Squadron Awards

The Humanitarian Service Medal was established by Executive Order 11965 of 19 January 1977.
It is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States
who, after 1 April 1975 distinguished themselves by meritorious direct participation
in a Department of Defense approved significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature.

Thr Navy Unit Commendation was established by order of the
Secretary of the Navy, 18 December 1944, it is awarded by the Secretary
to any ship, aircraft, detachment, or other unit of the naval service of the United States Navy
which has, subsequent to 6 December 1941, distinguished itself by outstanding heroism
in action against the enemy,
but not sufficient to justify award of the Presidential Unit Citation.

The Meritorious Unit Commedation was established by order of the
Secretary of the Navy, 17 July 1967, it is awarded by the Secretary
to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps which has distinguished itself under combat or noncombat conditions,
by either valorous or meritorious achievement compared to other units
performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation.

The Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation. Awarded by the republic of Vietnam
to units of the Armed Forces of the United States in recognition of meritorious civil action service.
It is also awarded to other friendly nations serving in Vietnam during the Vietnam conflict.

The Battle Efficiency Award A Secretary of the Navy recommendation in June of 1976
established this award to replace the Battle Efficiency Award (the letter "E")
which had been worn sewn to the sleeve of the uniform. It is authorized to be worn
by all crew members of ships and aviation squadrons winning the fleet-wide eighteen month
competitive cycle which has exercises testing all phases of battle readiness. The Battle Efficiency Award,
called the Navy Battle "E", in addition to the ribbon,
consists of a cloth insignia and a battle pennant to be displayed by the ship or unit winning the award.

The Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation was authorized by the Secretary of Defense on June 10, 1981.
this award was originally called the Department of Defense Meritorious Unit Award.
It is awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to Joint Activities (all services)
for meritorious achievement or service, superior to that which is normally expected,
for actions in the following situations: combat with an armed enemy of the United States,
or during a declared national emergency, or under extraordinary circumstances that involve national interests.