Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Virginia’s First District Representative and House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee Chairman Rob Wittman accepted the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award today, the highest recognition the Navy grants to a civilian. The award is presented for an individual’s contributions and accomplishments that have had Navy-wide impact or beyond. Wittman accepted the award from U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus in his Washington, D.C. office.

“This award is humbling, and I am truly honored to represent so many admirable active and retired Sailors and Marines and accept it on behalf of their exemplary service to our nation,” Wittman said. “Throughout my time in elected office, I’ve been committed to faithfully serving our nation’s veterans, our all-volunteer force, and their families.

“I take my oath and my constitutional duty under Article I section 8 very seriously: “To provide for the common defense of this Nation.” I am absolutely committed to the future of the United States Navy and Marine Corps and the critical capability they bring to bear in the asymmetric world that we live in.

“We are at a critical time in our nation’s history where we are trying to balance smaller budgets and limited resources with growing expectations. We have to trim our expenditures and figure out what we as a country can live without. One thing this nation cannot live without and that is critical to our national security future is the capability and strength of our Naval fleet. Our nation’s armed forces, and especially the Navy and Marine Corps, continue to operate and defend this nation with honor, amongst the many challenges they face today. Their service, sacrifice, bravery, and courage drive me as I work to represent them to the best of my ability.”

The award reads as follows:

“For exceptional service to the Department of the Navy as a member of Congress and the House Armed Services Committee. Congressman Wittman’s selfless service to the Nation’s Sailors and Marines ensured they were provided the resources necessary to support and defend the Nation’s interests around the globe. His courageous leadership as the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee and key member of the Seapower Subcommittee greatly contributed to the quality of the United States’ naval forces, continued support for quality of life for the men and women of the Department of the Navy, and assured the Navy-Marine Corps team was the most lethal force in history. Congressman Wittman’s tireless advocacy for shipbuilding programs and service member issues exemplifies his grateful appreciation for his service to the Nation and for his outstanding contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps, the Honorable Rob Wittman is awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award.”

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, and as a member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee. He serves as co-chair of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus and the Congressional Submarine Caucus, and also serves as Chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors. The First District boasts a large Naval and Marine Corps presence, with many active duty and retired members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps living in the district, and includes Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, Marine Corps Base Quantico and close proximity to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest U.S. Naval base in the world.

###