Every Monday we salute and thank a local member of our military. This Warrior of the Week is from Toms River and just been awarded a very special honor.

Toms River native Commander David G.Duff graduated from Toms River High School South and has just received a prestigious leadership award.

When the Navy announced its 2014 Stockdale Recipients, Cmdr. Duff was one of only two names on that list.

This award was established in honor of Vice Adm. Stockdale, whose distinguished naval career symbolized the highest standards of excellence in both personal conduct and leadership. It is presented each year to two commissioned officers on active duty who are serving in command of a single unit and who serve as examples of excellence in leadership and conspicuous contribution to the improvement of leadership in the Navy.

Cmdr. Duff , former commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 14, is the Pacific Fleet recipient and is now at the Nuclear Power School in South Carolina, on track to be the executive officer for USS George H.W. Bush next year.

Nominations for this award come only from commanding officers. The two commanders were chosen from among eight finalists to receive the award.

Cmdr. Duff was nominated for his commitment to war fighting and firm, fair and consistent leadership style. The nomination letter talks about Commander Duff's leadership, unsurpassed tactical ability and pursuit of excellence pivotal to the resounding success of the US Navy. During his time as Skipper, the command emerged as the preeminent Strike Fighter Squadron in the Navy.

The nomination letter goes on to say that Commander Duff shaped a culture dedicated to lethal effectiveness in combat and expectations of the highest personal standards. Cmdr. Tommy Locke, who nominated Cmdr. Duff, describes Cmdr. Duff as "A true warrior in every sense of the word. Cmdr. Duff served with honor, courage and commitment."

Duff, along with his fellow recipient Cmdr. Thomas J. Dickinson, will receive their awards from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert at a ceremony later this year.

Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale, for whom the Stockdale Award is named, articulated five roles for a leader: moralist, jurist, teacher, steward, and philosopher. Stockdale, a Naval Academy graduate and pilot, ejected from his A-4E Skyhawk over North Vietnam in 1965 and was held prisoner and frequently tortured until 1973. He received the Medal of Honor and went on to serve as president of the Naval War College.

The Navy Office of Community Outreach sent this quote regarding the US Navy:

"On our planet, more than 70% of which is covered by water, being there means having the ability to act from the sea. The Navy is uniquely positioned to be there; the world's oceans give the Navy the power to protect America's interests anywhere, and at any time. Your Navy protects and defends America on the world's oceans. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands of America's finest young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times."

And for this, we thank all that serve. And today, a special thank you to Commander Duff. We are proud to know that you are a native of Toms River!

 

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