By Shelby Thompson, PAE Strategic Systems Programs

Washington Navy Yard – Vice Adm. Douglas Williams, director of Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) presented Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW03) Anthony Roman with the Navy Commendation Medal on 4 September. Roman, a fleet liaison at PAE SSP, received this award in recognition of his heroic actions as a first responder at the scene of a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 295 North on 28 August, 2026.

Roman was on his morning commute to Washington Navy Yard when he saw a motor vehicle accident take place, resulting in the driver of one vehicle being thrown from the car after the car flipped over the interstate guardrail. Roman immediately pulled over and ran to scene. Without regard for his own safety, Roman worked with another good Samaritan, Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Nathan Burnau, to assume charge of the injured passenger. Using his knowledge as a Chief Warrant Officer, Roman helped manage the life-threatening situation until an airlift rescue arrived, while simultaneously extinguishing the still-burning vehicle and directing further rescue efforts.

“Roman’s quick thinking, extraordinary heroism, and devotion to duty, directly saved lives and prevented further catastrophe that day, upholding the highest traditions of the United States Navy,” said Capt. Gene Severtson, major program manager for PAE SSP’s Conventional Prompt Strike Program.

While receiving his award, Roman expressed his gratefulness that his firefighting training kicked in when it needed to, and that he was at the right place at the right time, while also hoping he would not need to deploy these skills again.

“I hope to never experience something like this again,” Roman said. “But I’m grateful I was there.”