210511-N-DB907-1063 WASHINGTON (May 11, 2021) The Honorable James F. Geurts (left), performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Navy, was presented with the French National Order of Merit, with the rank of Knight, by Lt. Gen. Thierry Carlier, Director General of the International Directorate of the French Defense Acquisition Agency during a 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Ashley E. Nekoui/Released)