By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Friday, November 4, 2016, Congressman Bradley Byrne (R from Montrose), received the United States Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award from Navy Secretary Ray Mabus.
The award is the highest honor that can be given to a civilian not employed by the Department of the Navy.
Congressman Byrne said in a statement, “Being an advocate for a strong, capable naval fleet is a significant part of my service in Congress because I understand the important role the Navy plays in our national defense strategy. I appreciate Secretary Mabus for presenting me with this honor, and I pledge to continue standing up for the US Navy and Marine Corps throughout my time in Congress.”
Rep. Byrne said on Facebook, “I am truly honored to receive the US Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award. This award is the highest honor that can be given to a civilian not employed by the Department of the Navy. Being an advocate for a strong, capable naval fleet is a significant part of my service in Congress because I understand the important role the Navy plays in our national defense strategy. I appreciate Secretary Mabus for presenting me with this honor, and I pledge to continue standing up for the US Navy and Marine Corps throughout my time in Congress.”
The award citation reads: “For exceptional service to the Department of the Navy as a member of Congress and the House Armed Services Committee. Representative Byrne’s dedicated service to our Sailors and Marines ensured they were provided the resources necessary to support and defend the Nation’s interests around the globe. His strong leadership as a member of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower ensured the Navy-Marine Corps team was the most capable force in history. Through his tireless efforts, he guaranteed the highest levels of sustainability for our combat forces and directly impacted the quality of life for the men and women of the Department of the Navy. With grateful appreciation for his public service to the Nation and for his outstanding contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps, the Honorable Bradley Byrne is awarded the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award.”
Rep. Byrne has championed the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) built in Mobile by Austal. Byrne has promoted the combat attributes of the LCS and has fought efforts by some in Washington to find savings by cutting the number of LCs being ordered by the Navy or by limiting the program to just one class of LCS. Byrne has urged that the navy be expanded to more historical numbers.
Congressman Bradley Byrne is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and represents the First Congressional District of Alabama. While Byrne is up for reelection on Tuesday, the Alabama Democratic Party was unable to challenge the popular GOP incumbent.
