Sparta's Albert Taylor honored by Naval Submarine League

U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Albert D. Taylor will be honored by the Naval Submarine League for professional excellence, the organization announced this week Taylor was raised in Sparta, and attended Pope John XXIII High School in Sparta.

Taylor will receive the Chief Paul Golden Saunders Award, an annual award that recognizes a Chief Petty Officer for professional contributions which best exemplify the traditional spirit embodied in the Submarine Force.

Taylor serves as the leading chief of the machinery division on USS Santa Fe (SSN 763). His development and implementation of training plans enabled the submarine and crew to conduct maintenance, complete repairs and return to sea at record pace.

Taylor “routinely steps up to any challenge that is presented to the ship and ensures first time quality execution,” said Cmdr. Christopher A. Hedrick, USS Santa Fe’s commanding officer.

Additionally, Taylor’s mentorship and guidance have had a noticeable impact on the crew, resulting in his team having the highest retention rate on USS Santa Fe.

The award’s namesake, Chief Saunders, served in the Navy for 26 years and is considered one of the most decorated enlisted men in the Submarine Force. During World War II, he was awarded two Silver Star medals and participated in a landing force on Japan. Additionally, he served as the Chief of the Boat on three submarines.

The award will be presented on Nov. 7 at the Naval Submarine League 37th Annual Symposium and Industry Update in Arlington, Va.

Founded in 1982, the Naval Submarine League (NSL) is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting awareness of the importance of submarines to U.S. national security. NSL membership is open to all U.S. citizens.