WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) yesterday received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Navy for his service in Congress and as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.  Navy Secretary Ray Mabus presented the award. 

“I thank our brave men and women at the Department of the Navy for this tremendous honor,” said Wicker.  “I am proud my home state of Mississippi has played a strong and dynamic role in advancing the Navy’s extraordinary legacy.  I remain committed to ensuring that today’s naval forces have the resources they need to fulfill their missions at home and abroad.”

The award’s citation notes Wicker’s service as Ranking Member of the Seapower Subcommittee, which “greatly contributed to the quality of the United States’ naval forces, continued support for the quality of life for the men and women of the Department of the Navy, and ensured the Navy-Marine Corps team was the most lethal fighting force in history.”

The Navy Distinguished Public Service Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Navy to a civilian not employed by the Department of the Navy. 

Washington D.C. (Feb. 28, 2013) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus presents the Department of the Navy's highest award for civilians, the Navy Distinguished Public Service Medal, to U.S. Senator Roger Wicker. Mabus presented Wicker with the award for his exemplary service and support of the Navy and Marine Corps while in the Senate. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelly Allen/Released)

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