 Vice Admiral Kurt Tidd, Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, became the 19th recipient of the Old Salt Award in a ceremony at the Pentagon June 22. The Old Salt Award is a wonderful opportunity presented by the Surface Navy Association to recognize that surface warfare officer who has served the longest on continuous active service since they qualified as a surface warfare officer. Tidd is a 1978 U.S. Naval Academy graduate with 37 years of naval service. It is a testimony to being the last person standing in line behind an awful lot of superbly qualified people who have gone before you. It's a real pleasure because it's recognition of the fact that I've been able to be a part of this organization and be a member of this professional community for over 35 years now.