A fighter pilot with roots in southwest Iowa was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for “Meritorious service.” The Secretary of the Navy presented the award to US Navy Strike Fighter Pilot, Lt. Commander Joshua Larson on Feb. 26th.

LCDR Joshua Larson (Photo submitted(

Lieutenant Commander Joshua A. Larson is the son of Larry and Dee Larson of Massena, grandson of Lois Larson of Corning and brother of Kim Pontius of Corning. Lt CDR. Larson is a 1996 graduate of the Massena High School.

The award read as follows:

“Meritorious Service while serving as Kingdom of Bahrain Country Engagement Officer on the staff of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet from January 2013 to March 2014 conducting Operations in the U.S. Central Command Area of responsibility.

Lieutenant Commander Larson superbly managed more than 170 Key Leader engagements including meetings with Bahrain’s King, Crown Prince, Chief of Defense, and Minister of Foreign Affairs along with numerous Royal Court Leaders, Ministers, and National Heads of Services. Demonstrating keen foresight, he expertly integrated the Kingdom of Bahrain into 20 U.S. Central Command International Exercises while flawlessly managing expanding Bilateral Coordination. In addition, he brilliantly led the planning for 10 Major International Conferences including the 2013 Manama Dialogue and the 2014 Bahrain International Air Show.

By his unswerving determination, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lieutenant Commander Larson reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service”.