The Captain Joseph P. Kelly award was presented to Mr. Henry (Hank) Stanton Fleming of the Naval Research Laboratory on Feb 12, 2003. The Kelly award is given annually by Commander, Undersea Surveillance in recognition of innovation and ingenuity in the development or use of undersea surveillance system capabilities. The award, sponsored by ORINCON Corporation International, was presented by Dr. Henry Cox, Senior Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of ORINCON. 

The award is named in honor of Captain Joseph P. Kelly, the father of SOSUS, who for more than 21 years beginning in 1951 led the development and installation of the Navy’s Undersea Surveillance System.
 

The award reads:

CAPTAIN JOSEPH P. KELLY AWARD

“The Nation’s Pioneer for Undersea Defense” 

Captain Joseph P. Kelly, the father of undersea defense, pioneered the concept of undersea surveillance, using innovation, creativity, and leadership to overcome the barriers of emerging technology, tight budgets, and people’s reluctance to change. His dedication made undersea surveillance a reality, enabling us to defend our country, our people, and our friends against undersea threats. 

The upper portion of the plaque is beveled glass with a photo of Captain Joseph P. Kelly. It ismounted on wood from the main mast base of “Old Ironsides” – The U.S.S. Constitution Commissioned October 21, 1797 – present and is certified by Mr. Henry Vadnais, Curator of the Naval Historical Center, Washington, D.C. 

The Award is presented annually by Dr. Henry Cox “Captain U. S. Navy Retired” who is himself a pioneer in Undersea Surveillance, a Fellow of the IEEE, a IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society (OES) technical achievement award winner, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.