NATIONAL SECURITY MEDAL AWARDED TO FORMER NCTC DIRECTOR
President George W. Bush awarded the National Security Medal to retired Vice Adm. John “Scott” Redd at a White House Ceremony Jan. 16, 2009. Redd was recognized by the President for “his more than 40 years of exceptional service to the Nation strengthening its intelligence capabilities and improving national security.” The National Security Medal is America’s highest intelligence award reserved for those with distinguished achievements or outstanding contributions in the field.
Redd became the first Senate confirmed director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) in August 2005 and served in that position until November 2007. NCTC leads the U.S. Government’s counterterrorism efforts by analyzing and sharing threat information and integrating all elements of national power to defeat terrorist threats at home and abroad.
In awarding the medal, the President called Redd “an innovator, a strategic thinker, an inspirational leader and a dedicated servant to the Nation, respected for his vision, courage and integrity.” During his remarks the President also thanked Redd’s wife Donna for her service over many years. The Redd’s daughter Anne Redd Chamberlin and sons Scott Redd Jr., and Adam Redd attended the White House ceremony.
Redd served 36 years in the Navy, commanded eight organizations and served in several senior policy positions in the Pentagon. His last active duty assignment was as Director of Strategic Plans and Policy on the Joint Staff. In 1995, he founded the first new US Navy Fleet in half a century, serving as the first Commander Fifth Fleet since the World War II era. Redd retired from active military service in 1998.
Following his military service he was the CEO of a high tech firm. He served briefly as the Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad, Iraq before becoming the Executive Director of the President’s Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction in 2004.
An avid amateur radio operator, Redd was inducted into the CQ Amateur Radio Hall of Fame in May 2008. He has won numerous amateur radio operator awards including seven world championships.
A native of Sidney, Iowa, Redd graduated second in his class from the United States Naval Academy in 1966. He currently resides in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.
