Understanding The Naval Expeditionary Medal Requirements

The Naval Expeditionary Medal is a prestigious award given to members of the United States Navy who have participated in naval expeditionary operations. The medal is a testament to the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of sailors who have served in some of the most challenging and remote environments around the world. In this article, we will delve into the requirements for the Naval Expeditionary Medal, its history, and the significance of this esteemed award.

To be eligible for the Naval Expeditionary Medal, sailors must have participated in a naval expeditionary operation, which is defined as a military operation conducted outside of a declared theater of war. This can include operations such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and combat operations in remote or hostile areas. The operation must be approved by the Secretary of the Navy, and the sailor must have played a significant role in the operation.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Naval Expeditionary Medal, sailors must meet the following requirements:

• Be a member of the United States Navy
• Have participated in a naval expeditionary operation
• Have played a significant role in the operation
• Have received a commendation or award for their service
• Have completed a minimum of 30 days of consecutive service in the operation

Types of Operations

The Naval Expeditionary Medal can be awarded for a variety of operations, including:

• Humanitarian assistance
• Disaster relief
• Combat operations
• Peacekeeping operations
• Counter-terrorism operations

Humanitarian Assistance

Humanitarian assistance operations involve providing aid to countries or regions affected by natural disasters, conflicts, or other crises. These operations can include providing food, shelter, medical care, and other forms of assistance to those in need.

Disaster Relief

Disaster relief operations involve providing assistance to countries or regions affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. These operations can include providing search and rescue services, medical care, and other forms of assistance.

Award Process

The award process for the Naval Expeditionary Medal involves several steps:

• The sailor's commanding officer must submit a recommendation for the award
• The recommendation must be approved by the sailor's chain of command
• The recommendation must be reviewed and approved by the Navy Personnel Command
• The award is presented to the sailor in a formal ceremony

Certificate of Eligibility

A certificate of eligibility is required to be awarded the Naval Expeditionary Medal. The certificate must be signed by the sailor's commanding officer and must include the following information:

• The sailor's name and rate
• The operation or campaign the sailor participated in
• The dates of the operation or campaign
• A description of the sailor's role in the operation or campaign

Design and Symbolism

The Naval Expeditionary Medal is a circular medal with a diameter of 1 1/4 inches. The medal is made of bronze and features a rope border. The obverse of the medal features a representation of a ship at sea, while the reverse features a fouled anchor. The medal is suspended from a navy blue ribbon with a white stripe in the center.

Ribbon

The ribbon for the Naval Expeditionary Medal is navy blue with a white stripe in the center. The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and features a 1/8 inch wide white stripe in the center.

History

The Naval Expeditionary Medal was established on August 1, 1936, by the Secretary of the Navy. The medal was created to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of sailors who have participated in naval expeditionary operations. Since its establishment, the medal has been awarded to thousands of sailors who have served in a variety of operations around the world.

Notable Recipients

The Naval Expeditionary Medal has been awarded to many notable sailors, including:

• Admiral Chester Nimitz
• Admiral William Halsey
• Admiral Raymond Spruance
• Admiral Arleigh Burke

Conclusion

The Naval Expeditionary Medal is a prestigious award that recognizes the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of sailors who have participated in naval expeditionary operations. To be eligible for the medal, sailors must meet specific requirements, including participating in a naval expeditionary operation and receiving a commendation or award for their service. The medal is a testament to the commitment and sacrifice of sailors who have served in some of the most challenging and remote environments around the world.

Naval Expeditionary Medal Image Gallery

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the Naval Expeditionary Medal requirements and its significance. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us.