ASAN, Guam -- U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. John Aquilino presented Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero with the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, May 2.

Aquilino presented the award, on behalf of Acting Secretary of the Navy James E. McPherson, for Gov. Leon Guerrero's leadership and efforts to preserve the health of Sailors assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) as they recover from the effects of COVID-19.

USS Theodore Roosevelt arrived in Guam March 27 following the confirmation of COVID-19 cases aboard the ship. Gov. Leon Guerrero and her staff have been steadfast and proactive partners, collaborating with DoD leaders to identify flexible social distancing solutions to enable the TR crew's recovery and to help the ship on its path to return to sea.

"We are so thankful for the support and hospitality that Governor Leon Guerrero and her staff and the people of Guam have shown our Sailors," said Aquilino. "No one had any experience with anything like this, and they worked with us side-by-side as we developed a strategy to give TR the support it needed."

In addition to meeting with Gov. Leon Guerrero, Aquilino and U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief James Honea visited Sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and several U.S Pacific Fleet commands during their visit to Guam.