Mr. Ornellas currently serves as Pearl Harbor’s Nuclear Engineering and Planning Manager in a shipyard that employs 6,600 highly skilled personnel who service the Navy’s Pacific Fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and conventionally powered surface ships. As the Senior Civilian of the Shipyard, he reports directly to Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC. He is responsible for properly controlling radioactive work on nuclear propulsion plants—a complex technology where exacting standards are always required. He is the recognized authority responsible for assuring that all aspects of reactor plant maintenance, testing, and operations, are accomplished safely and in accordance with approved requirements and procedures. He directly interfaces with U.S. Navy flag officers and senior government executives in the execution of his responsibilities. He frequently teams with nuclear engineers, radiological controls technicians, and production mechanics in the planning and execution of submarine nuclear maintenance work in a manner that always protects—the sailors, shipyard workers, the public who resides around the shipyard, and Hawaii’s pristine environment. He also provides training, qualifications, and continuing education to over 1,000 highly skilled nuclear engineers, nuclear production mechanics, sailors, emergency response personnel, and foreign visitors supporting the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

John W. Ornellas was born and raised in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. He graduated from Mililani High School in 1984 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Hawaii in 1988. After working a year in the private sector, Mr. Ornellas joined the shipyard in 1989 as a nuclear engineer beginning his career supporting our nation’s defense and continuing its extraordinary legacy of providing combat-ready warships to the fleet.  Learn more here.