WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, Senator Lisa Murkowski was presented the United States Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award by U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus for her “selfless service to the Nation’s Sailors and Marines [that] ensured they were provided the resources necessary to support and defend the Nation’s interests around the globe,” according to the certificate.

The Navy also recognized her Arctic leadership that guarantees “our combat forces are prepared to meet the challenges of a dynamic operational environment.”

When presenting Senator Murkowski with the medal, Secretary Mabus said “the award speaks for itself, but I want to thank you personally and on behalf of the Navy and Marine Corps for all you’ve done for us – for sticking up for us.”

When Senator Murkowski received the distinction from Secretary Mabus , she admitted “I am really honored, truly honored” at the gesture of goodwill. Mabus responded to her “you earned this.”

The Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, established in 1951, is the highest recognition that the Secretary of the Navy may pay to a civilian not employed by the Department of the Navy. The award is given to non-military citizens for specific courageous or heroic acts or exceptionally outstanding service of substantial and long-term benefit to the Navy, Marine Corps, or Department of the Navy as a whole.

Other Senators and Representatives honored with the Award recently include Senator Jack Reed, Senator Thad Cochran, Senator Susan Collins, Representative C.W. Young, and Representative Susan Davis.