General Paul Nakasone, the Commander of the United States (US) Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency/Chief of Central Security Service was recently presented with Singapore’s esteemed military honor, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera), or Meritorious Service Medal (Military).
During a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defense (MINDEF), Singapore’s President Halimah Yacob and Minister for Defense Dr. Ng Eng Hen bestowed the award upon General Nakasone in recognition of his contributions to strengthening collaboration between the US Cyber Command and the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS).
General Nakasone played a crucial role in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Concerning Cooperation in Cyberspace between the US Department of Defense and MINDEF in August 2021, which institutionalizes cyber cooperation between both defense establishments in areas such as information sharing, operational and technical exchanges, and regional capacity building efforts.
Moreover, he has been an advocate for fostering bilateral ties and expanding collaboration between the two militaries. By promoting regular high-level visits, exercises, and subject matter expert working groups, he has significantly strengthened the breadth and depth of cooperation between the US Cyber Command and the DIS, promoting mutual understanding and friendship between personnel from both organizations.
General Nakasone has a distinguished military career, having held command and staff positions at all levels of the Army, in the United States, the Republic of Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.
General Nakasone’s receipt of the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) underscores the importance of robust partnerships and collaboration between countries in addressing the challenges of the digital age. His leadership and contribution to strengthening cooperation between the US Cyber Command and the Singapore Armed Forces’ Digital and Intelligence Service in support of regional stability and security have been significant.
Our heartfelt congratulations to General Paul Nakasone, Commander of the US Cyber Command, who was conferred Singapore’s prestigious military award — the Meritorious Service Medal (Military). 🇺🇸🇸🇬@mindefsg @US_CYBERCOM @thesingaporeDIS pic.twitter.com/956QEXpz04
— Singapore Embassy in the United States (@SingaporeEmbDC) March 23, 2023
