French Chief of Staff Adm. Bernard Rogel awarded Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michelle Howard the Legion d'Honneur Award at the Crypt of John Paul Jones in the main chapel of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Dec. 10.

Adm. Howard said she was truly honored to receive the citation.

"Thank you so much for this honor," said Howard. "It is up to us to appreciate each other and continue to serve each other but also to the benefit of our nation."

Howard explained why she chose to receive the award in the Crypt of John Paul Jones.

"John Paul Jones is considered the father of our Navy," said Howard. "He received the Bonhomme Richard from the French and without that ship our Navy might not have had a father and I might not be standing here today."

The Legion d'Honneur Award is France's highest award and translates to "Legion of Honor." It is awarded to honor extraordinary contributions to one's country.