Final answer:
The Secretary of the Navy retains authority for all awards to officers at or above the grade of O-7, which corresponds to the rank of Rear Admiral (lower half) in the Navy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) retains authority for all awards to officers at or above the grade of O-7, which corresponds to the rank of Rear Admiral (lower half) in the Navy. Officers above this grade, which includes those at the grade of O-8 and O-9 (Rear Admiral and Vice Admiral, respectively), receive their awards and decorations from higher-ranking officials within the Navy or the Department of Defense.