SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE Teammate Receives Prestigious 2025 USO Service Member of the Year Award
03 June 2025
San Diego, Calif. -- The Naval Special Warfare community is proud to recognize Chief Navy Diver Pearce Decker of SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team ONE (SDV Team ONE) as the 2025 USO Service Member of the Year. He received the award at the USO Gala in Washington, DC, on May 29, 2025, for demonstrating exceptional heroism during an at-sea operation.
This esteemed award recognizes Chief Decker's extraordinary bravery, selfless dedication to duty, and unwavering commitment to the Navy's standards and values.
"Chief Decker's positive influence is felt throughout our command," said CMDCM (SEAL) Derek Romsland. "He possesses a remarkable balance of assertiveness and openness to others' perspectives, fostering sound decision-making and building strong relationships with fellow Chiefs and teammates. His decisive actions during a crisis at sea surprised no one at the command; it's simply who he is."
Chief Decker's heroic actions took place when a teammate was ejected into the ocean at night in a high sea state. Without hesitation, Chief Decker sprang into action, locating the displaced operator and directing a rescue swimmer to their location and ensuring the safety of his teammates.
When asked about his experience, Chief Decker humbly stated, "I am extremely humbled by the recognition. We had a great team on that operation; it was crucial we all persevered through such demanding circumstances."
In addition to his selection as the Navy's USO Servicemember of the Year, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth presented Chief Decker with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for the same operation during a March 25, 2025, visit to Hawaii - a testament to Decker’s exceptional service and bravery.
“I feel honored,” said Decker. “The same award was given to President John F. Kennedy for his extremely heroic conduct as commanding officer of Motor Torpedo Boat 109, following the collision and sinking of that vessel in the Pacific War Area in 1943.”
Throughout the four-hour contingency, Decker placed himself in extraordinary danger to save a teammate, demonstrating the very best of what it means to be a Sailor and a Naval Special Warfare warrior.
“Fortunately, no one was severely injured, and the team was able to recover all personnel, which was my number one priority,” Chief Decker said. “Trusting your instincts and remaining calm is crucial during times of chaos. The clearer and more concise you can communicate to those around will help immensely in working together. I had an awesome group of men who trusted my decisions and were able to quickly communicate on actions needed to get through the event.”