The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral James R. Ahern, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Comptroller of the Navy (Financial Management Systems) and Commander, Navy Accounting and Finance Center from June 1975 to April 1977. A capable, aggressive, foresighted, innovative leader and manager, Rear Admiral Ahern continually applied his considerable talents and management expertise over the broad spectrum of his responsibilities. Through the development and application of forward-looking, results-oriented action plans addressing the major financial management issues facing the Navy today, he successfully implemented the Joint Uniform Military Pay System; completed the general design for the Integrated Navy Disbursing and Accounting Project; reduced the number of civilian payroll systems from five to eight and eliminated 32 payroll offices while maintaining service standards and reducing overall costs; and contributed immeasurably to significant, substantive improvements in other areas of financial management. As Chairman of the Department of the Navy Financial Management Career Program Committee, he coordinated the development and implementation of a series of seven comprehensive formal training courses and six self-instructional learning systems, which will ensure the maintenance of a well-trained cadre of officer and civilian professional members capable of meeting future Navy financial management challenges. Rear Admiral Ahern’s distinctive achievements and steadfast dedication reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
May 1977 – September 1978
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral James R. Ahern, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, as Deputy Comptroller of the Navy and Commander of the Navy-Wide Finance Activities, Washington, D.C. from October 1976 through September 1978, and as Acting Comptroller of the Navy from May 1977 to October 1977. During his tenure as administrator of the Navy’s budget, accounting, and audit functions, Rear Admiral Ahern made vast contributions to Navy financial management, attaining savings worth millions of dollars through improved, cost effective financial operations. His unique achievements in financial systems design won him Government-wide recognition as the recipient of the prestigious Joint Financial Management Improvement Award for 1977, the first military officer in history so honored. Significantly enhanced financial systems resulted from Rear Admiral Ahern’s personal contributions and, equally important, more budget resources were provided to the operating Navy. By his steadfast and inspiring leadership, wisdom, and tenacious devotion to duty, Rear Admiral Ahern reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.