Executive Director for Amphibious, Auxiliary, and Sealift Office PEO Ships
Mr. Thomas Rivers has been in federal service for more than 37 years and entered the Senior Executive Service in September 2020 as the Executive Director, Amphibious, Auxiliary and Sealift Office, Program Executive Office, Ships. He provides executive leadership to more than 200 personnel and oversaw one of the broadest acquisition portfolios in the Navy, including more than $40 billion in complex shipbuilding procurements. His responsibilities comprised four major program offices: the LPD 17 Program (PMS 317), the Amphibious Warfare Program (PMS 377), the Strategic and Theater Sealift Program (PMS 385), and the Support Ships, Boats and Craft Program (PMS 325). Active major programs included the LHA(R), LPD 17, EPF, ESB, and T-AO 205 ship classes, as well as Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC), Landing Craft, Utility (LCU), various research/special mission platforms, and service craft/boats.
Mr. Rivers has served in a variety of key leadership positions throughout his career, including Major Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager within the Amphibious Warfare Program Office (PMS 377) in PEO Ships. During his tenure (2009-2020), his portfolio included two multi-billion DoD Major Defense Acquisition Programs, LHA(R) and SSC. He led these programs and the ACAT III LCU 1700 program through pre-award acquisition milestones, source selection, detail design, construction, testing and delivery. In addition, he execute life cycle sustainment and modernization programs for the Navy’s fleet of 104 landing craft. Before leading PMS 377, he was the Principal Assistant Program Manager and Life Cycle Manager for landing craft (2003-2009). Assignments prior to 2003 include the Director of Production (1998-2002) and the Hull Systems Engineer for the LPD 17 Class (1994-1998), an Affordability Through Commonality R&D manager (1992-1995), and a hull structures engineer. Mr. Rivers began his career at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.
Mr. Rivers is a member of the Acquisition Professional Community and has a Level III Certification in Program Management and Systems Planning, Research, Development and Engineering. He holds Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act certifications in Production, Quality, and Manufacturing, Science & Technology, and Facilities Engineering. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from the University of Maryland. During his distinguished federal service career, Mr. Rivers has received one Navy Civilian Meritorious Service Award, three Navy Civilian Superior Service Awards, an Association of Scientists and Engineers Professional Achievement Award, and a SECNAV Competition and Procurement Excellence Award.