ISLAMABAD: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, during his official visit to the US, has been awarded the ‘Legion of Merit’ by United States Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson.
According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Navy on Friday, the prestigious award was conferred during an impressive ceremony held at the US Navy Yard.
A full honours ceremony was held at the US Navy Yard in the honour of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah.
Upon arrival at the Navy Yard, the admiral was received by Admiral John Richardson. A smartly turned out US Navy contingent presented him the guard of honour.
Later, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah was awarded the United States Legion of Merit (Degree of Commander) by Admiral Richardson. The Legion of Merit is one of the highest military awards of the US armed forces, which is bestowed for exceptionally meritorious conduct.
Later, Admiral Zakaullah called on Admiral Richardson in his office at Pentagon. During the meeting, the naval chief dilated upon matters of mutual interest, including bilateral naval collaboration and security environment in Indian Ocean region. He also thanked the US chief of naval operations for active participation of US Navy in multinational naval exercise AMAN-17 conducted by the Pakistan Navy in Karachi.
The US chief of naval operations highly appreciated the professionalism of the Pakistan Navy personnel and active role being played by the Pakistan Navy for maritime security and stability in the region, and congratulated the Pakistan Navy for successful conduct of AMAN-17.
During his meetings with Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Laurel Miller, Principal Deputy Asst Secretary for Political-Military Affairs Tina Kaidanow and Congressman Brad Sherman, matters of mutual interest were discussed.
The admiral highlighted Pakistan’s commitment and performance in the fight against terrorism in general and the Pakistan Navy’s efforts for maintaining regional peace and security in particular. The dignitaries highly appreciated the role and contributions of the Pakistan to spearheading various initiatives for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Admiral Zakaullah also met US Fleet Forces Command Deputy Commander Vice Admiral Richard Breckenridge at the US Fleet Forces Headquarters, Norfolk, Virginia, wherein he was given detailed briefings regarding the US Fleet Forces Command.
