U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) has been awarded the U.S. Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor a civilian not employed by the Navy can receive from the Secretary of the Navy.

The distinction is given to individuals with an exceptional record of public service to the Navy, Marine Corps or Department of the Navy.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Maybus presented Kilmer with the award during an address to local leaders and military personnel in Bremerton on Oct. 21.

“It was humbling to accept this award from Secretary of the Navy Ray Maybus,” Kilmer said. “I’m proud to fight for our service-members, the DOD civilians who support them, and our veterans. Frankly, I received this on behalf of our amazing community who step up to support the men and women who serve every single day and I look forward to continuing to be their partner.”

“This award is to recognize Representative Kilmer’s tremendous support for our sailors and Marines and his forceful advocacy for the resources needed to maintain a strong Navy and Marine Corps,” Mabus said. “We are fortunate to have such a dedicated leader in Congress.”

Since coming to office Kilmer has been a strong proponent for the region’s service-members, civilian defense workers and veterans. He routinely speaks out about the need to end the across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration that caused the furlough of many civilian defense workers.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Kilmer has fought to support a fleet of 11 aircraft carriers while fully funding the Ohio-class submarine replacement program. Kilmer also has secured investments for construction at key local military installations like Naval Base Kitsap.