Senior Navy official speaks at annual Salute to Military Published Sept. 21, 2009 KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss -- Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations, is the featured speaker at the 31st annual Salute to the Military Oct. 13 at Biloxi's Mississippi Coast Coliseum Convention Center. The evening, which includes a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., a ceremonial program at 7 p.m. and dinner at 7:30 p.m., is black tie or dress uniform, though business dress is acceptable. For 31 years, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Com-merce has sponsored this formal Salute ceremony and dinner that brings the nation's top military leaders to the Mississippi Coast to join in tribute to the community's neighbors-in-uniform, said Coast Chamber Chairman John McFarland of the Sun Herald. Admiral Roughead will join Sen. Roger Wicker, Rep. Gene Taylor and the commanders of each coast military installation in recognizing the contributions of area military personnel and welcome home area troops recently returned from the frontlines. The evenng will also feature the presentation of the chamber's annual Thomas V. Fredian Community Service Award to an outstanding enlisted member. The Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve will provide ceremonial music and entertainment. A 1973 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Admiral Roughead has served as the 29th chief of naval operations for two years. He is the highest-ranking uniformed officer in the Navy and among his six operational commands, he was the first officer to command both classes of Aegis ships, the USS Barry and USS Port Royal. As a flag officer, he commanded Cruiser Destroyer Group 2, the George Washington Battle Group; and U.S. Second Fleet/NATO Strik-ing Fleet Atlantic and Naval Forces North Fleet East. Ashore, he served as commandant of the Naval Academy, the Depart-ment of the Navy's Chief of Legislative Affairs and deputy commander of U.S. Pacific Command. He is one of only two officers to have commanded the fleets in the Pacific and Atlantic, commanding the U.S. Pacific Fleet and Joint Task Force 519, as well as commander of U.S. Fleet Forces. His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Se-rvice Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and service awards. Admiral Roughead continues the tradition of the Salute invitations to nation's senior military leaders to visit the Coast. Last year's speaker was Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norman Schwartz. Tickets are $50 for civilians and retired military and $40 for uniformed military. Reserved tables of 10 are $500 (civilians and retired military) and $400 (uniformed military). Corporate sponsorships are available and sponsored tickets for enlisted personnel are made available. To purchase tickets on base, e-mail 81trw.pa@keesler.af.mil or call public affairs, 377-2783.