Below is an example Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) Please reach out below if you are interested in contributing additional MSM Examples
CITATION:
For outstanding meritorious service while assigned to USS NEVERSAIL from 20 May 2012 to 31 March 2014. Lieutenant Commander Smith was the guiding hand in every major decision, improvement, and addition to USS NEVERSAIL during his tenure. Through his efforts 170 military and civilian personnel were trained and equipped to deploy to Afghanistan, Iraq and in support of all five geographic combatant commands; furthermore, any given moment there are in excess of 90 USS NEVERSAIL personnel either on deployment preparing to deploy overseas to support ongoing combat operations. LCDR Smith placed a high priority on mentorship and professional development, He provided one on one mentoring, group leadership development training, and career advice to the 20+ officers in the USS NEVERSAIL wardroom. Furthermore, after the 2014 Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute command climate survey LCDR Smith took the lead of six distinct Command Assessment Teams command climate survey. These assessment teams took a look at a broad range of topics and put in place specific steps to correct the deficiencies. The impact of implementing these recommendations was profound. Less than one year later the command re-took the survey with substantial quantitative and qualitative improvement noted. Most of all he was a consistent bedrock of decisive leadership and the command and remained highly dedicated to the welfare, morale and professional development of his personnel. Lieutenant Commander Smith exceptional professionalism, personal initiative, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service
For the president, LCDR John Smith distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service and achievement while serving as the Executive Officer of USS NEVERSAIL from May 2012 until April 2014. He is an agent of change and willing to take calculated risks to ensure deploying personnel had world-class equipment, training, and support. LCDR Smith contributions lifted the organization to new heights and set the standard for excellence.
Under LCDR Smith leadership 170 military and civilian personnel were trained and equipped to deploy to Afghanistan, Iraq and in support of all five geographic combatant commands. At any given moment there are in excess of 90 USS NEVERSAIL personnel either on deployment preparing to deploy overseas to support ongoing combat operations. The capability and flexibility of USS NEVERSAIL personnel, representing approximately 25 percent of the all-source intelligence capability assigned to deployed NSW and Expeditionary Commanders, has been recognized by all supported commands as a critical force multiplier in combat.
LCDR Smith provided expert oversight to three contracts totaling 1.64M over the FY, including the successful rebidding of our primary training contract which saved over 2.0M in the first year alone. Additionally, his aggressive networking across the Navy lead to 700 thousand dollars from OPNAV 515 for contingency and force protection training.
Managed and accounted for over 14,000 pieces of equipment valued at $3.3m with 100% accountability. Additionally, LCDR Smith oversaw the $88 thousand dollar contract executed by RF Logistics to manage all of USS NEVERSAIL weapons and deployment-related gear. This contract gave USS NEVERSAIL a single source inventory and maintenance management system saving. Not only were countless man-hours saved, but the system allowed us to ensure a higher standard of accountability for our equipment.
A catalyst for improvements in logistical support he championed multiple upgrades to USS NEVERSAIL facilities. The most recent was a 46 thousand dollar storage cage installation enabling analysts to safely store their gear while on deployment. Additionally, he championed the installation of 42 computers in the USS NEVERSAIL training room allowing for classes to be held on Andrews Air Force Base rather than sending people on temporary duty out of the area. Finally, he initiated the process of transferring the mobile weapons trailer from ONI police to USS NEVERSAIL.
Under LCDR Smith leadership USS NEVERSAIL answered Requests for Information (RFI) from DOD, National, NSW, and NECC customers. These unofficial RFI ran the gamut from targeting packages to the preparation of the environment briefs to meteorological and geographic intelligence support for tactical operations. Additionally, KIWC produced formal products during the same time period.
While overseeing the administrative department LCDR Smith ensured 2153 Temporary Active Duty trips to over 300 CONUS and OCONUS locations at a value of 1.84m were properly executed and disbursed. He additionally held responsibility for 852 administrative actions to include FITREPS, EVALS, Administrative board packages, and numerous award nominations. He oversaw 4 national level accountability exercises and ensured 100% accountability for 284 command personnel and family members.
LCDR Smith is deeply involved in the training of intelligence analysts prior to deployment into combat areas. He safely ensured execution of 21 weapons training events, 19 high-risk training events and was responsible for securing 30 annual billets to Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Except (SERE) training.
LCDR Smith greatest contribution is the ability to mentor and develop his juniors. He provides one on one mentoring, group leadership development training, and career advice to the 20+ officers in the USS NEVERSAIL wardroom. Under his leadership, USS NEVERSAIL was awarded the Office of Naval (ONI) Junior analyst of the year, ONI Junior Officer of the year, and most highly ranked petty officer out of the 127 strong ONI clemency.
LCDR Smith demonstrates a clear commitment to the Navy family. During his tenure, he has strengthened the sponsorship program and provided a more personal and professional check-in process. Additionally, his focus on the Navy family does not end at the service member; prior to each deployment, LCDR Smith contacts the service member or civilian next of kin to reach out and establish rapport.
Leading change management during the office of Naval Intelligence administrative realignment, LCDR Smith flawlessly managed the new reporting, manpower, and administrative requirements associated with this administrative realignment. Where conflicts of policy arose, LCDR Smith was successfully able to address the problem and work toward equitable solutions.
LCDR Smith is an agent of change. After the 2014 Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute command climate survey LCDR Smith took the lead of six distinct Command Assessment Teams command climate survey. These assessment teams took a look at a broad range of topics from perceived external discrimination to hiring practices and put specific steps in place to correct the deficiencies. The impact of implementing these recommendations was profound. Less than one year later the command re-took the survey with substantial quantitative and qualitative improvement noted.
LCDR Smith consistently superb professional performance combined with his untiring efforts and commitment to the Navy has resulted in a significant impact on the day-to-day operations and long term excellence of Naval Intelligence. His many exceptional examples of dedication, devotion, and achievement provide an example for others to emulate. He has served with distinction and is extremely deserving of the recognition afforded by the MSM