On Friday, Sept. 26 at the U.S. Naval Academy, Charles County Administrator Mark J. Belton gave his final salute as a rear admiral of the U.S. Navy. More than 200 family, friends, and colleagues were there to witness this auspicious event.
“It is with sincere gratitude to Rear Adm. Mark Belton and his wife, Mary, and children, that I offer my congratulations on his retirement from the U.S. Navy after 31 years of service to our country”,” said Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly.
Belton personally received the following awards: three Legions of Merit, five Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Commendation Medal, seven Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He was also a member of organizations that received the following unit awards: the Joint Meritorious Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Navy Battle Efficiency Award.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Mark Belton. He inspires everyone to reach higher, and his accomplishments through 31 years of service to our country are remarkable,” said Commissioner Vice President Reuben B. Collins, II (District 3). “I know Mark will continue his dedication as Charles County’s Administrator with the same hard work and devotion to duty he’s shown throughout his life. Our country is fortunate to have had someone of Rear Adm. Belton’s caliber serving in the U. S. Navy.”
He last served as deputy commander, Naval Supply Systems Command in Mechanicsburg, Pa. His previous assignments as a rear admiral include: commander, Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Group; reserve director, Logistics Programs and Corporate Operations Division on the Navy Staff (OPNAV41); and director, Energy and Services Division, J9, U.S. Forces, Iraq at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad where he served as the senior forces representative to the Iraqi Ministries of Oil and Electricity.
“Mark Belton’s naval service is indicative of his commitment to our nation and to public service in general. I wish him well in his retirement from the Navy and thank him on behalf of our citizens for a job well done,” said Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1).
“Attending Rear Adm. Mark Belton’s retirement ceremony at the U. S. Naval Academy last week was an honor,” said Commissioner Debra M. Davis, Esq. (District 2). “A leader with Mr. Belton’s credentials would be an asset to any organization. We are extremely fortunate to have him as our county administrator.”
“Mark Belton is regarded as a man of unique leadership ability and fairness. Working with someone of his stature is a special experience for me. It’s rare in one’s life that you have an opportunity to meet someone who is outstanding in his profession, his military career, and his personal pursuits. I’m grateful to him for his service,” said Commissioner Bobby Rucci (District 4).
