CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS ADMIRAL DARYL CAUDLE, NASA ADMINISTRATOR JARED ISAACMAN AND BANK OF AMERICA TO BE HONORED AT INTREPID MUSEUM'S SALUTE TO FREEDOM GALA

The Intrepid Museum will honor Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Jared Isaacman and Bank of America, accepted by Eric Schimpf, at its annual Salute to Freedom gala on Tuesday, July 7. Held during the nation's commemoration of the 250th birthday of the United States, the gala celebrates extraordinary leadership while honoring the brave men and women who serve in defense of our nation.

Admiral Daryl Caudle will receive the 2026 Intrepid Freedom Award in recognition of his distinguished leadership of the United States Navy.

Sworn in as the 34th Chief of Naval Operations in August 2025, Caudle has served in a wide range of operational and strategic leadership roles throughout his four-decade naval career, including as Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Commander, Submarine Forces; and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command. A licensed professional engineer, he holds advanced degrees in physics, engineering management and organizational leadership. His numerous military decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and four awards each of the Legion of Merit and the Navy Distinguished Service Medal.

Jared Isaacman will receive the 2026 Intrepid Spirit Award, a new honor recognizing visionary leadership that inspires innovation and advances the spirit of exploration.

As the 15th Administrator of NASA, Isaacman is one of the most influential leaders shaping the present and future of American space exploration. An accomplished entrepreneur, pilot, philanthropist and commercial astronaut, he has dedicated his career to advancing innovation and expanding humanity's reach beyond Earth.

Today, he leads NASA at a pivotal moment in history, overseeing the agency's ambitious efforts to return Americans to the Moon and prepare for future missions to Mars.

Isaacman is perhaps best known for redefining what is possible in human spaceflight. He commanded Inspiration4, the world's first all-civilian orbital mission, and later led Polaris Dawn, a groundbreaking mission that included the first commercial spacewalk.

Under his leadership, NASA has continued the remarkable momentum of the Artemis program, which successfully returned astronauts to lunar orbit for the first time in more than half a century and is laying the groundwork for a sustained human presence on the Moon. The Artemis program represents one of the most ambitious scientific and engineering endeavors of our time.

Bank of America will receive the 2026 Intrepid Salute Award in recognition of its longstanding commitment to supporting veterans, military families and the communities they serve. The award also recognizes the company's longstanding relationship with the Intrepid Museum and its broader commitment to advancing economic opportunity through support for organizations that address basic needs, income creation, stable housing, arts and culture and other community priorities. The award will be accepted by Eric Schimpf, President and Co-Head of Merrill Wealth Management.

Schimpf oversees one of the nation's largest wealth management organizations, serving millions of clients across the United States. A former U.S. Army infantry officer and airborne ranger, he began his career at Merrill Wealth Management as a financial advisor in 1994 and has since held numerous executive leadership positions. Under his leadership, Merrill continues to deliver investment and wealth management services while supporting veterans, service members and military families through Bank of America's longstanding commitment to military and veteran initiatives.

"The 2026 Salute to Freedom gala is especially meaningful as our nation commemorates its 250th birthday and reflects on the people whose leadership continues to shape America's future," said Susan Marenoff-Zausner, president of the Intrepid Museum. "We are proud to recognize Admiral Daryl Caudle for his exceptional leadership of the United States Navy, Administrator Jared Isaacman for advancing the future of space exploration and Bank of America for its enduring commitment to those who serve our country. Together, they embody the courage, innovation, service and resilience that define both our nation's history and its future."

"To be recognized at the Salute to Freedom gala alongside such distinguished champions of American innovation and service is truly humbling," said Admiral Caudle. "The Intrepid is a monument to all those whose stories of sacrifice and heroism bring history to life. As we look to the future, the United States Navy remains resolutely committed to our core mission: fortifying the Foundry, manning the Fleet, and winning the Fight to protect the freedoms we all hold dear."

"Being honored at the Salute to Freedom gala, especially in this milestone year for our nation, is an extraordinary privilege," said Jared Isaacman. "Intrepid stands as a testament to generations of explorers, innovators, and service members whose courage has shaped America's place in the world. At NASA, we are carrying that legacy forward as we return to the Moon through the Artemis program and lay the foundation for a sustained human presence on the lunar surface. I'm grateful for this recognition, which reflects the extraordinary dedication of the entire NASA team."

"We are proud to be recognized by the Intrepid Museum, which plays such an important role in honoring those who serve and inspiring future generations," said Eric Schimpf, President and Co-Head of Merrill. "At Bank of America, we are committed to supporting veterans and their families through hiring, community investment and programs that create meaningful opportunity, and we're proud to continue that work."

The evening will feature a performance of the national anthem by Grammy Award-winning performer Tamika Lawrence.

The Intrepid Museum's Salute to Freedom gala recognizes extraordinary leadership and honors the brave men and women who serve in defense of our nation.

Support from the gala makes possible educational experiences for more than 100,000 students each year, dynamic STEM content, and free programs for veterans and military families. It also supports exhibitions that present stories of bravery and innovation, and the preservation of historical artifacts and collections in the Museum's care. Support the Salute to Freedom Gala.