The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Thomas C. Thetford, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Plans, Exercises and Readiness Officer, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii from October 2007 to May 2009. Commander Thetford’s extraordinary leadership achieved quantum improvements in the planning and execution of joint military exercises essential to the warfighting readiness of U.S. forces throughout the Pacific theater. Brilliantly directing all actions related to manning and augmentation planning for nine major exercises, he effectively managed the employment of more than 6,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Airmen operating across the area of responsibility. During Exercise TERMINAL FURY, the Pacific Command’s highest priority exercise, Commander Thetford ensured over 3,000 personnel were effectively trained to respond to real world national threats. Tireless and focused, he drove improvements to non-combatant evacuation operation preparations, personnel accounting and reporting processes, and individual augmentation assignments in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Commander Thetford’s superior performance of duties highlights the culmination of 37 years of honorable and dedicated service. By his dynamic direction, keen judgment, and loyal devotion to duty, Commander Thetford reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.