Mark called on Wednesday night to share some great news: the Naval Academy was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation!
I’ve included the Academy’s press release below. Here’s the key line: The Meritorious Unit Commendation recognizes superior mission accomplishment and is comparable to achievements which would merit the presentation of a Bronze Star Medal to an individual.
Earning medals and ribbons while at the Academy is almost impossible. Those racks of ribbons you see on smartly dressed military guys are all earned while on active duty. Even the highest ranking upperclassman wear the same ribbon rack as the lowliest plebe…
…unless you were a member of the Brigade from June ’07 to August ’08. Now you’re ‘da shit! Army didn’t get it. Air Force didn’t get it. Coast Guard didn’t get it.
Congratulations Mark!
Naval Academy Awarded Meritorious Unit Commendation
12/4/2008
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) — The Naval Academy received the Meritorious Unit Commendation from the chief of naval personnel (CNP) Dec. 3.
Vice Adm. Mark E. Ferguson, CNP, presented the citation to the more than 4,000-strong Brigade of Midshipmen during a lunchtime ceremony held in the academy’s dining facility, King Hall.
The award recognized the academy’s significant achievements from June 1, 2007, through Aug. 31, 2008. The Meritorious Unit Commendation recognizes superior mission accomplishment and is comparable to achievements which would merit the presentation of a Bronze Star Medal to an individual.
The award, signed by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead, specifically cited the academy’s leadership development and alignment with the fleet; record low plebe-summer attrition; highest graduation rate of any service academy; academic and athletic achievements; community service; diversity outreach efforts; and serving as an institution of national prominence, including hosting the 2007 Annapolis Middle East Peace Conference.
According to Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Jeffrey Fowler, “This award is a testimony of the focus and hard work of the Naval Academy team, exemplified by the professionalism of the Brigade of Midshipmen and the dedication of the great faculty and staff we have at this national institution.”
This is the Naval Academy’s second Meritorious Unit Commendation. The last time the Naval Academy received the Meritorious Unit Commendation was in 1998.