Awarded by SECNAV to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps which has distinguished itself, under combat or noncombat conditions, by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders the unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. This award may also be conferred upon units of the other branches of the Armed Forces of the United States and of friendly foreign nations serving with the Armed Forces of the United States, provided that such units shall meet the standards established for Navy and Marine Corps units. To justify this award, the unit must have performed service of a character comparable to that which would merit the award of a Bronze Star Medal, or achievement of like caliber in a noncombat situation, to an individual. Normal performance of duty or participation in a large number of combat missions does not in itself justify the award. An award will not be made to a unit for actions of one or more of its component parts, unless the unit performed uniformly as a team in a manner fully justifying collective recognition.

Military personnel
All personnel permanently assigned or attached to the cited unit who were actually present and participated in the action or actions for which the unit was cited are authorized to wear the ribbon permanently.
Transient, active duty for training and temporary duty personnel assigned to the cited unit are normally not eligible. Exceptions may be made for individuals because of an outstanding need for the skills possessed which were not adequately available within the unit. Such personnel will be authorized participation by CNO/CMC as appropriate upon receipt of a certification from the cited unit's commanding officer that the individual made a direct, recognizable contribution to the performance of the services which qualified the unit for the award.
Civilian personnel, when specifically authorized by SECNAV, may wear the designated lapel device. Naval reservists who receive unit awards as civilians, are not eligible to wear ribbon bars on their naval uniforms.
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