 In August 2004, Alford was again recalled to active duty to serve as the United States Pacific Command Chief of Staff.Alford served as a member of the Commander Naval Surface Reserve Force's Vision Division project and as a member of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy's (Reserve Affairs) white paper working group on the future of the Naval Reserve.He has received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal (two awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, among other awards.