MANILA – For his exemplary service and accomplishments as the 37th Flag Officer In Command (FOIC) of the Philippine Navy (PN), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Vice Admiral Robert A Empedrad AFP (Ret) has recently received the US Legion of Merit (Commander degree) which was bestowed upon him on 23 August 2021 at the Manila Peninsula Hotel by Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command Admiral John Christopher Aquilino of the United States Navy.

The Legion of Merit is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. It is awarded to members of the U. S. military, as well as foreign military members and political figures, who have displayed outstanding performance of their achievements and services. It is also one of the highest military medals that is awarded to foreign officers.

“The pleasure is mine to have Admiral (Aquilino) come over to the Philippines to present me this award. It’s truly an honor for me to have this partnership when I was the Flag Officer in Command ,” Vice Admiral Empedrad said.

The Philippines and the United States have worked together towards maritime and naval cooperation to ensure inter-operability of both the US and Philippine Navies. The strong US-Philippines relationship highlighted the modernization of the Philippine Navy and its global campaign on maritime security.