Meritorious Service Medal Citation Examples


Meritorious Service Medal

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES HAS AWARDED THE

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

TO




For service as set forth in the following Citation:

For outstanding meritorious service from December 2018 to July 2022 as Executive Officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron ONE. Displaying extraordinary leadership, vision and dedication, Commander Conniff astutely guided the organization, performance, and good order and discipline of the command. Re-working the billeting process within the squadron, he ensured VX-1's staffing supported operational tests across eleven Type/Model/Series aircraft, while formulating multiple courses of action to mitigate potential MH-60 Operational Test sundown impacts to personnel. Commander Conniff spearheaded the Squadron's COVID-19 response and coordinated with external agencies to ensure an 80-year-old hangar was safe for daily operations. This award is a culmination of 30 years of dedicated service to the Navy, the defense of our nation, and is a testament to the enduring contributions the countless personal sacrifices he made to preserve the freedoms and liberties cherished by all Americans. Commander Conniff's exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,

J. F. MEIER
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic





For outstanding meritorious achievement while serving as Director, Naval Medical Research Unit EURAFCENT, Cairo, Egypt Detachment from October 2019 to February 2023. Commander Levin performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. He was an outstanding, impactful leader who led a large and complex detachment with approximately 75 percent of the total command administrative, logistics, finance, and information technology staff supporting operations in 17 countries. He oversaw transition activities in Cairo as the headquarters element was established in Sigonella, Italy in 2019, minimizing disruptions and ensuring continuity of operations for sites in Accra, Ghana; Cairo, Egypt; Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti; and Sigonella, Italy. He directed operationally relevant research and surveillance projects in 10 countries and added more than 30 new sites with increases in funding from 1.3 million dollars to over 2.4 million dollars, which expanded the Command footprint from Egypt, Jordan, Djibouti, Nigeria, and Pakistan, to include Liberia, Cameroon, Yemen, Tunisia and United Arab Emirates. As the first research microbiologist on the ground in Djibouti to support COVID-19 response operations, his efforts were instrumental in supporting force health protection efforts at Camp Lemonnier and the laboratory he established detected the first case of COVID-19 in military personnel in the Horn of Africa. The exceptional professional ability, steadfast initiative, and selfless dedication to duty exhibited by Commander Levin reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious service as the Deputy Director of Inspections, Office of the Inspector General of the Marine Corps, Arlington, Virginia, from July 2020 to December 2023. LtCol Kortman's extraordinary leadership was instrumental in achieving strategic level improvements of the Inspector General mission for the entire Marine Corps. He was a key contributor at the OPT that planned and coordinated the inclusion of the Marine Corps Administrative Analysis Team under the IGMC Inspections construct. As the Deputy Director of Inspections, LtCol Kortman supported all aspects of planning, coordinating, leading, and managing over 36 short/no-notice IGMC inspections, a central tenant of the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant's Readiness Oversight Strategy and critical to ensuring that the Marine Corps met all Title 10 responsibilities. Additionally, he led the conduct of three inspections as well as four special assessments. During his tenure, he managed a total budget of over $1.3 million to support nearly 60 individuals. LtCol Kortman's superior performance of duty highlighted the culmination of 30 years of honorable and dedicated service. LtCol Kortman's exemplary professionalism, determination, and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious service while serving as CREDO Director for Commanders, Navy Region Japan, Navy Region Korea, and Joint Region Marianas from September 2020 to August 2023. LCDR Anderson rebuilt the CREDO program into an enterprise-wide leader in the delivery of resiliency, leadership, suicide prevention, and relationship enrichment events to active duty members and dependents serving in the Far East. Chaplain Anderson managed $1.3m in CREDO funding while overseeing completion of 274 events with 5,321 attendees with zero health protection violations and 100% Satisfied ICE comments received. As acting Force/Region Chaplain from April to September 2022, LCDR Anderson managed $499k in religious ministry funding and led RMT participation in the CITADEL PACIFIC 22 Exercise, resulting in the development of a Commander, Naval Forces and Region Japan OPORD Annex, updated communication plans, and organized delivery of ministry to tenant commands during emergency operations. Lieutenant Commander Anderson's exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Senior Enlisted Leader and Security Leading Chief Petty Officer at NUWC Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center from December 2020 to January 2023. Senior Chief Messinger was directly responsible for the oversight and management of a security detachment of 78 personnel in a remote oversea environment. She effectively guaranteed compliance with all aspects of Anti-Terrorism, Physical Security, and Law Enforcement Operations. She also developed and initiated a robust Random Anti-Terrorism Measure Program, overseeing 3,085 evolutions, creating a vigorous security posture. Additionally, she re-wrote the Installation's Anti-Terrorism plan, ensuring compliance and security of all onboard. Her dedication and hard work resulted in a score of 100% in the Explosive Safety Instruction and Code 105 Physical Security Inspections. Moreover, she identified discrepancies within weapons maintenance and implemented the 3M program from the ground up resulting in immediate mission readiness at all times. She worked diligently with NCIS to develop a biometrics program for Third Country Nationals, culminating in 150 enrollments. In addition, she implemented monthly sobriety check points in the installation to ensure the safety of all those onboard. Furthermore, she established the Sailor 360 and Laying the Keel training program, reestablished the Chiefs Mess, and ensured all command programs were in regulation and excellent standing. Lastly, she facilitated 8 Chaplain Visits and oversaw resiliency training on multiple platforms. Senior Chief Messinger's exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon her and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Boats Maintenance Facility, Civil Engineering Support Equipment, and Weapons Department Head for Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron One Alpha from January 2022 to November 2022.

Throughout the thirteen week training process he identified gaps in capabilities and standardization that could create potential hazardous conditions while operating downrange. In order to combat this lack of standardization and increase interoperability throughout MSRON Small boat and security companies, he created the convoy operations working group comprised of four Convoy Security Team (CST). He led the four experts in the development of the CST Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The SOP developed was put to the test during the Unit Level Training Readiness Assessment/Final Exercise Problem which was observed by NECC N71A, Assessments and Certifications, and lead to the command's certification with a total score of 89%. The SOP developed was dubbed the "missing link" for NECC convoy operations by NECC and has changed the way the force trains and completes convoy operations. The SOP is being disseminated by NECC to all subordinate units as a directive in order to standardize convoy security operations force wide.

Led a combined operation comprised of 35 Sailors from MSRON ONE, Camp Lemonnier Port Operations, and the USS Herschel Woody Williams in utilizing the man-lift rated crane to lift and load one 34 foot patrol boat onto the main deck of the ship establishing a proof of concept proving capability and potential for future joint operations between Expeditionary Staging Bases (ESBs) and the maritime expeditionary security force. This capability will enable the ESB to embark a MSRON Small Boat Company in addition to an Embarked Security Team to execute security operations world-wide with the capability to provide organic security support in any port at any time. This support of the ESBs is ever increasing our lethality and ability to dominate major combat operations throughout our mutually assigned AORs.

As Department Head he coached and led a team of 22 personnel in the Boats Maintenance Facility in maintaining eighteen 34 foot Patrol Boats and two 25 foot Patrol Boats in two AORs completing 6,968 Preventative Maintenance Checks. He coordinated an enterprise composed of Camp Lemonnier Customs enforcement team, Operations department, AFRICOM/EUCOM Supply, and MSRON 1A teams in the preparation, preservation, and transport of five 34 foot Patrol Boats from the 6th Fleet AOR to MESG-1 for their rapid repair and redistribution to the MSRON fleet for mission execution directly increasing the readiness of the maritime security force leading to four Sailors earning Navy Achievement Medals.

As Department Head he mentored and led a team of 21 Sailors in the Civil Engineering Support Equipment department in the maintenance of 565 equipment items ensuring the command was always combat and convoy ready! The team executed XXXX maintenance checks and XXXXXX of hour s mission critical corrective maintenance increasing the readiness of all equipment that was turned over by the preceding unit. His diverse background in building maintenance and heating ventilation and air conditioning led his team to the immediate repair of four HMMWV AC systems and two MTVR AC systems.

CWO3 Paskwietz's complete, unwavering, and selfless dedication to duty reflected great credit on him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious achievement while serving as Military Faculty Member and Seminar Director, Department of Leadership and Warfighting, Air War College, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, from 01 July 2019 to 15 January 2021. Captain Flaherty distinguished himself by providing exceptionally superior service in his duties as Military Faculty Member, Seminar Director, Regional and Security Studies Trip Director, Professional Studies Paper Advisor, and Deputy Executive Leadership Series Chair. In these multiple, key positions, Captain Flaherty represented the United States Navy with great distinction and provided a generation of Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, DoD, interagency civilians and International Fellows from 45 allied countries an enhanced understanding of the United States military's contributions in joint and coalition warfare. Furthermore, he blended his vast operational experience with natural mentoring ability to expand students' and fellow colleagues' understanding of the Navy's unique contributions to joint warfare. Captain Flaherty's exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious achievement while serving as Operation Chief, Transportation Services Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 23, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, 4th Marine Logistics Group from October 2018 to March 2021. Master Sergeant Brandon distinguished himself through exceptional leadership, unmatched work ethic, and operational focus. As Operations Chief he ensured a Company of 170 Marines was trained and ready to augment the active force at a moment's notice. Master Sergeant Brandon planned, coordinated, and oversaw training for 152 inactive duty periods, and three annual training seasons. His efforts ensured Transportation Services Company remained at or above required training readiness throughout his tenure, and kept Marines engaged by providing unique and meaningful training opportunities. He successfully built a training relationship with Travis Air Force Base, enabling Landing Support Marines to regularly conduct joint training with the Air Force on a live airfield. Master Sergeant Brandon created an otherwise unknown training opportunity in the local area where Motor Transport Marines honed their skills on a state-of-the art off-road course in tactical vehicles. Acting as Battalion Operations Chief for Reserve Integrated Training Exercise 4-19, he successfully served in a key billet, and was the lynch pin to the Battalion's Operations Shop, ensuring Combat Logistics Battalion 23 was recognized as the ready battalion for 4th Marine Logistics Group. The exceptional professional ability, steadfast initiative, and selfless dedication to duty exhibited by Master Sergeant Brandon reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious service while serving as the Recruiter Instructor, Recruiting Station Des Moines, 9th Marine Corps District, Marine Corps Recruit Depot/Western Recruiting Region, San Diego, California, from August 2017 to March 2020. Master Gunnery Sergeant Kindy's understanding of systematic recruiting, policies, and procedures facilitated his impressive performance as a Recruiter Instructor. Serving as the senior career recruiter in Recruiting Station Des Moines, he had a profound and positive impact on the sustained superior performance of the command. Master Gunnery Sergeant Kindy's mentorship, professionalism, and work ethic allowed him to improve the lives of more than 20 staff noncommissioned officers in charge, over 50 marine recruiters who, as a direct result of his efforts, make mission by quality, category, and component standards. The more than 600 hours of training he conducted, mentorship and guidance provided during a massive command group change over, and the continued focus on personal directly influenced Recruiting Station Des Moines ability to contract 1,542 and ship 1,546 highly qualified applicants to recruit training, with 68 percent coming from the highest mental group. Recruiting Station Des Moines met or exceeded its assigned mission for 32 consecutive months and postured to achieve success for years to come. Master Gunnery Sergeant Kindy left a lasting impression on Recruiting Station Des Moines and all the marines he served. By his exceptional professional ability, steadfast initiative, and selfless dedication to duty, Master Gunnery Sergeant Kindy reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious service while serving as the Watch Officer and Individual Mobilization Augmentee Detachment Staff Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge, G-3 Operations Division, G-3/5 Directorate, Marine Corps Installations Command from June 2017 to November 2019. Master Sergeant Parides skillfully and dutifully served as the Command's Watch Officer, maintaining situational awareness for all critical information requirements and enhancing standard operating procedures for continuity of operations and the activation of the command emergency operations center. As the MCICOM Watch Officer, his keen work ethic, technical proficiency, and determination to achieve mission success proved to be instrumental in maintaining 24-hour global situational awareness and keeping leaders informed of emergencies and emerging events across 24 Marine Corps Installations. He directly impacted mission accomplishment by skillfully facilitating both real world operations and national-level and regional exercises for emergency management, which significantly increased the command's readiness. Master Sergeant Parides also excelled outside of his scope of responsibility by leveraging the knowledge and expertise from his civilian profession to aid other directorates across the headquarters. His superior performance of duty during this tour is the hallmark of a career devoted to accomplishing broad and diverse tasks in combat and peace, highlighting the culmination of 27 years of honorable and dedicated Marine Corps service. Master Sergeant Parides' exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Commanding Officer, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 (-), Marine Aircraft Group 49, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, from March 2017 to May 2019. During this period, Lieutenant Colonel Lee successfully led the squadron through Raven 17-4, Raven 18-4, Raven 19-3, Jaded Thunder 18-1, Integrated Training Exercise 4-17, and Marine Aircraft Group Combined Arms Exercise 18, totaling over 800 mishap-free flights and 1,400 flight hours. Given significant operational commitments and the inherent challenges of maintaining readiness following deployment, Lieutenant Colonel Lee's efforts ensured the squadron maintained readiness that enabled it to support both the Active and Reserve Component. Lieutenant Colonel Lee fostered an environment that enabled the squadron to attain and maintain a high level of readiness for aircrew, maintainers, and aircraft averaging over 50 percent Mission Capable and Ready Basic Aircraft, rivaling most active duty heavy lift squadrons. This level of readiness allowed the squadron to achieve mission success in support of internal training and service level and joint exercises, including Marine and Joint Special Operations Commands. Lieutenant Colonel Lee's enthusiasm and dedication resulted in the squadron's exceptional garrison performance, receiving mission capable grades during the Commanding General's Readiness Inspection, Force Readiness Assistance and Assessment Program Inspection, and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing Aviation Logistics Maintenance Assist Team inspection. Lieutenant Colonel Lee's exceptional professional ability, initiative, and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious achievement as Sergeant Major, Recruiting Station Baltimore, 1st Marine Corps District, Eastern Recruiting Region, from February 2016 to April 2019. During this period, Sergeant Major Banks epitomized professionalism, sound character, and selflessness while displaying a deep commitment to his Marines. His diligent pursuit of excellence in all assigned duties coupled with a wealth of leadership and managerial expertise contributed significantly to the consistent and successful accomplishment of Recruiting Station Baltimore's mission. Through unparalleled intuition, experience, and leadership, Sergeant Major Banks inspired action that resulted in the unprecedented increase in contracts and subsequent quality of nearly 1,400 future Marines. His efforts dramatically improved the execution of the Delayed Entry Program and the Command Recruiting Program, which resulted in an average of 12.6 percent contracts coming from the Delayed Entry Program in fiscal years 2016 through 2018. His ability to maintain relationships and develop Marines spread across an area of roughly 14,000 square miles acted as a force multiplier to the command. Sergeant Major Banks' ability to grasp complex personal issues and communicate innovative solutions with poise dramatically benefited all personnel and their families. Sergeant Major Banks's exceptional ability, initiative, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious achievement while serving as S3 Operations Officer, Commanding Officer Headquarters and Services Company, 3d Medical Battalion, 3d Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, from March 2014 to March 2017. LT Oehrlein distinguished himself through exceptional leadership, extraordinary vision, and operational focus. As S3 Operations Officer he ensured a battalion of 364 Sailors and Marines consistently and remarkably supported the full spectrum of III Marine Expeditionary Force operations. He was instrumental in the coordination and execution of 72 missions to 12 countries, delivering health services support for 4,800-plus personnel and conducting numerous bilateral engagements. His efforts moreover resulted in a 588 percent increase in Marine mission rehearsal opportunities, interoperability, partnerships, and enhanced readiness. He successfully negotiated for a total of 87 3d Medical Battalion personnel to deploy in the Republic of Korea achieving 100 percent Mission Essential Task Lists (METLs) during Winter Workhorse 2016 Exercise, the largest and most logistically complicated, yet most successful Battalion Role II capabilities employment. As lead executive for the Navy Medicine in Support of Marine Corps and Marine Centered Medical Home initiatives, he helped synchronize enterprise efforts to pave the way for more responsive and proficient medical forces. As Commanding Officer for Headquarters and Service Company, he led 226 staff across 13 sections to ensure the battalion's enduring readiness to "Fight Tonight". Lieutenant Oehrlein's superior professional ability, steadfast initiative, and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Senior Nurse Executive, Joint Medical Group (JMG), Joint Task Force (JTF), Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba from October 2015 to June 2016 in the Navy's most scrutinized medical mission. Captain O'Malley distinguished herself as a transformational leader utilizing quality assurance and process improvement to foster a culture of safety. Her guidance sustained a less than one percent medication error rate. As the Joint Medical policy and procedure manager, she reorganized the matrix that other commands within the Joint Task Force utilized to promulgate updates for the consistent operations of all Joint Task Force personnel. She supported the mission as a health care provider in the Joint Troop Clinic and provided detainee health care. A consummate professional, she supported Joint Task Force cultural awareness seminars for staff, further enhancing the safe and humane care delivered to 76 detainees. She promoted the professional development of the Nurse Corps with multiple educational opportunities. She was instrumental in planning future manning as mission requirements changed. Captain O' Malley's exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon herself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding performance of his duties while serving as Apprentice Forecaster at Fleet Weather Center, San Diego Strike Group Oceanography Team from October 2010 to July 2013. Petty Officer Walker performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner in support of USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) and her Amphibious Readiness Group's maiden deployment. He expertly prepared and presented 150 mission critical meteorology and oceanography briefs and recorded 2,500 surface weather observations which directly contributed to more than 2,000 hours of mishap-free flight operations. He demonstrated exceptional skill and expertise as a key member of the command reachback cell, where he provided tailored environmental support packages to units operating within THIRD, FIFTH, and SEVENTH Fleet areas of responsibility. Further, he coordinated command participation during six events of the inaugural San Diego Information Dominance Community Captain's Cup, devoted 70 hours toward command Morale, Welfare and Recreation fundraising events that raised more than $8,000 and volunteered 50 hours as a tutor and mentor to students at a local elementary school. Petty Officer Walker's professionalism and devotion to duty reflected credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.





MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN THE SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES FROM FEBRUARY 2013 TO DECEMBER 2014. HIS SUPERB LEADERSHIP LED TO ONE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL NSW DEPLOYMENT, PRODUCING OVER 850 METOC PRODUCTS, MANAGED AND CONTROLLED OVER 800 ISR FLIGHTS SUPPORTING MORE THAN 750 COMBAT MISSIONS, AND ONE EXW QUALIFICATION. HIS DIRECT INTERACTION WITH NSW UNITS PROVIDED CRITICAL METOC AWARENESS, ENABLING SAFE AND EFFECTIVE PLANNING OF ALL MISSIONS WHICH RESULTED IN ZERO METOC RELATED INCIDENTS AND SUCCESSFUL USE OF THE TACTICAL ENVIRONMENT BY NSW FORCES. BY HIS PERSERVERENCE, INITIATIVE, AND DEVOTION TO DUTY, CHIEF MILLER REFLECTED CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND UPHELD THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.





Outstanding meritorious service while serving as For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Operations Chief, 4th Law Enforcement Battalion, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve, from June 2013 to May 2016. During this period, Master Gunnery Sergeant Vernon demonstrated superior commitment to the operations, training, and combat effectiveness of 1000 Marines conducting law enforcement operations around the globe. Upon his arrival to the battalion, he used his vast Marine Corps experience to create a cohesive operations section comprised of active duty and reserve Marines. He displayed exceptional initiative during the stand-up of the only reserve law enforcement battalion in the Marine Corps, which was deemed fully operations capable ahead of schedule. As the battalion Operations Chief, his superb organizational skills were vital to planning and ensuring the fulfillment of all 4th law enforcement operational requirements. Under his leadership, the battalion operations section was responsible for meticulously planning over 300 monthly and 27 annual training events. His efforts to standardize the battalion s training and operational processes led to the successful deployment of Marines and Sailors to 14 different joint and international exercises. Master Gunnery Sergeant Vernon's profoundly positive impact on the military police field and the Marines and Sailors of the 4th Law Enforcement Battalion will be evident for years to come. His superior performance of duty during this tour culminates 30 years of honorable and dedicated Marine Corps service. Master Gunnery Sergeant Vernon s exceptional professional ability, initiative and total devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. By his exceptional ability, personal initiative and total dedication to duty, Master Chief reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious service while serving as First Sergeant of the Inspector-Instructor Staff, 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Force Headquarters Group, Marine Forces Reserve from February 2014 to January 2016. First Sergeant Edwards consistently performed his demanding duties in a highly professional manner. His leadership directly led to the successful accomplishment of all missions, to include sending Marines overseas, supporting unit training, providing community outreach, and conducting funerals. First Sergeant Edwards supervised the mobilization and recovery of a detachment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and numerous overseas exercises. In addition, his efforts and abilities were critical in the unit receiving mission capable grades during four major inspections. Recognizing manpower limitations on the staff, First Sergeant Edwards personally assumed responsibilities for the planning of several major events, to include two Birthday Balls and several Family Day events. He was on the notification team for three Casualty Assistance Calls and supervised the proper conduct of over 500 funeral honors details. His efforts during two Toys For Tots campaigns led to the collection and distribution of almost 200,000 toys in Palm Beach County. As First Sergeant Edwards transitions from his post, he will leave in place a legacy of dedicated leadership, coordination, and focused effort for training that will serve 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and its Marines for years to come. First Sergeant Edwards outstanding leadership, commendable initiative and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious service while serving as the aviation supply consumable management division staff noncommissioned officer in charge, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16, Marine Aircraft Group 16, Third Marine Aircraft Wing, from January 2015 to November 2015. During this period, Master Sergeant Gomez displayed exceptional expertise and unparalleled resourcefulness while performing his duties. While being responsible for numerous critical mission tasks within the group, his leadership and management resulted in his division receiving a 98 percent grade on the 2015 Third Marine Aircraft Commanding General Functional Area Inspection. Furthermore, Master Sergeant Gomez ensured 100 percent inventory accountability for the supply department's consumable aviation spare parts valued at over 25.5 million dollars and the perfect recovery of over 1,256 critical consumable parts resulting from the deployment drawdown in Afghanistan. His superlative achievements during times of war were the hallmark of a 20 year career dedicated to faithful and honorable service. His superior performance of duty during this tour is the hallmark of a career devoted to accomplishing broad and diverse assignments, in peace time and in war and highlight the culmination of 20 years of honorable and dedicated service. The exceptional professional ability, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty exhibited by Master Sergeant Gomez reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.





(FIRST AWARD)

CHIEF GUNNER'S MATE (SURFACE WARFARE SPECIALIST) DAVID F. KAYE

UNITED STATES NAVY

For outstanding meritiorious service while serving as Senior Enlisted Leader and Training Safety Officer at Center For Security Forces Learning Site Yokosuka from March 2012 to March 2015. Senior Chief Kaye was directly responsible for the oversight and management of Learning Site Yokosuka and the Ship's Reaction Force Advanced Course of Instruction to include 39 class convenings and the instruction of 784 Seventh Fleet Sailors. Senior Chief Kaye successfully accomplished multiple inspections and program reviews with limited staffing to include: Explosive Safety, Training, Facilities and Safety with outstanding results. Additionally, as Training Safety Officer he planned and coordinated emergency action plan procedures, drills and training resulting in zero training mishaps. Senior Chief Kaye's superior performance and inspiring devotion to duty culminated 23 years of dedicated service, reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.





For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Intelligence Liaison Officer on the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance (N2/N6) staff from December 2012 to December 2014. As a member of the Type Commander Implementation Planning Team, Commander O'Connor personally wrote the command implementation plan that led to the establishment of Navy Information Dominance Forces Command. As Legislative Liaison he leveraged the OPNAV N2/N6 enterprise in support of congressional decision-making on authorizations and funding for critical N2/N6 programs. Finally as the Intelligence Liaison to the Operations, Strategies, and Plans Directorate, CDR O'Connor provided critical intelligence support that directly impacted U.S. Naval Operations worldwide. Commander O'Connor's exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.





The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

to

COMMANDER JAMES W. DICKINSON
UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

      CITATION:

      For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Commanding Officer for Navy Operational Support Center, Bessemer from June 2012 to July 2014. Commander Dickinson exhibited superior leadership while managing 17 Full-Time Support Staff personnel and providing world class customer service to over 380 Drilling Reservists. Commander Dickinson expertly fostered success in bringing his Navy Operational Support Center up to top rankings in class, exceeding active duty supporting requirements across 18 reserve units, seven major commands, and two joint agencies. He proactively engaged and adeptly executed a $2.1 million Heating Ventilating Air Conditioning renovations of the building, while simultaneously providing uninterrupted service to over 380 Drilling Reservists population and the community. His expertise has been instrumental in the proposed $3.8 million renovation of outlying buildings in the budgeting and planning stages. Commander Dickinson was hand-selected to serve as a member of Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command Qualification Oral Boards. His expertise and input was instrumental screening future, Commanding Officer of Navy Operational Support Commands. As a Navy Ambassador for the only Navy command in the state of Alabama, Commander Dickinson continuously provided service to the community through outreach programs. Commander Dickinson s exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For the President


B. P. CUTCHEN
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command





MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

TO

MASTER CHIEF CRYPTOLOGIC TECHNICIAN COLLECTION

SHANNON R. DAY, UNITED STATES NAVY


For services as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Senior Enlisted Leader, Center for Information Dominance Detachment and Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Learning Site Goodfellow Air Force Base Texas from November 2011 to September 2014. Master Chief Day boldly led the professional development of 40 USN and USCG instructors as they provided training to 8,027 Information Warriors and Joint DoD firefighters. His efforts were key in reducing fleet manning in the 9138 NEC, ensuring qualified Navy enlisted firefighters were qualified to fill 7012 NEC billets worldwide, supporting forward deployed and Presidential Support Activities. Master Chief Day's exceptional professional ability, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were keeping in the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



Master Chief Petty Officer Smith is cited for meritorious service in the performance of duty as Command Master Chief and Armory and Ammunition Supervisor, Coast Guard Atlantic Area from March 2002 to June 2006. His aggressive leadership, comprehensive knowledge of munitions regulations, and organizational skills were critical in planning and executing a massive short-notice effort to provide over 21 tons of ammunition for ten patrol boats assigned to support Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Skillfully overcoming every obstacle, his foresight and extraordinary efforts ensured that the cutters, sent on the Coast Guard’s first combat deployment since Vietnam, had the ammunition they needed upon arrival to the combat theater of operations. The Chief of Naval Operations recognized his plan as essential to solving ammunition distribution issues. Identifying a critical gap in small boat homeland security capabilities, he spearheaded a massive distribution of additional weapons and ammunition throughout Atlantic Area. Expertly managing a complex web of requirements, he led the six Area Armories in the distribution of 6,150 new small arms and 28.6 million rounds of ammunition. Following Hurricane Katrina, he immediately mobilized personnel from St. Louis to establish an armory aboard Coast Guard Cutter HARRIET LANE to support the boat crews and security details involved in rescue, recovery, and security operations around New Orleans. His efforts directly contributed to the success and safety of the inter-agency rescue teams. Master Chief Petty Officer Smith's dedication and devotion to duty are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Coast Guard.



For exceptional meritorious service from 20 Feb 1990 to 28 Feb 2014 culminating as Officer in Charge, Customer Service desk, Chinhae Korea. Throughout his 24 years of service, Chief Petty Officer Fetuga distinguished himself by exceptional duty performance in positions of increasing responsibility. During his career, he consistently performed his duties by extraordinary leadership, integrity, and superior skill that improved every unit to which he belonged and put Sailors first. During the Japan earthquake disaster he led an unprecedented evacuation effort for over 1000 Sailors and their families out of Commander fleet Activities Yokosuka. His leadership was a beacon during a time of intense confusion, anxiety and turmoil. Due to his effort, CDS-15 was able to reconstitute and be battle ready in less than 48 hours and all squadron family members were safely relocated to the United States. Upon retirement, Chief Fetuga is recognized for distinguished performance of duty that reflects great credit upon himself, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



Outstanding meritorious service while serving as Operations Officer, Naval Air Systems Command, Combat Aircraft Survivability and Threat Lethality unit, from 01 September 2010 to 01 December 2012. Throughout this period, Commander Albani distinguished himself as an officer with vision and as a leader of the highest caliber. He utilized his vast professional knowledge and experience to ensure that our Joint Combat Assessment Team (JCAT) members where fully trained in aircraft battle damage assessment and qualified to deploy in theater and relieve the currently deployed JCAT team. His outstanding management and leadership directly contributed to the successful coordination and timely completion of this joint service requirement. His superior performance of duty during this period is the hallmark of a career devoted to accomplishing broad and diverse tasks highlighting the culmination of thirty four years of honorable and dedicated Navy service. Commander Albani's exceptional professionalism, personal initiative and loyal devotion to duty, reflected great credit upon himself, the Naval Air Systems Command and the United States Navy.



For outstanding meritorious achievement while serving as Navy Expeditionary Force (NEF) Deliberate Plans Officer and Lead Joint Operation Planning and Execution System (JOPES) Officer for FIRST Naval Construction Division Pacific and Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) Pacific from January 2010 to September 2013. Displaying astute vision and extraordinary leadership, he superbly integrated NECC, U.S. Coast Guard, and Expeditionary Medical forces into all phases of deliberate planning for operation plans (OPLANs) and concept plans (CONPLANs) in the Pacific Command (PACOM) area of responsibility (AOR). His keen analyses, superb attention-to-detail, and coordination produced unprecedented synchronization between NECC, Commander Pacific Fleet (CPF), Commander Seventh Fleet, Commander Task Force 76, Marine Forces Pacific, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and USFK forces in support of PACOM Commander s deliberate planning strategy and shaping goals. He meticuloulsy developed a comprehensive warfigting seminar (WFS) that combined rehearsal-of-concept (ROC) drills and briefs for critical OPLAN concept of operations of potential missions and tasks for NECC forces. As lead facilitator for NEF Plans Symposiums and WFS, he tirelessly endeavored to educate Echelon III, IV, and V leadership and prepare forces deploying to the PACOM AOR with relevant planning updates, vital strategic initiatives, and improving NECC's readiness posture. Recognized as the NEF's go-to planner and subject matter expert, he played a critical role in the alignment and maintenance of NECC JOPES data by implementing critical revisions and strategic guidance and significantly increasing accuracy of NECC force reporting. LCDR Panthen's outstanding performance and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



For outstanding meritorious achievement as Command Master Chief Naval Facilities Command Headquarters Reserve Augment from September 2011 to September 2013. He has distinguished himself by dedicated leadership and superb communication acumen. His steadfast devotion to the Seabee community and broad knowledge from his two contingency deployments assigned to a battalion and regiment made him an integral part of Flag staff and valued advisor to the Deputy Chief of Civil Engineering. During demanding and unprecedented Reserve Naval Construction Force restructure he provided a key link in communications from Naval Construction Regimental Command Master Chiefs to the Construction Force Master Chief and First Naval Construction Division Command Master Chief. Additionally his efforts representing Naval Facilities Command on Reserve Naval Construction Force Restructure Integrated Planning Team ensured the best course of action. By his professional ability, steadfast initiative, and selfless dedication to duty, Command Master Chief Robert Marconi reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS SUPPLY CHIEF, COMBAT LOGISTICS COMPANY 36, COMBAT LOGISTICS REGIMENT 35, 3D MARINE LOGISTICS GROUP FROM DECEMBER 2010 TO DECEMBER 2012. DURING THIS PERIOD, MASTER SERGEANT PHAM PERFORMED HIS DUTIES IN AN EXEMPLARY AND PROFESSIONAL MANNER AND DISTINGUISHED HIMSELF WITH OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE OF DUTY. HE MANAGED FOUR SEPARATE FISCAL ACCOUNTS AND WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVER 900 LINE ITEMS VALUED AT OVER 4 MILLION DOLLARS. AS THE SENIOR ENLISTED ADVISOR FOR THE UNIT, HE COORDINATED THE COMPANY'S PREPARATION FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL'S READINESS INSPECTION. FURTHERMORE THE SUPPLY INSPECTOR NOTED HIS ACCOUNT AS OUTSTANDING. THROUGH HIS LEADERSHIP AND SOUND KNOWLEDGE OF INITIAL ISSUE PROVISIONING, HE WAS ABLE TO EXTEND COMBAT LOGISTICS REGIMENT 35'S ABILITY TO FIELD AND ACCOUNT FOR OVER 1,300 ITEMS VALUED AT OVER $9.9 MILLION TO THE UNITS ABOARD MCAS IWAKUNI. MASTER SERGEANT PHAM'S INITIATIVE, PERSEVERANCE, AND TOTAL DEDICATION TO DUTY REFLECTED CREDIT UPON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.



For outstanding meritorious achievement as Uniform Matters Office Command Master Chief for the Chief of Naval Personnel from June 2009 to September 2011. Command Master Chief Featherstone displayed exceptional leadership as he provided Navy Uniform Policy Briefs to the Fleet, provided counsel and analysis in the development of Navy Uniform Policy, drafted Navy Uniform Proposals for three Navy Uniform Boards, drafted one Navy Uniform NewsGram, drafted multiple Naval Administrative Messages announcing Navy Uniform Changes to the fleet, and answering hundreds of questions on Navy Uniform Questions for the fleet as he maintained the Ask The Master Chief Email Group. As a mentor, Command Master Chief Featherstone trained the next generation of Command Master Chiefs by chairing multiple Personnel Qualifications Standards training sessions. Having served on two U.S. Navy Selection Boards, he also chaired multiple Selection Board Briefs preparing his Sailors for competition. The exceptional professional ability, steadfast initiative, and selfless dedication to duty exhibited by Command Master Chief Featherstone reflected great credit upon him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



Outstanding meritorious service as personnel officer and adjutant for Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Bangor, Washington, September 2009 to May 2012. Throughout this period, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Schumacher distinguished herself as an officer with vision and a leader of the highest caliber. She utilized her immense professional knowledge to lead the Marines within the battalion through multiple successes. Her commitment laid the foundation for the harmonious relationship that the battalion enjoys with all units aboard Naval Base Kitsap and the many civilian philanthropic organizations in the community. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Schumacher demonstrated immense professional knowledge and experience to manage a unique command with only two alike in the entire Marine Corps. She educated all leaders and utilized available automated system technology to improve administration processes. As a result, she successfully managed the commands work flow within the administrative office and processing successful unit diary transactions that supported the needs of the battalion. Her willingness to shoulder critical responsibilities and incorporate quality control on the development of personnel administration initiatives was noteworthy in a complex administrative environment. Her superior performance of duty during this tour is the hallmark of a career devoted to accomplishing broad and diverse tasks, highlighting the culmination of over 24 years of honorable and faithful service dedicated to the Marine Corps. The exceptional professional ability, steadfast initiative, and selfless dedication to duty exhibited by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Schumacher reflected great credit upon her and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.



For outstanding meritorious achievement as NR NSF NNMC Bethesda Command Chief and acting Commanding Officer from December 2007 to July 2011. Senior Chief Petty Officer Logan displayed exceptional leadership, coordinating security coverage for one our nation's most vital assets for the care and treatment of military forces. He ensured security forces were perpetually qualified, coordinated consistent coverage, and his command climate was one of service and dedication. He set the example for his unit, with exemplary bearing and moral leadership, aiding in further development of his personnel. By his professional ability, steadfast initiative, and selfless dedication to duty, Senior Chief Petty Officer Logan reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



For outstanding meritorious achievement as Uniform Matters Office Command Master Chief for the Chief of Naval Personnel from June 2009 to September 2011. Command Master Chief Featherstone displayed exceptional leadership as he provided Navy Uniform Policy Briefs to the Fleet, provided counsel and analysis in the development of Navy Uniform Policy, drafted Navy Uniform Proposals for three Navy Uniform Boards, drafted one Navy Uniform NewsGram, drafted multiple Naval Administrative Messages announcing Navy Uniform Changes to the fleet, and answering hundreds of questions on Navy Uniform Questions for the fleet as he maintained the Ask The Master Chief Email Group. As a mentor, Command Master Chief Featherstone trained the next generation of Command Master Chiefs by chairing multiple Personnel Qualifications Standards training sessions. Having served on two U.S. Navy Selection Boards, he also chaired multiple Selection Board Briefs preparing his Sailors for competition. The exceptional professional ability, steadfast initiative, and selfless dedication to duty exhibited by Command Master Chief Featherstone reflected great credit upon him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



Meteorology/Oceanography Reserve Activity 1994 San Diego, California from September 2005 TO December 2010. Lieutenant Fox distinguished himself through his superior technical ability and untiring work ethic. He defined the knowledge base for the Littoral Oceanography and Coastal Meteorology Course. He updated the Navy's Joint Surf Manual, which lay unchanged for almost 30 years. He paved the way to institutionalize METOC support into the SEAL Combat Swimmer Course. He developed littoral forecast tools to ensure the safety and success of SEAL team missions. As Officer in Charge of SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One, he set the standard of training for METOC support by creating evaluation tools and authoring the Naval Special Warfare METOC Forecasting Manual. Lieutenant Fox's vast technical and professional knowledge, coupled with his exceptional leadership abilities and unswerving dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Associate Professor of Naval Science, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, from April 2009 to April 2011. Lieutenant Humphries consistently performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. He displayed exceptional leadership and management acumen while serving as a one man show, efficiently and wisely utilizing scarce resources to accomplish all command missions. Utilizing his superior technical ability and untiring work ethic he was directly responsible for selection and commissioning of the Navy's first female submariner. He exceeded nuclear accession goals by ensuring each candidate was fully prepared for Naval Reactors interviews. An exceptional instructor, he mentored and trained students in Engineering and Weapon Systems drawing on unique fleet experience few junior officers have attained as a qualified Tactical Action Officer for a Sea Combat Commander during a 5th Fleet deployment. Responsible for more than 20 Officer Candidates, he tirelessly dedicated himself to their training and advancement by ensuring he served as Department Head, Division Officer, and Command Career Counselor rolled into one. Accountable at every level of training and development of 180 students annually as summer cruise coordinator, he positively influenced the future of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Lieutenant Humphries' outstanding meritorious service, exceptional professional ability, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Congressional Liaison for Intelligence, Office of Legislative Affairs from January 2003 to August 2006. Commander Doe consistently performed her demanding duties in a highly professional manner. She distinguished herself as a highly respected and effective liaison officer through her keen understanding of Navy intelligence systems and programs. Commander Doe's professional acumen and ability to communicate effectively across widely varying communities and committees helped secure Congressional approval for key Navy initiatives across the broad spectrum of General Defense Intelligence, Joint Military Intelligence and Tactical Intelligence and Related Activity Programs. Her interface with Members of Congress and their staffs was critical in informing them on a range of issues, including the Navy's involvement in the Global War on Terrorism, the impact of Intelligence Community Reform legislation, and key Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance initiatives. Commander Doe's exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon her and were In keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.



FOR OUTSTANDING MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS INDEPENDENT DUTY CORPSMAN/LEADING PETTY OFFICER, 7TH COMMUNICATION BATTALION, OKINAWA, JAPAN, FROM 08 DECEMBER 2008 TO 08 DECEMBER 2010. PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS TABOT KWO CONSISTENTLY PERFORMED HIS DEMANDING DUTIES IN EXEMPLARY AND HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL MANNER. HE SUPERBLY SUPERVISED 9 JUNIOR PERSONNEL WITH DAILY MEDICAL SICKCALL, IMMUNIZATIONS BATTALION MEDICAL READINESS, PROVIDED SUPPORTIVE MENTORSHIP, TRAINING LEADING TO 90% FMF WARFARE QUALIFICATIONS. HIS ATTENTION TO DETAILS, INITIATIVE AND DETERMINATION INCREASED BATTALION MEDICAL READINESS FROM 60% TO OVER 90%. AS A DIRECT RESULT OF HIS EFFORTS, THE BATTALION SUSTAINED TWO MISSION CAPABLE RATINGS DURING 2 CG INSPECTIONS. HIS EXCEPTIONAL EFFORT TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY LED HIM TO BE INVOLVED IN ROLES AS DEPLOYMENT HEALTH COORDINATOR. HE COMPLETED OVER 600 PDHRA, IMPROVING THE OVERALL PDHRA COMPLIANCE FROM A LOW 20% TO OVER 90%, HIGHEST IN THE III MEF AND ISLAND-WIDE. DURING TIMES OF SHORTAGE, PETTY OFFICER KWO ACTED AS THE SOLE PRIMARY PROVIDER TO 750 MARINES AND SAILORS, ENSURING UNINTERRUPTED PRIMARY CARE SERVICES TO THE ENTIRE BATTALION. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE FORWARD DEPLOYED, HE ACTED AS PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER TO A BASE OF OVER 2000 PERSONNEL OF BOTH US AND AUSTRALIAN FORCES. HIS FORESIGHT WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN PREVENTING A MAJOR OUTBREAK OF H1N1. PETTY OFFICER KWO'S INITIATIVE, PERSEVERANCE, AND UNSWERVING DEDICATION TO DUTY REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.



FOR OUTSTANDING MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS MILPAY AUDITOR AT PERSONNEL SUPPORT DETACHMENT NORTH ISLAND, CALIFORNIA, FROM 01 JUNE 2006 TO 30 JUNE 2009. PETTY OFFICER SECOND CLASS JACKSON CONSISTENTLY PERFORMED HER DEMANDING DUTIES IN AN EXEMPLARY AND HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL MANNER. A RECOGNIZED SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT, SHE PROCESSED OVER XXX MILPERS TRANSACTIONS, MILPAY DOCUMENTS, AND TRAVEL CLAIMS, WITH METICULOUS ACCURACY. HER EXCEPTIONAL EFFORT TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY LED HER TO BE INVOLVED IN ROLES AS VITA COORDINATOR FOR OVER 1,500 STUDENTS RESULTING IN $XXX IN TAX RETURNS, COMMAND CAT TEAM LEADER, AND EARNING HER ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE AND BACHELORS DEGREE IN HER SPARE TIME. BY HER UNSWERVING DEDICATION TO DUTY SECOND CLASS PETTY OFFICER JACKSON REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HERSELF AND UPHELD THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.





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