The âOld Saltâ designation, honoring the Surface Warfare Officer serving on active duty with the earliest Officer of the Deck, Fleet, Qualification, has passed from Vice Adm. Rod Rempt to Adm. Mike Mullen at a May 21st ceremony at Annapolis, Md. âWe rely on those who have gone before us to pass down our lore, customs and tradition,â said Vice Adm. Kevin Green, U.S. Navy (Retired), president of the Surface Navy Association. âSome of us have been around a long time, and in the Navy, we have an expression for an experienced and knowledgeable mariner. âThe âOld Saltâ award originated in 1988, when the Surface Navy Association wanted to honor the Surface Warfare Officer possessing the coveted qualificationâŚ