NY Naval Militia Chief Warrant Officer Carl S. Enriquez, a Manalapan resident, awarded NY State Medal for Meritorious Service

Latham, NY (06/26/2018) — New York Naval Militia Chief Warrant Officer Carl Enriquez, a Manalapan resident, has been awarded the New York State Medal for Meritorious Service in recognition of his service as the Naval Militia's Force Medical Officer.

Enriquez was honored for more than 42 years of service to the New York Naval Militia, which included serving in support of state missions during the 1980 Winter Olympics, the state response to the crash of Trans World Airlines Flight 800 off Long Island in 1996, and preparations for potential disruptions in computer programming in 2000. He also responded to the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001.

The New York Naval Militia is composed of current Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Reserve members who agree to serve on state active duty when called by the state of New York. They put the skills they've honed in federal military service to work for New York.

A small number of Naval Militia personnel are retired military members.

Naval Militia members responded to Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the Buffalo snowstorm in 2014, Lake Ontario flooding in 2017 and snow storms in the Hudson Valley earlier this year.

The Naval Militia also operates a fleet of nine patrol boats which respond to state emergencies, augment law enforcement agencies and support the U.S. Coast Guard.

The New York State Medal for Meritorious Service is awarded to members of the New York National Guard, the New York Naval Militia or the New York Guard who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious achievement or exceptionally meritorious service.

Enriquez award recognized his service from 1974-- when he joined the Naval Militia as a member of the Navy Reserve-- to September 2016.

During the response to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in New York City, Enriquez served as a communicaitons advisory and specialist on the Hospital Ship Comfort which was sent to New York City to provide medical service if needed and housed responders. He played key roles in Naval Militia exercises during his career as well.

"His commitment has been in keeping with the highest sea service traditions, and reflects great credit upon himself, the New York Naval Miitia and the militry forces of the State of New York," his citation says.

The medal was presented to Enriquez during a June 22 ceremony prior to a change of command ceremony in which responsibility for the New York Naval Militia passed from Naval Militia Rear Admiral Ten Eyck Powell to Rear Admiral Timothy Zakriski.

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