Admiral Michael M. Gilday (ADM), Chief of Naval Operations for the United States Navy (USN), has been awarded Singapore’s prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilan (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military). [MSM(M)], by President Halimah Yacob. Minister of Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, presented the award to ADM Gilday at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) this morning.
ADM Gilday was awarded this award in recognition of his outstanding contribution in strengthening the longstanding and excellent bilateral relationship between the United States Navy (USN) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Under ADM Gilday’s leadership, internavy cooperation continues to expand, including maintaining the rotational deployment of U.S. Navy P-8 aircraft during the COVID-19 outbreak and U.S. Navy port calls following the pandemic. Resumption was included. Rotational deployment of aircraft carrier strike groups, nuclear submarines, and littoral combat ships at Changi Naval Base. The two navies also continued training through bilateral exercises such as Ex CARAT and Exercise Pacific Griffin, as well as the multilateral Rim of the Pacific exercise. These interactions strengthened the professionalism and bond between the personnel of the two navies.
ADM Gilday is also a strong advocate and partner in strengthening regional maritime security and maintaining a rules-based maritime order. During his tenure as Chief of Naval Operations, the USN continued its support for the RSN’s Information Fusion Center, including providing the first full-time international liaison officer.
ADM Gilday is visiting Singapore from 23rd to 24th July 2023. Ahead of his inauguration ceremony, he earlier today visited Minister of Defence, Dr Ng Eng Heng, Chief of Defense Forces Vice Admiral Aaron Benn and Chief of the Navy Rear Admiral Sean Watt. MINDEF honor guard.
