Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 2012-11-30
Invested on: 2013-09-12
As commanding officer of Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown from March to August 2011, Commander Skjerpen led Canada’s maritime contribution to the NATO mission to protect the people of Libya. An outstanding and decisive leader, he quickly established his ship as an aggressive presence off the coast, providing direct support to the besieged city of Misratah. Commander Skjerpen’s leadership, diplomacy and adaptability contributed directly to the mission’s success, helping the city resist all attempts at occupation.