Guest of Honor

Admiral William J. Houston

Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, Department of the Navy/Department of Energy

Admiral Houston is a native of Buffalo, New York and graduate of the University of Notre ADM Houston, a native of Buffalo, New York, graduated from the University of Notre Dame where he was commissioned via the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program.

He has commanded at all levels including, USS HAMPTON (SSN 767), Submarine Squadron TWENTY, Submarine Group EIGHT, and the US Submarine Force.

His shore duty assignments include, Office of Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Matters, Naval Nuclear Program Personnel Manager, OPNAV Director Undersea Warfare Division, and US Strategic Command Director of Strategic Targeting and Planning.

As the 8th Director of Naval Reactors, he is responsible for cradle-to-grave design and safe operation of the Navy’s submarine and aircraft carrier nuclear propulsion plants including the training and certification of more than 20,000 nuclear trained Sailors and more than 98 reactors.