The Army has approved a new decoration that honors sea service back to 1952. This ribbon will be available for distribution effective September 15th, 2006.

The Army Sea Duty Ribbon consists of a basic multicolored ribbon with bronze star appurtenances that signify the completion of qualifying periods of sea duty aboard Class A and Class B vessels that meet the requirements of Army Regulations 56-9 (Watercraft) and 600-88 (Sea Duty).
Ribbons should be available for sale in Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores around mid-September, according to Denise Harris, chief of policy in the awards branch of Human Resources Command.
To qualify:
• Active-duty soldiers must complete two years of cumulative sea duty aboard a qualifying vessel, which generally includes vessels whose primary mission is accomplished underway, and that may or may not be self-sustaining in regard to berthing and messing facilities. Subsequent awards, as indicated by a bronze service star, are authorized for every two additional years of cumulative sea duty.
• Reserve component soldiers must have two years of creditable service in a watercraft unit, which includes at least 25 days underway each year, and two annual exercises underway aboard a qualifying vessel, or a 90-day deployment underway aboard a qualifying vessel. One year of sea duty as a mobilized soldier will be classified as creditable service, provided the minimum underway requirement is met.
• Troops of other services may be awarded the Army Sea Duty Ribbon provided they meet the active or reserve component requirements above, and are in compliance with their service’s policies and procedures.