NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- The principal deputy for the F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office, PMA-265, was presented the Department of the Navy’s highest civilian service award during a ceremony Aug. 22 here.

William Taylor received the Distinguished Civilian Service Award because he “personifies long-term commitment and dedication to the success of the F/A-18 and EA-18G program as well as the people who support these aircraft every day,” said Capt. Frank Morley, PMA-265 program manager.

For the last 12 years, Taylor has served as a civilian advisor to three program managers and has been a part of developing, enhancing, testing, delivering and sustaining a combined fleet of more than 1,700 aircraft.

According to the citation, with Taylor’s direction and support, the F/A-18 and EA-18G program streamlined delivery of the AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar to the fleet and Royal Australian Air Force; and enabled the infrared search and track program to successfully reach a Milestone B decision.

During the award presentation, he was recognized for his role in achieving the successful award of the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G multi-year III procurement contract. With the contract in place, the Navy achieved $605 million in savings.

“While I am honored by receiving this award, I am humbled as well by the countless individuals I have had the pleasure of working with over my years in PMA-265,” Taylor said. “It is their dedicated service that has significantly contributed to the success of the F/A-18 and EA-18G program and to my being individually recognized.”

Taylor also received accolades for his work with the F/A-18 air vehicle team to evaluate the steps necessary to extend the service life of the legacy Hornet aircraft. The assessment was completed in fiscal year 2009 and the extension program began.

“It is rewarding to be honored in this way, not only for myself, but for the entire PMA-265 team,” Taylor said. “We are here in support of the fleet and this award is a testament to just how much the work we do at NAVAIR impacts each squadron as well as naval aviation as a whole.”

During his time at PMA-265, Taylor received of the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Stan Arthur Award for Acquisition Logistics Team of the Year in 2005 for his work as the F/A-18 integrated readiness support team lead. He also received the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award in 2003 and Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award in 1996.

“I am proud to serve alongside Bill,” Morley said. “He practices the idea that successful leaders understand the importance of growing others.”