WOODBINE, GEORGIA – April 18, 2017 – The former deputy commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, the U.S. Atlantic Fleet and commander of the U.S. Pacific Submarine Fleet is joining the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee. Vice Admiral, Al Konetzni, United States Navy (ret.) will advise Camden County officials on ways to integrate transitioning military from Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay to the operations at Spaceport Camden.

“People often forget that we have some of the best trained engineers in the world already stationed here at Kings Bay,” said County Administrator and Spaceport Camden Project Lead, Steve Howard. “We envision Spaceport Camden providing employment opportunities for transitioning military. Launch providers need a highly skilled workforce and retiring sailors from Kings Bay can fill that need while allowing them to continue to live and work in Camden County. Admiral Konetzni will be an invaluable resource in those efforts.”

Known in the Navy as Big Al, the Sailor’s Pal, Admiral Konetzni developed an innovative retention program that reduced young sailor attrition in the Pacific Fleet Submarine Force from 25% to 7%. Admiral Konetzni’s model was immediately adopted by the Navy, which today enjoys higher retention and lower attrition than any other time in its history.

Even after his transition from the military to the commercial sector, Admiral Konetzni continued to shape the careers of former sailors, hiring Navy Veterans in his successful business ventures. Admiral Konetzni stated, “After retiring from Naval Service in 2004 my personal success in the commercial nuclear cleanup industry and high tech submarine repair business was a direct result of hiring Navy Veterans. These men and women are technically competent, problem solvers, great leaders, and team players. Camden County will continue to flourish and grow under their tutelage.”

Admiral Konetzni is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a degree in engineering and holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial Personnel Management from George Washington University. Admiral Konetzni was a highly-decorated sailor during his 38 years of service in the United States Navy and is the recipient of two Distinguished Service Medals, six awards of the Legion of Merit, and three awards of the Meritorious Service Medal. He has also been awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Distinguished Service medal for his commitment to Homeland Security.

Howard added, “You’d be hard pressed to find a more distinguished military career in all of Georgia, if not the entire United States. We are fortunate to have Admiral Konetzni as a member of our community, but even more privileged that he is willing to serve on the Spaceport Camden Steering Committee.”