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In 1981, at 17 years old and a senior in high school, Commander Benedetto was part of a unique team at the
Wakefield Memorial High School that opened the first student managed bank in the United States (1st Educational Savings
Bank). The bank provides accomplished high school students with a unique and valuable opportunity to
participate in the operation of a "real" bank and learn about banking and finance first hand. It is still functioning
and serving the community well to this day.
Later that senior year, Commander Benedetto was nominated by Congressman Edward J. Markey (D)
to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy with the Class of 1985.
Upon graduation from the Merchant Marine Academy in 1985, Commander Benedetto was hired by the
United States Navy. His first assignment was at the Charleston Naval Shipyard in Charleston, South Carolina.
Commander Benedetto was assigned to the Design Division and responsible for the overhaul and repair of submarines and surface
ship combatants.
In February 1987, Commander Benedetto was selected by the Public Works Officer at the Submarine Base
in New London, Connecticut to serve as the Utilities Engineer for the entire naval submarine base. The Commander's duties
and responsibilities included, but were not limited to, oversight, planning and management of the submarine base
power plant, all military housing and recreational facilities, submarine training facilities, water and fuel oil storage tanks
and associated cathodic protection systems, the hospital and all utility distribution systems supporting these facilities.
In addition, he conducted numerous energy conservation studies and implemented energy conservation programs to significantly
reduce base energy consumption. In 1988, the submarine base was awarded the Secretary of Navy Energy Conservation Award.
Commander Benedetto also conducted detailed threat assessments for the Secretary of the Navy and identified numerous programs
to improve base security.
| Submarine Base New London, Groton, Connecticut |
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| Commander Benedetto Served as Utilities Engineer, 1987-1989 |
In April 1989, the Supervisor of Shipbuilding at Groton, Connecticut selected Commander Benedetto to oversee
the design and new construction of the Los Angeles and Trident class nuclear submarines just down the river (Thames) from
the submarine base. In this position, Commander Benedetto was responsible for ensuring that the shipbuilder, General
Dynamics Electric Boat Division, designed and constructed submarines in accordance with detailed ship specifications provided
by Washington.
In June of 1990, Commander Benedetto was selected to serve as the Assistant Propulsor Program
Manager in the Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) Division of the United States Navy's technologically
advanced SEAWOLF Submarine Acquisition Program Office (PMS 350), Washington, DC. He was later promoted to the Propulsor
Program Manager position.
As the Propulsor Program Manager, Commander Benedetto was totally responsible for ensuring the
successful research and development, design, testing, manufacturing, assembly, delivery and installation of the Navy's
most radical and technologically advanced propulsion system, the SEAWOLF (SSN 21) Propulsor. In concert with his
program team of highly talented scientists, engineers, shipbuilders, managers and consultants, the propulsor team overcame
many significant challenges to ensure the successful delivery of the high priority Government Furnished Component (GFC), lead
ship propulsor, to the shipbuilder on schedule. The team was also involved in numerous other military
programs.
Link to SEAWOLF Propulsor Program Manager Performance Evaluations & Awards
In 1989, Commander Benedetto was selected to attend the United States Naval
War College, College of Continuing Education in Newport, Rhode Island with the Class of 1992. He successfully completed
the Strategy and Policy, National Security Decision Making and Joint Maritime Operations courses and graduated, with
distinction, in 1992. Each Naval Command and Staff non-resident course required one year to complete.
Link to Naval War College Accomplishments and Records
In 1998, Commander Benedetto moved his family back to his hometown in Wakefield, Masachusetts and entered
private industry specializing in construction project management consulting for clients seeking professional oversight
of large construction projects. Services provided include, but are not limited to, project management, owner representation
and engineering consulting.
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