Top Navy Officer Receives Public Service Award for Diversity Initiative

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kyle P. Malloy, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Asian-American Government Executives Network (AAGEN) recognized the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead with the AAGEN Excellence in Public Service Award June 10.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs L. Tammy Duckworth presented the award which is given to an outstanding leader in public service who has demonstrated great spirit, courage and dedication to public service.

"Unquestionably, Admiral Roughead has served our nation in peace and war with the highest courage, honor and patriotism that exemplifies the best of our military leaders," said Duckworth.

Duckworth went on to highlight that currently, under Roughead's leadership, the Navy has the highest number of Asian-Pacific American (APA) flag officers in its history with nine APA's serving at the rank of rear admiral or higher.

Roughead, the 29th CNO, received the award for his leadership and his diversity initiatives throughout the Fleet.

"I can't tell you how humbled I am to receive this award but I really receive it on behalf of the United States Navy," said Roughead. "[The Navy leadership] makes the achievements that the Navy has enjoyed possible."

CNO talked about the importance of racial and gender diversity in all ranks of the military and how much stronger of an organization the Navy is with a fleet which reflects the face of the nation.

"[I appreciate] the richness and the value that can be derived from the many different view points, ideas and thoughts that can come together and make any organization stronger, better and more effective," said Roughead.

Finally, CNO addressed the magnitude of possibilities offered to a Sailor in the Navy and the extraordinary opportunities available to be part of a 'Global Force for Good.'

"We in the Navy, and the Armed Services, can offer young men and women an opportunity to play a role on the global stage, to cause outcomes that make life better for people around the world in ways that they never thought possible," said Roughead.