How Two Business School Classmates Are Bringing Comfort to U.S. Navy Sailors

A Moment of Respite at Sea

A sailor steps into a small but bright space aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, pausing as he takes in the new surroundings. It’s a far cry from the steel-gray bulkheads of the aircraft carrier. Instead, he’s met with colorful walls, gaming consoles, comfortable chairs and a private phone booth where he can call home.

“The connection back home is really the main ingredient of resilience,” Alan Reyes (MBA ’00) would later explain, reflecting on the center’s significance.

Reyes and Reid Townsend (MBA ’00), who first crossed paths as classmates at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, never expected their bond would lead to this — a project to build the first-ever United Service Organizations (USO) centers aboard U.S. Navy ships.

Reyes, a retired Navy flag officer and former chief operating officer of the USO, and Townsend, founding principal of MRP Industrial, a private real estate development firm, are bringing comfort to sailors far from home.

“It’s not just about creating a new space — it’s about creating a more positive atmosphere,” Reyes adds, noting the centers’ role in reducing stress during deployments.

Building a Bridge from Darden to the Decks

The initiative began with a familiar Darden connection. “We were section mates, classmates and friends,” Townsend recalls. “The culture at Darden encouraged you to build relationships with people from different backgrounds.”

This bond inspired Townsend to support Reyes’s team’s vision to expand USO spaces to ships — an effort that had long faced challenges. However, as the need for greater support for sailors’ well-being became evident, Navy leadership welcomed new solutions.

“The Navy wasn’t culturally ready to work with a nonprofit aboard their ships,” Reyes admits. “But we reached a point where they recognized the need for change.”

Applying the team-oriented approach they learned at Darden, Reyes and Townsend collaborated with USO staff, Navy leadership and ship’s crew members to make the centers a reality. The project grew quickly, fueled by Townsend’s enthusiasm and Reyes’s military support expertise.

“The learning team structure at Darden helped create selflessness,” Townsend notes. “You realize you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”

Creating Spaces for Connection

The USO centers offer more than entertainment; they provide a crucial link to the outside world.

“These ships are highly industrial environments where every nook and cranny is spoken for,” Reyes says. “Adding a nonprofit space required navigating red tape and finding creative solutions.”

But the impact has been undeniable, as sailors now have space to decompress. “It’s about taking care of people,” Reyes reflects. “And that’s something Darden taught us well.”

Lessons from the Learning Team

This project is a testament to the enduring influence of Darden’s values. “The way we learned together in the case method — it was less about individual achievements and more about collective success,” Reyes says.

It’s a principle that guided their efforts on this initiative and continues to shape their leadership today.

The Darden community often speaks of the “learning team” as more than just a group for case studies — it’s a crucible for building lifelong relationships and values.

“We weren’t just studying business; we were learning how to support each other,” Reyes adds. “That’s a spirit that stays with you.”

Alumni Service and Support

As Townsend and Reyes look forward to their 25th Darden Reunion this coming April, they remain active Darden Annual Fund donors. Townsend is also recognized as a member of the Darden Society and Hickory Club. For both, giving back to their alma mater aligns with a broader commitment to service.

As a member of the USO’s Global Advisory Council, Townsend aims to raise awareness and support for the organization’s mission within the commercial real estate industry.

“I wanted to get more involved in philanthropy, specifically a military-oriented cause,” Townsend explains. “Connecting with Alan was like reconnecting with an old teammate.”

Darden’s Influence Beyond Grounds

This story isn’t just about two alumni making an impact — it’s about how Darden’s collaborative culture continues to shape their approach to leadership and service.

Reyes recently transitioned from his role as chief operating officer at the USO to chief of international operations at Spirit of America, a nonprofit that partners with U.S. troops and diplomats worldwide.

“Darden brought together like-minded people and fostered a sense of belonging,” Reyes reflects. “It’s like the Navy’s wardroom — a band of brothers and sisters working toward a common goal.”

For Reyes and Townsend, the lessons learned at Darden weren’t just theoretical — they’ve translated into real-world actions that matter.

As Townsend puts it, “Darden taught us that taking care of people isn’t just good business — it’s the right thing to do.”