The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Gary Roughead, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as Department of the Navy, Chief of Legislative Affairs from May 2001 through January 2003. Through his extraordinary foresight and keen understanding of military issues and the legislative process, Rear Admiral Roughead produced unprecedented levels of success with the Navy’s legislative agenda. He carefully forged strong personal bonds with Members of Congress and key staff members, and translated these bonds into support for Navy’s most critical personnel and programmatic priorities. As a trusted advisor to the highest echelons of the Department of the Navy, Rear Admiral Roughead provided outstanding counsel and strategic insight to the Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations for initiatives that significantly enhanced the readiness and capabilities of our current and future forces. During this period, Rear Admiral Roughead’s unparalleled leadership and vision kept the Navy’s legislative strategy on course. His decisive action, especially throughout the events following September 11, 2001, ensured favorable Congressional consideration across the entire spectrum of Fiscal Year 2002 and 2003 Navy programs including high profile issues such as Vieques, the Navy/Marine Corps Intranet, DD(X), and numerous quality of service initiatives. By his outstanding leadership, commendable innovation, and inspiring dedication to duty, Rear Admiral Roughead 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 Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Admiral Gary Roughead, United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States while serving as Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet from July 2005 to May 2007. Admiral Roughead’s exemplary leadership and strategic vision brought the Pacific Fleet to an unprecedented level of warfighting readiness and advanced our national security interests throughout the Asia-Pacific region. His bold strategic planning ensured U.S. Naval operations in the Pacific and Indian Ocean achieved focused objectives and maximum effectiveness. Admiral Roughead gathered the largest Naval force in the western Pacific during Exercise VALIANT SHIELD 2006, conducting high-end joint warfighting training and demonstrating the flexibility and responsiveness of American Naval power. His skillful diplomacy strengthened relations with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force enabling cooperation in Ballistic Missile Defense and improvements in the capability of Forward Deployed Naval Forces. Admiral Roughead’s engagement with China’s Navy led to protocols for communication at sea and conduct of search and rescue exercises. He dramatically strengthened relationships with regional navies while building commitment to international cooperation and information sharing for maritime security. Admiral Roughead adroitly led Joint Task Force 519, increasing its operational warfighting capability culminating in it attaining its initial certification. His groundbreaking initiatives in proactive humanitarian assistance missions demonstrated the goodwill of the American people and the flexibility of maritime forces. By his superior leadership, wise judgment, and deep devotion to duty, Admiral Roughead reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.