Sea Service Deployment Ribbon

The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (SSDR) is a military award authorized for officers and enlisted personnel of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. It recognizes service members who have completed qualifying deployments as part of a deployable unit. Here is a detailed explanation of the award including its rules, history, and additional relevant information. ### Authorization and History The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon was authorized by SECNAVINST 1650.35 on January 26, 1981, with effect from August 15, 1974. It has been adapted over the years to adjust to the operational needs and deployment conditions of personnel serving in sea and overseas assignments【6:5†source】【6:11†source】. ### Eligibility Criteria - **Service Requirement**: The SSDR is awarded for completion of 90 consecutive days of operational sea duty or for two deployments of at least 80 days each within a 12-month period【6:11†source】【6:12†source】. - **Deployment Definition**: A deployment involves operating away from homeport or home station to an overseas location. Overseas locations exclude areas such as the continental United States (CONUS), Alaska, and Hawaii, except for specific sites like Adak, Shemya, and Kodiak in Alaska【6:12†source】【6:11†source】. - **Limitations**: Service members are limited to one award of the SSDR per 12-month period. However, subsequent awards can be earned for each additional 12-month period of qualifying service【6:11†source】【6:12†source】. - **Awarding Authority**: Commanding officers of deployable units or overseas homeported ships have the authority to award the SSDR and are responsible for ensuring appropriate entries are made in service records【6:11†source】【6:12†source】. ### Award Elements The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon consists solely of a ribbon; no citation or certificate is issued upon awarding. Subsequent awards can be denoted by a bronze star (3/16-inch) for each additional award. A silver star is worn in place of five bronze stars【6:11†source】【6:12†source】. ### Notable Recipients While it's challenging to list notable recipients specifically for the SSDR due to the nature of it being awarded frequently to many service members, it is recognized among Navy and Marine Corps personnel who have participated in significant operations conducted at sea. ### Important Points - Personnel assigned to shore installations or units, regardless of their designated duties, are not eligible for the SSDR【6:12†source】【6:11†source】. - The SSDR may also be awarded in conjunction with other ribbons, provided the service meets the eligibility criteria for both awards【6:11†source】【6:12†source】. This award holds significance in recognizing the operational readiness and deployment efforts of service members within the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, underscoring their commitment and capability in fulfilling mission objectives away from home.