Chief of Naval Operations of the United States Navy (USN), Admiral (ADM) Michael M. Gilday, was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)], by President Halimah Yacob. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to ADM Gilday at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.

ADM Gilday was conferred the award in recognition of his outstanding contributions in enhancing the excellent and longstanding bilateral relationship between the United States Navy (USN) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Under ADM Gilday's leadership, navy-to-navy cooperation continued to grow, which included the sustainment of rotational deployments of USN P-8 aircraft even throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, and the post-pandemic resumption of port calls by the United States Navy's carrier strike groups and nuclear-powered submarines, as well as rotational deployments of the Littoral Combat Ships at Changi Naval Base. Both navies also continued to engage in training through bilateral exercises such as Exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Ex CARAT) and Exercise Pacific Griffin, as well as multilateral exercise Rim of the Pacific. These interactions have strengthened the professionalism and bonds between the personnel of both navies.

ADM Gilday has also been a strong advocate and partner in enhancing regional maritime security and upholding a rules-based maritime order. During his tenure as the Chief of Naval Operations, the USN continued its support for the RSN's Information Fusion Centre, including deploying its first full-time International Liaison Officer.

ADM Gilday is in Singapore from 23 to 24 July 2023. Prior to the investiture, he called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng and Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, earlier today after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF.