5 US Navy Ribbons

Introduction to US Navy Ribbons

The United States Navy uses a variety of ribbons to recognize the service and achievements of its personnel. These ribbons are worn on the uniform and serve as a visual representation of a sailor’s accomplishments and experiences. With a wide range of ribbons available, each has its own unique criteria for eligibility and is awarded for different reasons. In this blog post, we will explore five significant US Navy ribbons, their meanings, and the requirements for receiving them.

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal is awarded to junior officers and enlisted personnel who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement or leadership. This medal is considered a junior version of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and is awarded for acts that do not meet the criteria for the higher award. To be eligible for this medal, a sailor must have demonstrated exceptional performance, achieved significant results, or shown outstanding leadership.

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal

The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal is a higher-level award that recognizes meritorious service or achievement. This medal is awarded to personnel who have demonstrated significant achievement or outstanding performance, and it is considered a mid-level award in the Navy’s system of recognition. The criteria for this medal include acts of heroism, significant achievements, or exceptional leadership that have a significant impact on the Navy or Marine Corps.

Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Service Medal

The Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Service Medal is a senior-level award that recognizes outstanding meritorious service or achievement. This medal is awarded to personnel who have demonstrated exceptional performance, achieved significant results, or shown outstanding leadership over a prolonged period. The criteria for this medal include sustained exceptional performance, significant contributions to the Navy or Marine Corps, or outstanding leadership that has a lasting impact on the organization.

Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to personnel who have completed a deployment at sea. This ribbon recognizes the challenges and hardships associated with deploying on a naval vessel, and it is awarded to personnel who have completed a minimum of 90 consecutive days at sea. The criteria for this ribbon include participation in a deployment, completion of the required time at sea, and adherence to the Navy’s standards for performance and conduct.

Armed Forces Service Medal

The Armed Forces Service Medal is a joint service award that recognizes participation in a military operation or humanitarian mission. This medal is awarded to personnel who have participated in a designated operation or mission, and it is considered a mid-level award in the Navy’s system of recognition. The criteria for this medal include participation in a designated operation or mission, completion of the required time in the operation or mission, and adherence to the Navy’s standards for performance and conduct.

📝 Note: The eligibility criteria for these ribbons may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the discretion of the awarding authority.

To summarize, these five US Navy ribbons - Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Armed Forces Service Medal - each have unique criteria and are awarded for different achievements and experiences. By understanding the meaning and requirements of these ribbons, sailors can better appreciate the recognition they receive for their service and achievements.