Susan Collins Awarded Navy's Highest Civilian Honor

Secretary of Navy Presents Senator Collins With Distinguished Public Service Award

Award is Navy's highest civilian honor

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In a ceremony in her Washington, DC office today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a member of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, received the Distinguished Public Service Award from Ray Mabus, Secretary of the United States Navy. This award, established in 1951, is the highest public service honor bestowed by the Department of the Navy and is awarded to civilians for service that benefits the Navy, Marine Corps and Department of the Navy.

The citation reads:

"For exceptional service to the Department of the Navy as a member of Congress and the Senate Armed Services Committee.  Senator Collins’ long and 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.  Her strong leadership as Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee 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 in history.  Senator Collins’ tireless advocacy of shipbuilding programs assured the highest levels of readiness for our combat forces.  With grateful appreciation for her 16 years of service to the Nation and for her outstanding contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps, the Honorable Susan Collins is awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award.”

"I am truly honored to receive this recognition," said Senator Collins. "Being an advocate for the men and women who serve in the United States Navy is a privilege.  Maine has a long maritime tradition, and I am particularly proud of the shipbuilders at Bath Iron Works and the men and women who work at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, as well as the countless other companies and suppliers across Maine who contribute to our national security.  Thanks to their hard work and dedication, the State of Maine continues to help make the U.S. Navy the greatest fleet the world has ever seen.”