{"id":46172,"date":"2024-04-25T09:02:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-25T09:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/uncategorized\/2024\/04\/25\/navy-authorizes-combat-awards-and-devices-for-red-sea-operations\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T20:04:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T20:04:00","slug":"navy-authorizes-combat-awards-and-devices-for-red-sea-operations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/navytimes\/news\/your-navy\/2024\/04\/25\/navy-authorizes-combat-awards-and-devices-for-red-sea-operations\/","title":{"rendered":"Navy authorizes combat awards and devices for Red Sea operations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Navy is now authorizing combat awards for sailors serving in the Red Sea area, according to a message sent to the fleet<\/a> Wednesday by Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The authorization is a nod to the constant and perilous work of Navy warships and sailors who have battled Iran-backed Houthi rebels off Yemen since the fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since Hamas\u2019 Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and Israel\u2019s subsequent incursion into the Gaza Strip, Navy destroyers and fighter jets stationed aboard the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower have intercepted a steady stream of Houthi attack drones and rockets fired at military and commercial vessels in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Del Toro\u2019s message Wednesday states that those serving within that area are eligible to be awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, as well as personal military decorations that include the \u201cV\u201d and \u201cC\u201d devices, for valor and combat, respectively, including the Bronze Star Medal without devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Air Medal is now authorized for operations in the region, but only for the \u201cStrike\/Flight\u201d designation, which requires participation in sustained aerial operations within the designated airspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\t