blake has demonstrated superior scientific and technical leadership leading to measurable successes in the USS SEAWOLF (SSN21) Class, USS Virginia (SSN774) Class, and advanced submarine propulsor development programs. He has provided essential scientific leadership and unique technical contributions to the establishment of effective ship design support and computational tools.
Dr. Blake's contributions to U.S. Sea Power have ranged from pioneering research in ship hydro-acoustics physics to development and application of advanced technology in submarine hull and propulsor ship component designs. Computational procedures developed by Dr. Blake are a major element of the design support capabilities in the Navy's Submarine Hydrodynamics-Hydroacoustics Research Center (HHRC). His initiatives in this arena have greatly contributed to the Navy-industry ship acquisition cost reduction and performance improvement objectives, particularly in the area of acoustic enhancements. His accomplishments are particularly significant considering the extreme complexity of the technological challenges posed by the severe demands and constraints under which submarine propulsion systems must operate. His scientific monograph on Mechanics of Flow-Induced Sound and Vibration is considered the authoritative source for ship hydroacoustic design.
Dr. Blake's accomplishments have greatly accelerated the achievement of the Navy's goal of developing capable submarines at an affordable cost. His computational procedures will substantially reduce submarine development costs by eliminating many major large model and full-scale tests traditionally associated with propulsor and ship design. He has made truly significant and lasting material contributions to the success of current and future Navy submarine operational mission performance through creation, advancement and incorporation of submarine signature reduction acoustic stealth technology. His achievements are indeed noteworthy and he is most highly deserving of the ASNE Gold Medal.