The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Carlisle Albert Herman Trost (NSN: 0-570325/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander SEVENTH Fleet from February 1980 to September 1981. Demonstrating brilliant leadership, a profound grasp of global strategy, and precise knowledge of all facets of naval forces, Vice Admiral Trost directed the ships and aircraft of SEVENTH Fleet in responding to a wide variety of national contingency taskings. He maintained SEVENTH Fleet units at peak operational readiness and battle efficiency during deployment operations at an unprecedented operational tempo. Under Vice Admiral Trost’s guidance, Battle Force readiness in the Indian Ocean was continually ready. This was achieved despite the longest, most complex logistic support lines in U.S. Navy history, extending over 4,000 miles into the Indian Ocean. His contribution to U.S. diplomacy in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans led to strengthened relationships with allies and the development of new avenues for future relationships with “non-aligned” nations. During four extensive trips to the Indian Ocean littoral countries, Vice Admiral Trost achieved resounding diplomatic success resulting in increased flexibility for deployed SEVENTH Fleet forces, including port visit opportunities for ships in Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Kenya, Pakistan, and Djibouti. Under his leadership, the combined efforts of SEVENTH Fleet ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and U.S. and foreign flag merchantmen rescued over 9,000 Vietnamese refugees in the South China Sea. The achievements of SEVENTH Fleet during this tumultuous period of significant international events were the direct result of his astute sense of diplomacy and comprehensive grasp of the broad aspects of naval matters and earned him the respect and admiration of all with whom he was associated. Vice Admiral Trost’s distinctive accomplishments, perceptive judgment, and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Vice Admiral Carlisle Albert Herman Trost (NSN: 0-570325/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Director, Navy Program Planning, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations from August 1981 to September 1985. As the Chief of Naval Operations’ principal staff executive for all except joint staff matters, Vice Admiral Trost demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and judgment, while coordinating the planning and programming for the significant force level growth and sustainability needed to regain U.S. maritime superiority. He superbly discharged his vast responsibilities through a superior grasp of national and naval strategy requirements, a thorough understanding of the forces arrayed against U.S. interests, full knowledge of naval tactics and capability requirements, and the ability to synthesize these factors into sound program plans. Vice Admiral Trost’s unequalled knowledge of the planning, programming and budgeting processes, and their relationship with major systems acquisition, coupled with an intimate knowledge of present and future fleet needs, enabled him to coordinate the policy and day-to-day management of Navy program development with astute judgment and effectiveness. By his unparalleled professional expertise, exceptional leadership, perseverance, and selfless dedication to duty, Vice Admiral Trost reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Carlisle Albert Herman Trost (NSN: 0-570325/1100), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as the Chief of Naval Operations from June 1986 through June 1990. Committed to the men and women of the Navy and their families, Admiral Trost directed bold initiatives in health care services and family support requirements, set limits on deployments, and expanded women’s opportunities. These positive resolutions to long-lingering problems underscored his belief that people are our number one priority. Under his direction, the Navy attained the highest levels of enlisted retention in the post-Vietnam era. Admiral Trost’s professional acumen and diplomacy were instrumental in furthering close rapport with foreign navies and the interest of sustaining mutual security interests and ensuring stability in strategic regions of the world. As a result of his stellar guidance, Admiral Trost invigorated the level of professionalism and readiness in the Navy at a time of high-tempo, global naval operations, directly supporting United States national policy objectives. Recognizing the importance of interoperability and inter-service cooperation in this era of declining defense budget dollars, he focused on integrating advanced technologies and initiated vital improvements in tactical and operational planning that have set the Navy on a course of increasing capabilities with a smaller force. Admiral Trost clearly articulated the need for our maritime nation to have a credible, sustained sea-power capability and helped shape a strong forward deployed defense strategy. As a direct result of his stewardship, our nation’s sea service is well prepared to meet the global challenges of the Twenty-First Century. Admiral Trost’s exceptional leadership, bold vision, and complete devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.