The Honorable James F. Geurts, performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Navy, received the French National Order of Merit, with the rank of Knight, during a decoration ceremony at the French Embassy in Washington D.C. May 11.

The secretary was nominated by French presidential decree for the award, based on efforts throughout his civilian career, including his time at U.S. Special Operations Command and as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition (ASN (RD&A)).

“Your leadership and commitment to the French/ U.S. cooperation has been crucial for many years,” said Lt. Gen. Thierry Carlier, Director General of the International Directorate of the French Defense Acquisition Agency (DGA). “France is grateful for your service and action and honored to award such a distinction to you.”

The  French National Order of Merit was created in 1963 by then president, Charles de Gaulle, and acknowledges distinguished military or civil achievements for acts of devotion, bravery, generosity, real merit or a measurable commitment to serving others or France.  The order has three ranks: Knight, Officer and Commander, and two titles, Grand Officer and Grand Cross.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this distinguished decoration,” said Geurts. “I have enjoyed working with my French counterparts and I am confident that together we have improved collective security for our nations. For more than 200 years, the alliance between France and the U.S. has helped safeguard the values of liberty and democracy.”

Geurts has over 30 years of extensive joint acquisition experience serving in all levels of acquisition leadership positions both as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and as a career civilian in the Department of the Navy. This includes Acquisition Executive, Program Executive Officer, and Program Manager of Major Defense Acquisition Programs.

During his tenure as ASN (RD&A), from December 2017 to January 2021, Geurts had oversight of an annual defense budget in excess of $100 billion, and ensured procurement of platforms, systems and technologies designed to enhance the readiness and operability of Sailors and Marines serving around the globe. His leadership and commitment also resulted in enhanced operability between the U.S. and France.

The two nations face complex challenges that span across borders and routinely work together to secure common interests globally. Examples include counterterrorism efforts, carrier aviation interoperability and airborne early warning systems. .

In February, Secretary Geurts was designated as performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy. In this position, he serves as the deputy and principal assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, as well as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Management Officer for the Department of the Navy. Additionally, in this role, he leads the Department in building and enhancing relationships with partners and allies, such as France.

“A key part of protecting our nation requires teamwork and cooperation with our trusted allies,” said Geurts. “I am committed to this principle as we continue to bolster the cooperation between the United States and France. The close relationship between our two countries demonstrates that we can overcome any challenge through teamwork. I look forward to deepening our cooperation and stand by our ally to address future challenges together.”