RELEASE: U.S. Navy Memorial Announces 2025 Lone Sailor Award Recipients and a Tribute to the Navy and Marine Corps 250th Anniversary
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Navy Memorial is proud to announce Admiral James G. Stavridis, USN (Ret.), and Charles "Chuck" F. Sams III as the recipients of the 2025 Lone Sailor Award. This honor is presented annually to Sea Service veterans who have distinguished themselves during and after their service in uniform, exemplifying the core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with and get to know both Admiral Stavridis and Chuck Sams across many years, both during my time in the Navy and now in my current role at the U.S. Navy Memorial. They truly embody the spirit of the Lone Sailor, representing lives dedicated to service in and out of uniform. This year, as we also recognize 250 years of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps, we honor their unwavering dedication to the values of honor, courage, and commitment,” said Vice Admiral John B. Nowell Jr., USN (Ret.), President & CEO of the United States Navy Memorial.
ABOUT THE AWARDEES:
Admiral James G. Stavridis, USN (Ret.) is a retired four-star U.S. Navy officer who served as Supreme Allied Commander at NATO from 2009 to 2013, leading global operations across Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans, Syria, counter-piracy, and cybersecurity. Prior to that, he commanded U.S. Southern Command from 2006 to 2009, overseeing all military operations in Latin America. Over the course of his 37-year Navy career, Admiral Stavridis earned more than 50 medals and decorations, including 28 from foreign nations. Following his military service, Admiral Stavridis has remained a leading voice on international security, diplomacy, and leadership, serving as dean of The Fletcher School at Tufts University and currently as Vice Chair of Global Affairs at The Carlyle Group. He is also a prominent author and contributor to national media on global affairs.
Charles "Chuck" F. Sams III, U.S. Navy veteran, made history as the 19th Director of the National Park Service and the first Native American to lead the agency. He is a member of the Cayuse and Walla Walla tribes of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. During his Navy service, he served with distinction as an Intelligence Specialist with Attack Squadron 155, the Joint Intelligence Center Pacific Command, and the Defense Intelligence Agency, earning multiple commendations. After leaving the military, Sams built a distinguished 35-year career in public service and conservation leadership.
Navy 250 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy—a force forged before our nation’s birth and shaped by the sea. As a maritime nation, our warfighting force has sailed the globe in defense of freedom. From the seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace—always ready to fight and win alongside our Allies and partners.
Marine Corps 250 honors 250 years of the United States Marine Corps. From the shores of Tripoli to the sands of Iwo Jima, from the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of the Middle East, Marines have stood at the forefront of our Nation’s defense. Their courage and sacrifice have been instrumental in safeguarding our freedoms.
The U.S. Navy Memorial will present them with the award at the 2025 Lone Sailor Awards Dinner on September 9, 2025, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit www.navymemorial.org/lone-sailor-awards-dinner.
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