The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Vice Admiral Frank O’Beirne, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during the period 30 September 1960 to 30 September 1963, as Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. During this period, Vice Admiral O’Beirne skillfully organized, trained, equipped and deployed the aircraft, ships and personnel of his command, making a most significant contribution to the United States military posture during the Cuban crisis of 1962. Exercising keen insight and a meticulous attention to operational requirements and the personnel needs of his command, he introduced the U.S. Navy’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and five new types of operational aircraft into the Atlantic Fleet while simultaneously reducing the aircraft accident rate and increasing overall efficiency. Under his excellent leadership, re-enlistment rates increased by 67 per cent, establishing a new record.