Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus awarded the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award to U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney on Wednesday.

The award is presented to civilians for specific courageous or heroic acts or exceptionally outstanding service of substantial and long-term benefit to the Navy, Marine Corps or Department of the Navy as a whole. It is the highest recognition the Secretary of the Navy can pay to a civilian who does not work for the Navy.

Courtney, D-2nd District, said it was "a true honor" to receive the award from Mabus.

"Representing the Submarine Capital of the World, Subase New London and Connecticut's most veteran-heavy congressional district, supporting our military men and women - past and present - has been, and will always be, a priority for me," he said.

The citation says Courtney was honored "for exceptional service to the Department of the Navy as a member of Congress and the House Armed Services Committee." He ensured that sailors and Marines had the resources necessary to support and defend the nation's interests around the globe, and he directly affected the quality of life for the men and women of the Department of the Navy, it said.

- Jennifer McDermott