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Battle Effectiveness Award
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The Battle Effectiveness Award (formerly the Battle Efficiency Award, commonly known as the Battle "E"), is awarded annually to the small number of United States Navy ships, submarines, aviation, and other deployable combat coded units that win their battle effectiveness competition.
The criterion for the Battle Effectiveness Award is the overall readiness of the command to carry out its assigned wartime tasks, and is based on a year-long evaluation. The competition for the award is, and has always been, extremely keen. To win, a ship, aviation squadron, or unit must demonstrate the highest state of battle readiness.
The Battle Effectiveness Award recognizes sustained fast and winning performance in an operational environment within a command.[1] To qualify for Battle "E" consideration, a command must win a minimum of four of the six Command Excellence awards and be nominated by their immediate superior in command.[2] Eligibility for the award demands day-to-day demonstrated excellence in addition to superior achievement during the certifications and qualifications conducted throughout the year. A command's performance during training exercises, weapons inspections, and tactical readiness examinations are among the 16 different areas that are considered in the competition.
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Ships that win a battle effectiveness competition are authorized to paint a white "E" with black shadowing on their bridge wings or stacks to display evidence of the honor. Aviation units will paint the same color insignia or simply a black "E" on at least one of their aircraft (often the aircraft with the air wing commander's or squadron commanding officer's name on it). It may also be displayed on signage, such as on a squadron hangar. Because the U.S. Navy no longer paints identifying hull numbers, vessel names, or other markings on its submarine fleet, submarines that are Battle E recipients will display it as a temporary signage, along with temporary hull numbers and a vessel name board, during unique events such as a change of command.
For each subsequent consecutive competition won, the ship, aviation squadron, or other command paints an angled line, or hashmark, below the white "E". The very rare winners of five consecutive "E"s replace the white "E" and hashmarks with a gold "E" and silver star just above. The "E" and any hashmarks are removed in the year the command first fails to win the award.
Personnel of ships, aviation squadrons, and other units that win the Battle "E" are authorized to wear the Navy "E" Ribbon and Battle "E" Device. Before 1976, Navy enlisted personnel at pay grade E-6 and below wore a small cloth "E" on their uniform sleeves (naval officers, chief petty officers, and all Marine Corps personnel wore nothing), with hashmarks and color corresponding to that on their ship or unit.
The latest revision of the Surface Forces Training Manual (SURFORTRAMAN) has changed the name of the Battle Efficiency Award to the Battle Effectiveness Award for COMNAVSURFOR ships.[3]
Command Excellence Awards
[edit]
In addition to the Battle "E," a ship's earned Command Excellence Awards are painted and displayed on the port and starboard side of the bulwark, aft of the Battle "E." They are:
- Black "E" = Maritime Warfare/Defense Excellence Award (surface ships); Aircraft Maintenance Excellence (aircraft carriers)
- Red "E" = Engineering/Survivability Excellence Award
- Green "E" = Command & Control Excellence Award
- Green "H" = Health and Wellness (Medical) Excellence Award
- Blue "E" = Logistics Management Excellence Award
- Yellow "E" = Commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF) Ship Safety Award
- Purple "E" = Efficiency Excellence Award
Aviation units may also display additional aviation-unique Command Excellence Awards on their aircraft or squadron signage ashore:
- Black "A" = Airborne Antisubmarine Warfare Excellence Award
- Black "S" = Aviation Safety Excellence Award
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Unit Competitions: Battle Efficiency and Command Excellence Awards". Surface Force Training Manual (Revision D ed.). US Navy. 1998-06-18.
- ^ "Battle "E"". U.S. Navy. Archived from the original on 2018-08-22. Retrieved 2013-06-29.
- ^ "Battle "E" Award". USS Vicksburg (CG-69). Archived from the original on 2008-09-19.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Battle Effectiveness Award at Wikimedia Commons- "Here's a Complete Summary of the Battle Efficiency Awards" (PDF). All Hands (October): 48–53. 1950. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-06-21.
Battle Effectiveness Award
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Overview
Purpose and Scope
The Battle Effectiveness Award is an annual unit commendation presented by the Secretary of the Navy to units of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps to recognize sustained superior performance in operational readiness and battle effectiveness within eligible commands.[8] This award highlights commands that demonstrate exceptional proficiency in warfare mission areas, training execution, and mission accomplishment over a 12-month evaluation period, fostering a culture of continuous excellence in naval operations.[9] The scope of the award is limited to collective units of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps, including surface ships (such as destroyers, cruisers, and amphibious vessels), submarines, aviation squadrons, and select combat support units that are deployable and combat-coded; it explicitly excludes awards for individual personnel, though eligible service members may wear the associated Navy "E" Ribbon.[6][10] Eligibility requires meeting prerequisite standards, such as earning a minimum number of Command Excellence Awards.[11] Only a competitive minority of eligible units receive the award each fiscal year, typically the top performers within their organizational groups, underscoring an emphasis on "fast and winning performance" in combat missions and operational environments.[7] The award was renamed from the Battle Efficiency Award to the Battle Effectiveness Award in the 2019 edition of SECNAV M-1650.1 to better reflect its focus on comprehensive operational effectiveness and readiness.[8]Significance in Naval Operations
The Battle Effectiveness Award plays a pivotal role in promoting day-to-day excellence across critical naval operations, including weapons employment, tactics, ship handling, and mission fulfillment, by recognizing units that demonstrate sustained superior performance in operational environments.[12] This focus on consistent proficiency during both in-port maintenance and underway activities ensures that awarded commands set examples for operational readiness, contributing to the Navy's ability to execute wartime tasks effectively.[3] By emphasizing these areas, the award drives units to maintain high standards in training and certifications, fostering a culture of continuous improvement that enhances overall fleet capabilities.[4] The award significantly impacts unit morale and crew motivation through its recognition of collective achievements, which instills pride and encourages teamwork among sailors.[12] As a competitive honor that celebrates the entire command's efforts rather than individual feats, it motivates personnel to strive for excellence, knowing their contributions directly influence the unit's success.[13] This fosters healthy competition among commands within the same organization, spurring innovation and dedication to surpass peers in performance metrics.[4] Strategically, the Battle Effectiveness Award serves as a key benchmark for combat readiness, influencing fleet-wide standards and training priorities by identifying top performers who exemplify mission effectiveness.[14] Its competitive nature—limited to one award per squadron or group annually—heightens its prestige and ensures only the most outstanding units are honored, thereby elevating the Navy's overall operational tempo and preparedness.[12] This selectivity reinforces training emphases on areas vital to naval dominance, such as survivability and command and control, ultimately strengthening the force's strategic posture.[5]History
Origins as Efficiency Patch
The concept of the Battle Effectiveness Award originated in 1906 when President Theodore Roosevelt directed that a white "E" be painted on the gun turrets of U.S. Navy warships whose crews excelled in gunnery competitions, serving as an early visual marker of superior performance.[15] This informal recognition evolved in the early 20th century amid growing emphasis on naval readiness, transitioning from painted symbols to a standardized cloth "E" patch awarded to enlisted personnel in pay grades E-6 and below serving on ships demonstrating exceptional efficiency.[16] By 1918, amid World War I preparations, the patch had become a formal sleeve insignia worn on the right arm above the rating badge, specifically recognizing members of turret, gun, torpedo, and engineering crews for high scores in target practice, drills, and competitions.[17] The patch's primary purpose was to visually identify and foster pride in units excelling in key operational areas such as gunnery accuracy, engineering proficiency, and battle drills, thereby motivating sustained excellence without the structure of modern annual contests.[15] Enlisted sailors wore the small white embroidered "E" on their uniforms to signify their ship's superior wartime readiness, distinguishing them from peers and reinforcing unit cohesion during a period of rapid naval expansion.[18] This pre-ribbon era emphasized immediate, tangible markers of achievement tied to immediate operational needs, laying the groundwork for later formalizations like the 1976 ribbon.[19]Establishment of the Ribbon and Modern Award
The Battle "E" award saw significant expansion in 1963 when it was authorized for the "Best-of-Type" Seabee battalions, with the first presentations recognizing outstanding Naval Mobile Construction Battalions from fiscal year 1962.[2] This marked an important step in broadening the award beyond surface ships to include construction units, emphasizing superior performance in operational readiness and engineering excellence during the Cold War era. Following its origins as a wartime efficiency patch, the award evolved into a peacetime annual competition structure in the post-World War II period, fostering ongoing evaluation of unit capabilities across diverse naval forces.[15] By the 1970s, this evolution incorporated submarines and aviation squadrons into the eligibility criteria, allowing commands such as Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) squadrons to compete and earn recognition starting in 1978, thereby extending the award's scope to underwater and air assets focused on combat effectiveness.[20] In July 1976, Secretary of the Navy J. William Middendorf authorized the Navy "E" Ribbon to replace the traditional cloth patch, providing permanent recognition for personnel serving on units that achieved the award and enabling broader wear on uniforms.[15] This change formalized the distinction between unit markings and individual honors, aligning with the Navy's emphasis on sustained excellence. More recently, updates to the Surface Force Training Manual (SURFORTRAMAN) renamed the award the Battle Effectiveness Award, shifting the focus from mere efficiency to combat readiness and warfighting proficiency in line with modern naval priorities.Criteria and Evaluation
Performance Standards
The Battle Effectiveness Award requires units to demonstrate sustained superior performance in operational environments, with a focus on weapons employment, tactics, and mission accomplishment to ensure high levels of combat readiness.[12] This evaluation emphasizes the overall crew's ability to execute assigned wartime tasks effectively, prioritizing day-to-day excellence in certifications, qualifications, and operational proficiency over routine duties.[6] Assessments occur over a full calendar year, measuring consistent readiness rather than isolated achievements.[5] These areas assess a command's ability to maintain peak performance in training exercises, weapons inspections, tactical readiness examinations, and other metrics of operational effectiveness. A prerequisite for eligibility is excelling in at least four of the five Command Excellence Awards—Maritime Warfare Excellence (Black "E"), Engineering/Survivability Excellence (Red "E"), Command and Control Excellence (Green "E"), Logistics Management Excellence (Gold "E"), and Safety Excellence (Silver "E")—which collectively validate superior departmental performance as a foundation for the overall award.[21] This structured approach ensures that only commands with comprehensive, sustained superiority in multiple domains receive recognition.Selection and Nomination Process
The selection and nomination process for the Battle Effectiveness Award is conducted annually by type commanders (TYCOMs), who evaluate eligible Navy units based on sustained performance during a competitive period, typically spanning a calendar year. This evaluation draws from year-long assessments, including inspections, drills, exercises, operational reports, and metrics in key performance areas such as administration, logistics, operations, maintenance, training, and mission effectiveness.[1] Units must demonstrate overall readiness to execute their combat mission without significant deficiencies to be considered competitive.[6] Nominations originate from the unit's immediate superior in command (ISIC) or chain of command commander, who submits detailed competitive packages highlighting superior achievements. These packages are forwarded through the chain of command to the relevant fleet-level authority, such as Commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic (COMSUBLANT) for submarines or Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific (SURFPAC) for surface ships.[22] TYCOMs review and endorse nominations, prioritizing units that surpass peers in their class across multiple performance domains.[1] Only a small number of units per class are selected as winners, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the process where demonstrated excellence must be comprehensive and without major shortfalls. Nominated packages are then submitted to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) or delegated authority for final approval, typically within 90 days after the competitive period ends.[22] Winners are officially announced through Navy channels, including type commander press releases. For instance, on October 31, 2024, COMSUBLANT announced the 2024 Battle "E" winners for Atlantic submarine forces, recognizing units such as the USS Tennessee (SSBN 734 for their top readiness.[6]Presentation and Symbols
Markings on Units
Units receiving the Battle Effectiveness Award display prominent physical markings to signify their achievement and sustained excellence. For surface ships and submarines, a large white "E" outlined in black is painted on the center of the bridge bulwark forward, visible on both port and starboard sides, or alternatively on stacks or hull sections for visibility. Submarines typically apply the marking on the sail or forward hull to accommodate their design. These markings serve as enduring symbols of the unit's superior performance in warfare areas, engineering, and operations.[12] Aviation squadrons mark their success by painting a black "E" or colored insignia on at least one aircraft, often the commander's, or on hangar facilities to highlight the award within the air station. For consecutive annual wins, units add angled hashmarks (service stripes in the same color as the "E") below the initial marking, with up to four hashmarks indicating repeated victories. After five consecutive awards, the white "E" and hashmarks are replaced by a gold "E" with a silver star above it; additional sets of five wins add more stars. Notable examples include the USS Rankin (AKA-103), the first Atlantic Fleet ship to display the gold "E" for five straight wins in the 1950s, and the USS Robert Smalls (CG-62), which earned its gold "E" in 2004 after five consecutive Battle "E" awards.[23][24] If a unit fails to win the award in a subsequent year, all markings must be painted over and removed to reflect the loss of the distinction, ensuring displays accurately represent current status. These changes often occur during award ceremonies, where the application or removal of markings underscores the competitive nature of the program. At sea, winning ships fly a red triangular pennant featuring a black circle—known as the "meatball"—at the fore truck to signal their Battle "E" status to other vessels.[12][25]Award Ceremonies
Award ceremonies for the Battle Effectiveness Award are formal events typically presided over by type commanders, fleet leaders, or squadron commanders, such as those from Destroyer Squadrons (DESRON) or Submarine Squadrons (SUBRON). These ceremonies often occur aboard the recipient unit or at naval bases and involve the presentation of the award plaque or certificate to the commanding officer and crew, accompanied by speeches that underscore the unit's collective performance and readiness. For instance, on May 1, 2024, Capt. Craig Trent, Commander of DESRON One, presented the 2023 Battle "E" Award to the crew of USS Sterett (DDG 104) during a ceremony in San Diego, emphasizing the ship's consistent excellence beyond routine inspections.[7] The events are held shortly after annual award announcements to maintain momentum in unit recognition. Examples include the April 2025 ceremony for USS America (LHA 6), marking its fifth consecutive Battle "E," and the April 26, 2024, presentation to USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) during a change-of-command event at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego.[5][26] Traditions during these ceremonies highlight team achievement, with the entire crew assembled to receive commendations from the commanding officer and presenting authority. Cmdr. Kevin M. Schaeffer of USS Chung-Hoon noted in his remarks, “Being awarded the Battle ‘E’ for 2023 is a testament to and direct reflection of the hard work this team put in day in and day out. This Chung-Hoon Ohana is something special,” reinforcing the award's role in fostering unit cohesion. Official Navy media coverage of these events, through releases on navy.mil and DVIDS, further amplifies morale by publicizing the accomplishments.[26][27] For submarines, ceremonies are often conducted at base facilities under the auspices of Commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic (COMSUBLANT) or equivalent commands, involving crew parades and inspections as part of the recognition process. On January 27, 2017, Capt. Rick Seif, commander of Submarine Squadron One, presented the Battle "E" to USS Greeneville (SSN-772) during a base ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, celebrating the crew's superior warfighting readiness. Similarly, the February 16, 2024, ceremony for USS Annapolis (SSN 760) at a submarine squadron event recognized its top performance in overall readiness. During such events, the "E" markings are applied to the unit, symbolizing the honor.[28][29]Personnel Recognition
Navy E Ribbon
The Navy "E" Ribbon, officially known as the Battle Efficiency Ribbon, was authorized by Secretary of the Navy Instruction letter Serial 210 dated 31 March 1976, with awards effective for competitions on or after 1 July 1974. It serves as a personal military decoration awarded to all eligible Navy and Marine Corps personnel who were assigned to permanent duty on ships, squadrons, or units that achieved victory in a Battle Efficiency competition during the specified evaluation period.[30] Civilian personnel are ineligible, but the ribbon is authorized for wear by active duty members, Selected Reserve personnel, and retirees who meet the criteria.[31] The ribbon's design consists of horizontal stripes measuring 1 3/8 inches in width: a 3/32-inch ultramarine blue edge stripe, followed by a 1/8-inch golden yellow stripe, a 1/8-inch white stripe, a 9/16-inch ultramarine blue center stripe, and then symmetrically mirrored on the other side. This color scheme reflects naval tradition, with no accompanying medal, citation, or certificate issued. The Battle "E" device, a 3/16-inch silver "E" attachment, is centered on the ribbon to denote the award.[30] Wear of the Navy "E" Ribbon follows standard Navy uniform regulations, positioned immediately after the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon and before the Navy Expeditionary Medal in the order of precedence, centered 1/4 inch above the left breast pocket on service dress uniforms.[30] It is arranged in rows of up to three ribbons when multiple are worn and is not authorized on formal dress, dinner dress, or working uniforms. For multiple awards, the first through third are indicated by one to three silver "E" devices spaced 1/4 inch apart; the fourth and subsequent awards are denoted by a single silver wreathed "E" device. Only personnel serving on the winning unit during the competition cycle qualify, ensuring recognition for the entire eligible crew's contributions to battle efficiency.[30]Historical Insignia and Devices
Prior to the establishment of the Navy "E" Ribbon in 1976, personnel from units awarded the Battle Efficiency Award wore a small cloth "E" patch on the right sleeve of their uniforms, but only enlisted members at pay grade E-6 and below were authorized to do so.[32] Officers, chief petty officers, and higher enlisted ranks did not wear this insignia.[32] This patch served as the primary form of personal recognition for battle efficiency achievements dating back to the award's origins in the early 20th century.[15] The introduction of the Navy "E" Ribbon on 31 March 1976, via Secretary of the Navy authorization, replaced the cloth patch as the standard personal emblem for Battle Effectiveness Award recipients, with eligibility tied to service on winning units after 1 July 1974. Wearers of the legacy patch were directed to convert to the new ribbon format.[15] Although the cloth "E" insignia was phased out, it remains documented in veteran service records to acknowledge pre-1976 contributions.[33] In the modern era, the Navy "E" Ribbon incorporates attachment devices to denote multiple awards, providing a structured evolution from the singular patch design. The first through third awards are marked by a 3/16-inch silver "E" device centered on the ribbon, with additional silver "E" devices added for each subsequent award up to three. For the fourth and all further awards, a single silver wreathed "E" device replaces prior attachments, regardless of the total number. These personal devices parallel unit-level markings, such as the gold "E" with a silver star awarded for five consecutive Battle "E" wins, emphasizing sustained excellence across personnel and command recognition.[5] The Navy E Ribbon remains the core element of this system, with devices enhancing its representation of warfare-specific proficiency in areas like operations and readiness.Command Excellence Awards
Types and Categories
The Command Excellence Awards (CEAs) are specialized departmental recognitions within the U.S. Navy's Battle Effectiveness Award program, evaluating specific areas of operational and administrative performance. These awards, denoted by colored "E" or "H" markings, highlight excellence in key mission areas and contribute to overall Battle "E" eligibility. Surface ships and aviation units typically compete in multiple categories, with achievements painted on the hull or displayed on aircraft to signify sustained superior performance.[34] For surface forces, there are five core primary CEAs required for Battle "E" consideration, along with additional specialized awards. The core categories, each focusing on distinct aspects of readiness and efficiency, are as follows:| Category | Color/Mark | Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maritime Warfare Excellence | Black "E" | Tactics and weapons employment | Recognizes superior performance in combat systems, gunnery, missile operations, and anti-surface/submarine warfare for surface ships; emphasizes tactical proficiency and weapons handling. For aircraft carriers, this variant awards excellence in aircraft maintenance, including sortie generation and air wing support.[7][35][36] |
| Engineering and Survivability Excellence | Red "E" | Systems reliability and damage control | Awards commands for outstanding engineering operations, propulsion maintenance, electrical systems reliability, and survivability measures such as fire-fighting and chemical/biological defense.[35] |
| Command and Control Excellence | Green "E" | Leadership, operational coordination, navigation, and C3IW | Honors excellence in bridge operations, combat information centers, navigation, command decision-making, communications, and information warfare processes that enhance situational awareness and mission execution.[34] |
| Logistics Management Excellence | Blue "E" | Supply chain and material support | Recognizes efficient supply operations, fuel and ammunition management, provisioning, and repair part logistics to ensure sustained mission capability.[37] |
| Ship Safety Excellence | Yellow "E" | Accident prevention and safety protocols | Awards units for exemplary safety practices, risk mitigation, and adherence to mishap prevention standards across operations and maintenance (Commander, Naval Surface Forces Ship Safety Award).[35][38] |
- Health and Wellness Excellence: Green "H" – Focuses on promoting physical fitness, preventive health programs, mental resilience, and medical department performance to bolster crew health and operational sustainability (Force Health and Wellness Unit Award).[39][40]
- Efficiency Excellence: Purple "E" – Evaluates overall administrative proficiency, including personnel management, training compliance, and efficient use of resources for command-wide effectiveness.[41][42][11]