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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY COMMANDER

UNITED STATES FLEET FORCES COMMAND

1562 MITSCHER AVENUE SUITE 250

NORFOLK VA 23551-2487

COMUSFLTFORCOMINST 1650.10B

N0023

25 Jul 2016

COMUSFLTFORCOM INSTRUCTION 1650.10B

From: Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command

Subj: POLICY AND PROCEDURES GOVERNING PROCESSING OF AWARDS AND

DECORATIONS WITHIN UNITED STATES FLEET FORCES COMMAND

Ref: (a) SECNAVINST 1650.1H

(b) OPNAVINST 1700.10N

(c) COMUSFLTFORCOMSTAFFINST 1330.1D

Encl: (1) Awards Approval Delegation within United States Fleet Forces Command

(2) Recommended Guidelines for Levels of Awards

(3) Guidelines for Writing Citations

(4) Guidelines for Completion of OPNAV 1650/3 Award Recommendation Form

(5) Sample Distinguished Service Medal Citation

(6) Sample Legion of Merit Citation

(7) Sample Meritorious Service Medal Citation

(8) Sample Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Citation

(9) Sample Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Citation

(10) Sample Letter of Commendation Citation

(11) Sample Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal Letter

(12) Guidelines for Completion of OPNAV 1650/14 - Unit Award Recommendation

Form

(13) Sample Late Letter

1. Purpose. To issue United States Fleet Forces Command (USFLTFORCOM) policy and

procedures for Navy decorations and awards. References (a) through (c) provide specific award

and routing guidance. Enclosures (1) through (13) provide amplifying guidance and samples.

Some information from reference (a) is repeated herein for ready reference.

2. Cancellation. COMUSFLTFORCOM/COMPACFLTINST 1650.10A.

3. Scope and Applicability. This instruction is applicable to military personnel assigned to

USFLTFORCOM and direct reporting echelon 3 Commanders and subordinate commands.

4. Background. Positive recognition, in any form, boosts morale and fosters unit integrity and

cohesiveness. The value of an award is that it is given only in cases where it is clearly deserved.

Preserving the character and meaning of awards can only be accomplished if originators of

award recommendations adhere to the policies and standards prescribed herein and in reference

(a).


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5. Delegation of Authority to Approve Awards. To facilitate the visible recognition of heroic or

meritorious acts, achievements, or services, by reference (a) and herein, the Secretary of the

Navy (SECNAV); Chief of Naval Operations (CNO); and Commander, United States Fleet

Forces Command (COMUSFLTFORCOM) have delegated approval authority for certain awards

as reflected in enclosure (1). The delegated authorities discussed herein apply to non-combat

related awards. Specific guidance on combat awards is contained in reference (a). Awarding

authority is limited to permanently assigned personnel. Those Navy personnel permanently

assigned are considered ordered to a command or unit under permanent change of station orders

and are reflected on the Enlisted Distribution and Verification Report or Officer Distribution

Control Report for unit identification codes under the command’s cognizance. For individuals

not permanently assigned (i.e. temporary additional duty), commands shall either forward a

recommendation for a personal award to the member’s parent command, or coordinate with the

parent command to obtain concurrence in the form of an e-mail or letter.

a. Personnel from other United States Armed Services temporarily assigned to the

Department of the Navy (DON) in a non-combat area may not receive DON awards. Only

permanently assigned personnel of other services are eligible to receive a DON award; however,

DON decorations shall not be recommended for service that has already been recognized by the

member’s parent service.

b. When other United States Armed Forces personnel are attached to a command of their

parent service but are performing service for the DON, they should be recommended for an

award from their parent service.

c. These delegations also do not extend to foreign-service personnel as SECNAV retains that

authority.

d. Awards should normally be approved at the lowest possible level in the chain of

command.

e. Flag-level awarding authorities must forward any award recommendations for members of

their “personal staff” to the next higher awarding authority in the chain of command. Members

of personal staffs include Executive Assistants, Aides, Flag Secretaries, Flag Writers, Personal

Quarters Culinary Specialists, etc.

f. Delegated authorities apply only to United States Navy (USN) or the United States Marine

Corps (USMC) Officers. For instances where an awarding authority billet is filled by other than

USN or USMC personnel (i.e. Army or Coast Guard), the delegated authority does not apply.

6. Policy. USFLTFORCOM desires that recognition be given where it is due. Supervisory

personnel will ensure deserving personnel are nominated in a timely manner. Use the following

guidelines when determining the appropriate level for a personal award.


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a. Level of Award. Reference (a) does not equate award level to rank and rate, except for

limits applied to the Strike Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NA),

and Combat Action Ribbon. Any recommendation should be weighed principally on its merits

and is generally equated to level of responsibility, which normally increases with rank or grade.

Therefore, a larger number of the higher-level awards would be expected to gravitate to more

senior officers and enlisted personnel assigned to positions of greater responsibility. While the

seniority issue is relevant, there are many junior officers and enlisted personnel who perform the

duties of more senior personnel and whose service should be recognized accordingly. Enclosure

(2) provides “general” guidelines on what levels might be appropriate under given

circumstances.

b. Specific Achievement Awards. Award recommendations in this category should

emphasize truly outstanding performance for a specific event occurring over a relatively short

duration, usually between 1-180 days. Other than annual special award winners, such as Sailor

of the Year, a deployment award would generally be the longest time recognized by a “specific

achievement” award.

c. End-of-Tour (EOT) and Transfer Awards. Recognition of sustained exceptional

performance for individuals who have accomplished several specific achievements which were

not previously recognized by an award, should be considered upon notification of transfer to a

new duty station (Note: Internal reassignments are not EOT). In no instance should an EOT

award be considered routine, automatic, or follow a precedent based on awards to previous

incumbents.

d. Mid-Tour Awards. Mid-tour awards are not appropriate. Commands should retain the

nomination for inclusion in an EOT recommendation.

e. Duplication of Awards. Only one award will be made to an individual for the same act,

achievement, or period of meritorious service.

(1) Members with collateral duties, (i.e. dual-hatted) can receive only one award covering

all duties.

(2) It is not appropriate to issue a separate “specific achievement” award for a collateral

duty that the member performs throughout their entire tour. The collateral duty should be

incorporated into the EOT award.

(3) Continuation of the same or similar type service already recognized by an award for

meritorious (specific) achievement will not be the basis for a second award. If appropriate, an

award may be made to include the extended period of service by superseding the earlier award,

or the award previously made may be amended to incorporate the extended period of service.

(4) Commanding Officers (CO) may not recommend a duplicate award for the same act or

service already recognized by another component. That is, if a Sailor received an award for


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4

service while attached to an Army command, they may not receive a Navy award for the same

time frame or action.

(5) In cases where the recommended individual has received a previous award during the

same assignment, such as for a specific achievement, particular care should be taken to ensure no

duplication of justification occurs in either the summary of action or the proposed citation of a

subsequent EOT award recommendation. Issuing more than one award for the same action or

period of service is strictly prohibited. In any case where the nominee has received any mid-tour

award, the originator will provide a copy of the signed citation or combined citation and

certificate (and, if available, the entire recommendation) for the mid-tour award, along with the

current recommendation.

f. Retirement or Separation. The Navy does not award “retirement” decorations that

encompass a member’s entire career. If a member has performed in a manner deserving of

recognition during the last tour prior to retirement or separation, it is appropriate to recommend a

decoration commensurate with the level of performance and responsibility during the final

assignment. The meritorious period for a retirement or separation award may only include

accomplishments during the last tour of duty and will not include achievements from prior duty

assignments. A statement may be made in the citation reflecting that this tour culminates a

distinguished career. For example: “This superb tour of duty culminated a distinguished career

of 29 years of loyal and faithful service to his country.”

g. Sailor of the Year (SOY). SOY nominations will be submitted per reference (b) and that

year’s OPNAVNOTE 1700. Per reference (b), award of the NC is authorized only for those

nominees who compete at the Force level (echelon 3) of competition. All nominees eliminated

below the Force level of competition will receive a NA at their highest level of competition. A

member may only receive one award for the entire competition; no award should be issued until

a member is eliminated from further competition.

7. Preparation of Award Recommendations. It is essential that those who originate award

recommendations do so in a concise, factual, and clearly supportive manner. A poorly written

recommendation may either delay action or result in downgrade or disapproval, even though the

individual may be fully deserving.

a. All awards must be submitted using the most current version of the Personal Award

Recommendation Form, OPNAV 1650/3, and will include a summary of action per paragraph

6.g below, and a proposed citation. All documents shall be completed per reference (a) and

enclosures (3) through (12) of this instruction.

b. Recommendations must be submitted by a commissioned officer or a senior civilian in the

chain of command of the individual being recommended; if neither is assigned, the senior

enlisted member in the chain of command may submit.


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c. An award recommendation for a CO of a unit must be submitted by the immediate

superior in command. It cannot be submitted by any member junior in position to the CO.

d. A recommendation originated by other than the CO of the individual concerned must be

coordinated with the CO to ensure concurrence or submitted to them for approval or

endorsement, per paragraph 4 of this instruction.

e. A signed OPNAV 1650/3 or 1650/14 (for unit recommendations) is mandatory. The

originator will sign in block 30b and date block 30c.

Note: The accompanying electronic word version will be annotated as “/s/ SIGNER’S

INFO,” but the original recommendation must show the originator’s handwritten

signature.

f. It is important that the information submitted on the OPNAV 1650/3 and 1650/14 be

correct and complete. Either incorrect or incomplete information may result in unnecessary

delays in processing or in the necessity for subsequent corrections to the approved award.

Enclosures (3) and (12) provides detailed, block-by-block guidance to help prevent common

errors which impact the prompt processing of personal and unit awards.

g. A comprehensive summary of action is required (except for command approved NAs and

Letters of Commendation (LOC). The summary of action must be original and distinct from

other recommendations to justify the recommended award. It will normally be limited to one

page of text. Any medal recommendation forwarded outside of a command to higher authority,

regardless of the level of award, must include a summary of action. Flag Letter of

Commendation (FLOC) recommendations forwarded to CNO or SECNAV for approval action

must also include a summary of action.

h. Each award recommendation must include a proposed citation. Award citations represent

a continual source of pride to the recipients and their families. The proposed citation must be

unclassified and written with careful attention to grammar, composition, and spelling.

Enclosures (5) through (11) provide some general guidelines and prescribed formats, including

required lead-in and sample closing sentences.

i. Recommendations for USFLTFORCOM FLOCs shall be prepared on the OPNAV 1650/3

and forwarded to USFLTFORCOM via the appropriate echelon 3 Commander. Such

recommendations will include a proposed citation in the format provided in enclosure (10). The

information copies and comments on recommendations described in paragraphs 7a and 7b also

apply to recommendations for USFLTFORCOM FLOCs. FLOCs should be approved by the

first Flag Officer Commander in the chain of command. Under normal circumstances,

USFLTFORCOM FLOCs should only be used in cases where there are no intermediary flag

officer commanders in the chain of command.


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j. Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal recommendations will include a letter in

the format contained in enclosure (11) in lieu of a citation. Navy policy includes a sustained

time requirement of a minimum of three years to qualify for the award.

k. An electronic version in Microsoft Word format of the entire recommendation and

proposed citation will also be provided, either on compact disc (CD) or electronically by e-mail.

When providing awards recommendation documents electronically send encrypted to protect all

personally identifiable information.

8. Submission of Personal Award Recommendations. Reference (a) delineates the general Navy

policy concerning timeliness for submission of meritorious award recommendations.

Promptness in presentation of military awards is essential to a successful awards system,

provided standards of merit are preserved.

a. Awards for sustained superior performance, such as an EOT recommendation, will be

submitted through the administrative chain of command. Specific achievement awards for

actions occurring outside of the normal administrative chain of command, such as during a

deployment will be submitted through the operational chain of command that exercised control

over the individual at the time of the action.

b. Every effort should be made to ensure award recommendations for meritorious service

terminating with retirement or separation are submitted in ample time to allow for the award to

be completed and presented while the member is still on active duty. The amount of time

allowed for processing any award should always include additional time when being submitted

through a lengthy chain of command.

c. Award recommendations addressed to COMUSFLTFORCOM for approval shall be sent

via the echelon 3 Commander (administrative or operational as outlined in paragraph 7a above)

for review, recommendation, and forwarding. These awards must be received at the Fleet

Commander’s Awards Office, at a minimum of 60 days prior to the desired delivery date, and no

more than 90 days in advance.

d. Award recommendations for United States personnel that require CNO or SECNAV

approval should be forwarded via the appropriate (administrative or operational) echelon 3

Commander and Fleet Commander for review and recommendation, and should be received at

the Fleet Commander’s Awards Office, at least 90 days, but no more than 150 days in advance of

the anticipated detachment date of the recommended individual.

e. Per reference (a) (Chapter 6, Articles 610-620), DON award recommendations for foreign

military personnel require SECNAV approval and must be forwarded via the appropriate echelon

3 Commander and Fleet Commander for review and recommendation, and should reach

SECNAV no later than 90 days following the completion of the period of service. Allow


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sufficient time to coordinate background records checks with Navy Criminal Investigative

Service (NCIS), United States Embassies, and Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Note: Recent changes at SECNAV level have rendered SECNAVINST 1650.1H Article

620.3.d no longer valid. Per Article 620.3.b-c, award originators are responsible for

contacting NCIS to obtain the required background records checks; appropriate United

States Embassy to obtain the concurrence of the United States Chief of Mission and the

United States Defense Attaché; and DIA clearance for recommendation of Legion of

Merit and above. NCIS, United States Embassy and DIA (when required) records checks

and clearance or concurrence letters must be dated within six months of the award

submission. If older, new ones must be obtained.

f. “Last minute" processing of awards will not normally be supported without significant

justification for lateness. Compliance with the guidelines in paragraphs 7b through 7d will allow

approved awards to reach the requesting command in sufficient time for presentation prior to the

member’s departure.

g. Submission of enclosure (13) “Late Letter” is required for any award recommendation

which the Fleet Commander is the final authority, that is not delivered to their Awards Office at

least 30 days prior to the member’s departure date (for CNO and SECNAV approval, 60 and 90-

day markers will be used). This letter will contain the same signature as the award

recommendation originator or endorser and will provide an explanation as to why the award was

not forwarded within required timelines. The standard “administrative oversight” is not an

adequate explanation.

h. Regardless of recommendations for downgrade or disapproval, recommendations will not

be terminated at any level below the final decision-making authority. The recommendation must

be forwarded to the awarding authority empowered to approve the originally recommended

award. Only in cases where the originator voluntarily changes their recommendation to a lower

level, which has a lower delegated authority, can the awarding authority be changed.

j. Recommendations for multiple personnel who participate in a single act, achievement, or

event will be submitted as a group to the awarding authority for the highest level award

recommended, even if only one of the recommendations would normally require that level of

approval. A separate OPNAV 1650/3 form is required for each nominee. Ensure block 23 of

each OPNAV 1650/3 contains the names of the other members being approved for the same

group award.

9. Actions by Awarding Authorities. Awarding authorities may either approve as

recommended, downgrade, upgrade, or disapprove an award recommendation, or they may

return it for additional justification or clarification.


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a. For instances where an award recommendation has been either downgraded or

disapproved, originators wishing to submit a request for reconsideration of the action must

submit new and relevant information that was not included in the original recommendation. This

should be done by submitting a cover letter, containing the additional justification, with a copy

of the previous award recommendation as an enclosure. A request for reconsideration shall

reflect the identical routing of the original submission.

b. Awarding authorities are responsible for issuing citations, certificates, medals, appropriate

attachments, and presentation folders. Locally developed certificates for medals will not be used

under any circumstances.

c. Awarding authorities will forward a copy of the completed award to their Navy

Department Awards Web Service (NDAWS) authority per paragraph 10.a below.

d. Awarding authorities are responsible for correcting or reissuing any awards for which

they were the awarding authority.

(1) It is necessary that files are easily accessible for these purposes. Per reference (a),

Article 124.2.c requires that all delegated authorities maintain a permanent record of all awards

processed, including copies of the signed and dated OPNAV 1650/3 form, the signed citation and

certificate, supporting documents, and any related correspondence.

(2) The fact that there may be a different CO/Commander is not relevant since awarding

authority is delegated to the billet, not the individual filling it.

10. NDAWS. Reference (a) directed implementation of NDAWS at the Fleet Commander and

Type Commander (TYCOM) levels, as well as certain other echelon 3 commands. There are

also a few additional commands below the echelon 3 level which have been delegated NDAWS

authority. Any request to have NDAWS authority delegated to additional commands must be

submitted to the respective Fleet Awards Office for consideration. If supported, that office will

forward to CNO for approval.

a. Delegated award authorities shall submit their completed awards to the lowest NDAWS

authority in their chain of command for recording into NDAWS. A list of NDAWS authorities is

available on the NDAWS web site at https://awards.navy.mil.

(1) OPNAV 1650/3 copy (without continuation sheets) must show actual originator

signature (not electronic signature annotation) and date submitted in blocks 30b and 30c, as well

as signatures and dates for any endorsers, with block 32 completed, signed, and dated. The left-

hand side of block 32 will contain a two character code for the approved award. The date on the

right-hand side must agree with the date on the certificate or combination citation and certificate.

(2) Copy of the signed citation on command letterhead with awardee's social security

number (SSN) typed or neatly handwritten in the upper right-hand corner approximately one


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inch from the top edge. For NAs and NCs, a copy of the signed and dated combined

citation/certificate will be forwarded. SSN in upper-right hand corner is based on format

(landscape or portrait) of the document.

Note: The certificate should be dated the date it is signed and under no circumstances

should it ever be post-dated. Citation copies must be legible and suitable for scanning

to a CD.

(3) An electronic Word version of the OPNAV 1650/3 Form is also required. The

signature portion of blocks 30 (originator), 31 (endorsers), and 32 (awarding authority) should be

annotated (i.e. /s/ J. D. DOE), and the date signed will be typed in the date section of the block.

The copies indicated in 10.a(1) and 10.a(2) above and a CD with the electronic version should be

mailed to the appropriate NDAWS authority. If the command has scanning capabilities, the

copies may be scanned and an encrypted e-mail containing both the scanned copy and the

electronic version forwarded to the NDAWS authority.

(4) Do not forward LOCs, unless downgraded from a medal recommendation. They are

only entered into NDAWS if a medal is involved.

b. If mailing completed awards, all awards approved at a command during a month’s time

should be forwarded in one package to their NDAWS authority for recording purposes. Ensure

each case is stapled separately. Awards should be forwarded within 30 days after the end of the

month in which they were approved.

c. Completed awards provided by e-mail, including portable document format of completed

OPNAV 1650/3 Form and signed citation, as well as the electronic version of the OPNAV

1650/3 Form, may be forwarded as soon as they are approved.

d. Do not forward paper copies of summary of action, forwarding letters, or endorsements.

A hard copy of an award will consist of only two pages, the 1650/3 Form and the citation.

e. In the event an NDAWS authority returns an award for correction, the issuing activity

should complete required corrections and return corrected documents to the NDAWS authority

in a prompt manner. Failure to do so will result in the award not being documented in the

member’s record.

f. NDAWS allows anyone limited access to check approved awards. The web site address is

https://awards.navy.mil. On the top bar, click on “Personal Awards.” Then in the right-hand

column, top block, “Personal Awards History,” click on “Personal Awards Query.” Fill in the

blocks for “First Name,” “Last Name,” and the “Last six digits of the member’s SSN.” Then

click “Search” at the top of the box. If a member has had more than one last name (primarily

females who have married or have resumed use of their maiden name following a divorce),

separate searches must be conducted under each name. If there is reason to believe information

contained therein is in error, contact the NDAWS authority to which your command

https://awards.navy.mil/


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administratively reports for a more detailed search. There may be instances where a name is

misspelled or the SSN may be wrong, preventing it from showing on the limited search.

g. If an award is reflected in the NDAWS database, but not on the member’s official

personnel file, the member should send a copy of the citation (with the SSN in the upper right-

hand corner) directly to Navy Personnel Command (PERS-312C). If a member’s prior awards

are not listed in NDAWS, they should be sent to the first NDAWS authority in the member’s

current chain of command for data entry. Contact your NDAWS authority for their preferred

method for this type of submission.

11. Presentation of Awards

a. Individual awards recognizing specific acts should be presented as soon as possible after

the act has occurred, with due consideration given to the time required to properly investigate the

event, validate the facts, and process the award.

b. While awards for sustained performance may be presented at either the duty station where

the award was earned or at the recipient’s new duty station, the intent to present an award at the

originating command shall be presumed unless otherwise indicated. Paragraph 8.d pertains.

c. Retirement and separation awards should be presented at the originating command.

d. Members who receive an award within one month of a selection board convening date

should send a copy of the award to the Board President per the Military Personnel Manual.

e. In the interest of reducing administrative workload, activities should not forward copies of

delivery or forwarding endorsements on approved awards to USFLTFORCOM.

12. Submission of Unit Award Recommendations. Recommendations for unit awards shall be

submitted on the OPNAV 1650/14, with a summary of action (page two of the form), and a

proposed citation. Detailed guidelines for completing OPNAV 1650/14 are contained in

enclosure (12).

a. Unit award recommendations must be submitted by the recommended unit’s Immediate

Superior in Command or higher echelon Commander. No unit can nominate themselves.

b. Recommendations for unit awards normally should not exceed inclusive dates beyond 36

months without substantial justification. Exact dates (DD/MMM/YYYY) are to be used. If the

inclusive dates do exceed 36 months, this fact should be addressed and justified.

c. United States civilian employees of the DON are eligible to participate in unit awards, if

so nominated in the recommendation. If nominated for inclusion, a by-name listing of all

civilians must be provided as a separate enclosure with a statement to the effect that all

individuals are employees of the DON.


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d. Active duty for training, transient, or temporary additional duty personnel are not

normally eligible for participation in unit awards unless specifically recommended to participate.

If so recommended, a by-name list and a statement that the members contributed to the

command’s mission must be included.

Note: Members of Sea Operational Detachments have been approved to participate in

unit awards and Battle E Awards so long as they served on board during the recognized

period.

e. Foreign personnel attached to the command and members of other United States Armed

Services are eligible. A by-name listing is required.

Note: NCIS background records checks and United States Embassy concurrence for each

country involved must be obtained prior to submission of the unit award recommendation

that contains any foreign personnel.

f. Contractor personnel are not eligible to participate in unit awards.

g. If participating units are to be included, the “Participating Commands Entry Form”

(page 3 of the OPNAV 1650/14) should list all attached and direct support units which are

eligible for the award.

h. The summary of action should provide an estimate of the total number of personnel, with

a breakdown by officers, enlisted, and civilian personnel who would participate in the award if

approved.

i. The recommendation should be sent via the administrative or operational chain of

command, as appropriate under the circumstances of the unit involved for comment or

endorsement, including appropriate TYCOM, Fleet Commander, and CNO (Presidential Unit

Citation or Navy Unit Commendation) for endorsement on the recommendation.

13. There shall be strict compliance with the policies, procedures, and criteria set forth in this

instruction and reference (a) with regards to formal awards.

14. USFLTFORCOM welcomes recommendations via the chain of command to improve these

policies and procedures. Questions should be directed to USFLTFORCOM Awards

Administrator, COMM: (757)836-5562/5379; DSN: 836-5562/5379.

15. Records Management. Records created as a result of this instruction, regardless of media

and format, shall be managed per Secretary of the Navy Manual 5210.1 of January 2012.


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16. Review and Effective Date. USFLTFORCOM N0023 will review this instruction annually

on the anniversary of the effective date to ensure applicability, currency, and consistency with

Federal, DoD, SECNAV, and Navy policy and statutory authority using OPNAV 5215/40

Review of Instruction. This instruction will automatically expire 5 years after effective date

unless reissued or otherwise canceled prior to the 5 year anniversary date, or an extension has

been granted.

17. Forms. OPNAV 1650/3 Form, Personal Award Recommendation Form, and OPNAV

1650/14, Unit Award Recommendation Form, shall be downloaded from

https://awards.navy.mil. Previous versions are obsolete and will not be accepted.

R. P. BRECKENRIDGE

Deputy Commander

Releasability and distribution:

This instruction is not cleared for public release and is available electronically only, via Navy

Forces Online Portal: https://usff.portal.navy.mil/sites/hq

https://awards.navy.mil/


25 Jul 2016

Enclosure (1)

AWARDS APPROVAL DELEGATION WITHIN UNITED STATES FLEET FORCES

COMMAND

Awarding Authority Level of Award

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV)

Navy Department Board of Decorations and

Medals (NDBDM)

**Authorities retained by SECNAV

All awards to foreign nationals

All Silver Star and above

PUC/NUC

Chief of Naval Operations LM DX

NM BS

PH MM

AF AS

NC NA

MOVSM MUC

O-10 Commanders

Commander, United States Fleet Forces

Command (COMUSFLTFORCOM)

LM MM

AF NC

NA MOVSM

O-9 Commanders/ O-8 Type Commander

(TYCOM)

NOTE: COMUSFLTFORCOM delegated

authority to award LM, to O6 personnel

within their chain of command, to the

following O-8 TYCOMs:

Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic

Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic

Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic

Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat

Command

LM (for O-6 personnel only) MM

AF NC

NA MOVSM

O-8 and O-7 Commanders MM AF

NC NA (Note 1)

MOVSM

O-6 Commanding Officers

(Currently authorized to wear Command at

Sea or Command Ashore Device by virtue of

their current billet) NO ACTING

SIGNATURES

NC NA (Note 1)

MOVSM

Commanding Officers below the grade of O6

(Currently authorized to wear Command at

Sea or Command Ashore Device by virtue of

their current billet) NO ACTING

SIGNATURES.

NA (Note 1) MOVSM

Note:

(1) NA may only be awarded to O4 and below personnel.

United States Fleet Forces Ready Fleet … Global Reach

RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR LEVELS OF AWARDS

It is not intended that the level of an award will be limited to a specific rank or grade, with the exception of the

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Air Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon (See SECNAVINST 1650.1H).

However, since non-combat (e.g. meritorious vice heroic) award level is generally equated to level of

responsibility which normally increases with rank or grade, a larger number of the higher level awards would

be expected to gravitate to higher-ranking personnel. The maximum award normally authorized as indicated

herein is not necessarily the minimum award entitlement. The following guidelines are what would “generally”

be expected; however, there may be exceptions. Where “RC” is not specified, ranks apply to both AC and RC.

MEDAL EOT RETIREMENT

DM O10 / O9 with unusually exceptional

performance.

O10 / O9. Unusually exceptional performance by

O8 could warrant this level.

LM O8 / O7 / Exceptionally performing O6’s such as

Major Command / O6 RC Unit CO’s / EA’s / Major

Staff Directors.

Exceptions considered, but based on unusually

exceptional performance.

O8 / O7 / O6 / Fleet & Force Master Chiefs.



MM O6 Non-Major Command / O5 Command & Non-

Command / W5. Top-performing O4s, W4s, E9s,

and E8s during extremely demanding tour.



O5 / W5 / W4 / E9. Top-performing O4s and E8s.



NC O4 / O3 / W4 / W3 / W2 /E9-E7. O4 / O3 / W3 / W2 /E9-E7. Top-performing E6.

NA O3 –O1 / E6-E5 O3 / E6


Enclosure (2)


25 Jul 2016

Enclosure (3)

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING CITATIONS

1. Since citations are comprised of elements listed in the summary of action (except for

command Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (NA) and Letters of Commendation

which do not require summary of action), any information in the citation should also be

addressed in the summary of action.

2. When submitting award recommendations, do not exceed recommended citation lengths as

delineated in reference (a).

3. Exceeding citation lengths forces approving authorities to edit or exclude elements within the

citation.

(a) Citations for NA and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NC) will be

submitted using all upper case letters in courier new, size 10, and MUST NOT exceed past eight

lines into the seal at the bottom center of the certificate.

(b) Citations for the Air Medal and above will be submitted using upper and lower case type in

courier new, size 10. The citation is limited to 23 typewritten lines.

4. All awards shall be written in third person, past tense.

5. In header, identify member by rank and rate, first name, middle initial (if applicable), and last

name. Do NOT use nicknames. Use only the member’s legal name.

6. When identifying an enlisted member’s rank and rate, for E6 and below, the rate precedes the

rank (i.e. Yeoman First Class). For E7 through E9 personnel, the rate follows the rank, i.e.

Master Chief Yeoman. There is a tool on the Navy Department Awards Web Service web site

that can assist in properly identifying this information, or refer to MILPERSMAN 1223 or

NAVPERS 18068.

7. As a general rule, do not use abbreviations and acronyms in the citation. For the summary of

action spell the acronym out the first time. United States and USS can be used without first

spelling them out.

8. While in most instances, citations start “The President of the United States (or Secretary of

the Navy) takes pleasure in presenting……,” for posthumous awards, the terminology “takes

pride in presenting…”. See enclosure (6).

9. For the citation, use the standard opening sentences provided in reference (a), 3.a., including

the title, command and period of award. Always provide starting AND ending dates in the

citation (i.e. June 2003 to March 2006), unless it is for a one day event, (on 23 April 2007). DO

NOT say “in the month of,” or “during “2006,” or “as Sailor of the Year for 2007,” etc.


25 Jul 2016

2 Enclosure (3)

(a) Distinguished Service Medal: “For exceptionally meritorious service to the Government of

the United States in a duty of great responsibility as (Title and Command) from Month YYYY to

Month YYYY.”

(b) Legion of Merit: “For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of

outstanding service as (Title) on the staff of (Command) from Month YYYY to Month YYYY.”

(c) Meritorious Service Medal: “For outstanding meritorious achievement (or service) as

(title) on the staff of (Command) from Month YYYY to Month YYYY.”

(d) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal: “For meritorious service (or meritorious

achievement) (or heroic service) (or heroic achievement) while serving as (Title), (Command)

from Month YYYY to Month YYYY.”

(e) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal: “For professional achievement (or heroic

achievement) in the superior performance of his/her duties while service as (Title), (Command)

from Month YYYY to Month YYYY”

10. Closing sentences should state that the member’s outstanding attributes (such as exceptional

professionalism and selfless devotion to duty) reflect (use “great” for Meritorious Service

Medals or above) credit upon him/herself and/or were in keeping with the highest traditions of

the United States Naval Service.

11. Remember the target audience. At the awards ceremony there are likely to be civilian guests

who aren’t familiar with military terminology, and later, the citation may be displayed at the

awardee’s home where it may be viewed by other civilians unfamiliar with military jargon. The

citation should be written to ensure that everyone, including the non-military observer,

understands it.

12. The language should be graphic and factual, while free of details of violence that might be

painful to the recipient, the next of kin, or anyone else reading or hearing the citation.

13. Citations should be written exactly as they are to be read and must not take on the

characteristics of a fitness report or performance evaluation.


25 Jul 2016

Enclosure (4)

GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETION OF OPNAV 1650/3

1. From – Indicate originating command plain language address directory (PLAD), office code

(if same as Awarding Authority), and address.

1.a. UIC/RUC – Originating command’s unit identification codes (UIC). If UIC is unknown,

indicate 00000. DO NOT leave blank.

2. TO (Awarding Authority) – Indicate awarding authority command’s PLAD and address.

Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command (COMUSFLTFORCOM)

COMUSFLTFORCOM

1562 MITSCHER AVE SUITE 250

NORFOLK VA 23551-2487

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)

CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

2000 NAVY PENTAGON

WASHINGTON DC 20350-2000


SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

2000 NAVY PENTAGON

WASHINGTON DC 20350-1000

2.a. UIC/RUC - Indicate awarding authority UIC. If awarding authority is

COMUSFLTFORCOM, use 00060. If awarding authority is CNO, use 00011. If awarding

authority is SECNAV, use 31707. If UIC is unknown, use 00000. DO NOT leave blank.

3. COMMAND PONT OF CONTACT (POC) – Indicate originating command POC’s rank,

name, and email address.

4. PHONE – Command POC’s DSN and Commercial phone numbers. If DSN is not available

indicate NA.

5. EXPIRATION DATE OF ACTIVE SERVICE – Indicate date nominee’s current enlistment

will expire. For officers with no contract expiration, indicate “INDEFINITE,” unless retiring. In

that case, list their actual retirement date.

5.a. IF RETIREMENT/SEPARATION, NUMBER OF YEARS – Self-explanatory. If not

retiring or separating, indicate N/A.

6. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) – FULL SSN required. Do NOT truncate. Include

hyphens, i.e. 999-99-9999.


25 Jul 2016

2 Enclosure (4)

7. DESIG/NEC/MOS – If officer, list nominee’s designator; if enlisted, list primary navy

enlisted classification (NEC); if United States Marine Corps, list MOS. If no NEC, or unknown,

list 0000; DO NOT leave blank.

8. DETACHMENT OR CEREMONY DATE (EARLIER DATE) – Indicate anticipated

detachment date, or date the award is desired for presentation. If retirement, this date should

reflect if and when the member will begin terminal leave. It is formatted as DD-MMM-YYYY.

While the form does not allow additional info other than the date, if different from the ending date

in block 25, it is recommended a hand note be made here for explanation purposes.

9. NAME (LAST, FIRST, MIDDLE, SUFFIX) – This block has four separate internal blocks.

Indicate last name in first block, then Tab to second block and type in first name. Tab to third

block and type in middle name (or initial). Tab to fourth block and type in suffix (JR, III, SR,

etc.), if applicable. DO NOT use commas at end of blocks, or periods after middle initial or

suffix.

10. TYPE OF AWARD – Check appropriate box for the type of award being considered:

Retirement/Transfer/Separation/Specific Achievement. For Reservists being demobilized, select

Transfer, and type in the additional info “demobilizing”.

11. COMPONENT – Select nominee’s component service from drop-down menu. For foreign

members, indicate “OTHER” and complete block 28.

12. NEW DUTY STATION ADDRESS (Home address for retirement/separation) – Indicate

command name or PLAD, and address of nominee’s next duty station, if not leaving the service.

If they are retiring or separating, indicate their home address.

13. PAYGRADE AND RATING – This block has two internal blocks. In the first block,

indicate paygrade in letter and number format (i.e. E6 or O5). In the second block, indicate rank

or rate (i.e. BM1 or CDR).

14. WARFARE QUALIFICATION – For enlisted personnel. Indicate individual’s warfare

qualification. Example: AW, SW, SS, IDW, FMF, SEAL, EOD, etc. If no warfare

qualification, indicate N/A for not applicable. List only ONE regardless of multiple

qualifications.

15. UNIT AT TIME OF ACTION/SERVICE – Indicate the PLAD of the command that the

nominee was attached to for the period of the award being considered (i.e.

COMUSFLTFORCOM).

16. DUTY ASSIGNMENT – Indicate nominee’s primary job title during the award period. If

award is for a specific act, indicate the job title during the specific act, if it is different from their

primary job; or if in recognition of SOQ or other such honor, indicate that.

17. UIC/RUC – Indicate the UIC of the nominee’s unit at the time of the action or service. If

UIC is unknown, fill in 00000. DO NOT leave blank.


25 Jul 2016

3 Enclosure (4)

18. CAMPAIGN – If applicable, indicate campaign that applies. If award is not connected to a

campaign (such as Iraqi Freedom), select “N/A.” For EOT awards, this will generally be N/A,

unless attached to a command geographically located in theater. DO NOT leave blank.

18.a. Operation – Fill in the unclassified operation. If operation is classified or if none applies,

type in “N/A.”

19. PREVIOUS PERSONAL DECORATIONS AND PERIOD RECOGNIZED – List prior

personal awards received by the nominee and the full period of recognition, beginning and

ending dates. Do NOT list just an ending date or a presentation date. If single day action,

indicate DD-MMM-YY. List only those personal awards, Flag Letter of Commendation (XX)

and above, which require a 1650/3 recommendation. DO NOT list unit, campaign, or service

awards. Note: If there is an interim award listed in this section that falls within the dates of

Block 12, a copy must be provided with the current recommendation. There can be NO

duplication between prior award and current recommendation.

20. RECOMMENDED AWARD – Using the drop-down menu, indicate award the individual is

being recommended for. If the award is the MOVSM (or OV), you will have to hand-write or

type the award in this block.

21. TYPE OF ACTION – Check the appropriate type of action for this award recommendation.

“Meritorious” is generally used for an end-of-tour award. Posthumous blocks are used if the

awardee is deceased. “MIA” is for those in combat who are missing in action.

22. PERSONAL AWARDS RECOMMENDED-NOT YET APPROVED – Indicate any

possible pending awards and awarding authority for that award. If the nominee has been TAD

during their tour, check with them or the TAD command to verify if there are any awards

pending. This could ultimately affect the number of award, or result in an issue of duplication.

23. RECOMMENDED AWARD NUMBER – Indicate the number of occurrences of this type of

award for the nominee, i.e., if the nominee already has a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation

Medal (NC) (indicated in block 19), and this is a recommendation for another NC, indicate “2.” Note

that an award which has a Combat V will have a different award code, but still counts as a prior award

of that type. So a NV (Commendation with Combat V) would also be counted as a prior NC.

24. OTHER PERSONNEL BEING RECOMMENDED FOR SAME ACTION – For specific

achievement awards; not for EOT. List the personnel that are being recommended for the same

action, list them by rank, first name, and last name.

25. ACTION DATE/MERITORIOUS PERIOD – There are two internal blocks in this block.

Indicate meritorious start date in first block and meritorious end date in second block. Use DD-

MMM-YYYY format. If actual day is unknown, use “01.” If action is for a one-day period,

indicate same date in first and second blocks.


25 Jul 2016

4 Enclosure (4)

26. (FOR O6 AND ABOVE) RANK AND NAME OF PREDECESSOR – If the nominee is an

O6 or above, indicate the rank and name of the predecessor. If the award is for a specific act,

indicate “N/A,” or if the nominee is the first person assigned to the position, indicate “no

predecessor.” This will allow senior Navy leaders to evaluate award levels by position across

time.

NOTE: Per CNO Awards Branch, awards being forwarded for SECNAV approval must

list last two predecessors.

27. GEOGRAPHIC AREA OF ACTION – Using the drop-down menu, select the area where

the majority of the action was accomplished. For tours that included CONUS and OUTCONUS

assignments and for classified awards where area cannot be revealed, select “MU” for Multiple

Locations.

28. IF FOREIGN NATIONAL, INDICATE FOREIGN SERVICE AND COUNTRY – Only use for

non-U.S. awardees - block 11 will have indicated “other.” In the first block, indicate the awardee’s

service, i.e. Royal Air Force. If exact service name isn’t known, indicate the area of expertise:

aviation, surface, submarine, etc. In the second block, indicate the country of the awardee (i.e. United

Kingdom, Australia, Italy).

29. FACT CERTIFICATION STATEMENT – Check the most appropriate box. If the

originator knows the awardee and the awardee’s accomplishments, check “Known to Me.” If the

awardee’s accomplishments are not personally known to the originator but are recorded in

evaluations or FITREPs, check “A Matter of Record.”

30.a. NAME, RANK/GRADE, COMPONENT, TITLE OF ORIGINATOR – Generally Division

Head for Command-approved or Commanding Officer for those being forwarded to higher authority.

There are four internal blocks in this block. In the first block, type in originator’s name in the manner

in which they normally sign. In the second block type in the originator’s rank (i.e. CAPT, SES2). In

the third block , select the drop-down option that applies to the originator’s service component. In the

fourth block, type in the originator’s title (i.e. CO, OIC, Commander, Director). DO NOT USE

COMMAS TO SEPARATE BLOCKS.

30.b. SIGNATURE – After the originator signs a hard copy of the recommendation, type their

signature line on the electronic version. Start with /s/ (indicates you have sighted the signature)

and the exact signature name (example: /s/ M. J. SMITH). Filling in this block is necessary

should anyone ever challenge the validity of the award.

30.c. DATE – Indicate date the originator signs the award (DD-MMM-YYYY).

31. FORWARDING ENDORSEMENTS BY VIA ADDRESSEE(S)

COMMAND (second column from left)– Two internal blocks. Type Command PLAD in first

block, and in second block provide DSN and commercial phone numbers.


25 Jul 2016

5 Enclosure (4)

RECOMMENDED AWARD – Endorsing command completes this block using drop-down

menu.

COMBAT “V” – Endorsing command completes. If nominee was involved in combat action

and exchange of fire with the enemy, or if the individual was part of a covert operation and was

in extremely danger, check “YES.” If these conditions do not apply, check “NO.” This would

only be “YES” if the recommended award in block 20 reflects a combat award.

SIGNATURE, GRADE (second column from right) – Two internal blocks. After the

endorsing individual has signed the original recommendation, type on the electronic version, the

individual’s signature line in the first block, followed by their rank in the second block (i.e. /s/

M. J. SMITH, RADM).

DATE FWD – Type in the date the endorsing individual signed the award (DD-MMM-YYYY).

32. AWARDING AUTHORITY INFORMATION – This block is completed by the Awarding

Authority – NOT by the originator, except for the signature block.

DISPOSITION OF BASIC RECOMMENDATION – After the awarding authority makes

their decision, they select the approved award from the drop-down menu. If approved award is

the MOVSM, it will be hand-written in.

COMBAT “V” – leave this block blank.

EXTRAORDINARY HEROISM RECOMMENDED – leave this block blank.

SIGNATURE, GRADE, TITLE – Type in the awarding authority’s electronic signature block

see below:

Commander Approval (DM/LM/NM/PH/CR/ all Flag Officer Awards)

P. S. DAVIDSON ADM

COMUSFLTFORCOM

Deputy Commander Approval (MM and below, All Awards from off staff, Awards

endorsed to CNO (MM and below))

R. P. BRECKENRIDGE VADM

DCOM USFLTFORCOM


25 Jul 2016

6 Enclosure (4)

N04 Approval (NC/NA/XX/MOVSM – MOC personnel)

DEE L. MEWBOURNE RDML

DIR MAR OPS USFLTFORCOM

N02C Approval (NC and NA – PEPNA personnel only)

R. L. CURRY CAPT

CO PEP NORTH AMERICA

DATE APPROVED – leave this block blank.

33. SERIAL NO AND RECEIPT INFORMATION - For CNO or CMC use only.

34. NDBDM USE ONLY – For SECNAV use only.

35. SUMMARY OF ACTION – Required for any NC or above, or for any award forwarded to

higher authority for approval. Remember to spell out all ACRONYMNs the first time.


25 Jul 2016

Enclosure (5)

SAMPLE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL CITATION

(23 typewritten lines, Courier New, size 12)

(Margins: (L) 0.7, (R) 0.5, (T) 2.0, and (B) 1.0)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL to

REAR ADMIRAL QUINTON MCHALE

UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For exceptionally meritorious service to the United States

in a duty of great responsibility while serving as President,

Board of Inspections and Survey from May 2000 through May 2010.

Rear Admiral McHale’s high standards and unrelenting

advocacy for submarine, carrier, and surface ship material

conditions significantly enhanced Fleet readiness. He expanded

and shifted the inspection paradigm from merely focusing on

material condition toward a focus on assessing material

readiness. He also revised the annual report to address the

material readiness information the warfighters needed in order

to employ ships and submarines effectively. Rear Admiral

McHale’s efforts included scenario-driven analysis, assessing

the material condition of a unit by successfully executing key

warfare areas. To improve the Board’s efficiency in educating

ship’s personnel, he leveraged social media with a series of

videos aimed at today’s Sailors. Rear Admiral McHale’s superior

performance of duties highlights the culmination of 38 years of

honorable and dedicated service.

By his superior leadership, wise judgment, and deep

devotion to duty, Rear Admiral McHale reflected great credit

upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United

States Naval Service.

For the President,

P. S. DAVIDSON

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command


25 Jul 2016

Enclosure (6)

SAMPLE LEGION OF MERIT CITATION


(Margins: (L) 0.7, (R) 0.5, (T) 2.0, and (B) 1.0)


LEGION OF MERIT (Gold Star in lieu of the Fourth Award) to

CAPTAIN WALLACE BURTON BINGHAMTON

UNITED STATES NAVY


CITATION:

For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of

outstanding service as Chief of Staff, Board of Inspection and

Survey from October 2007 to April 2010. Captain Binghampton’s

high standards and unrelenting advocacy for submarine, carrier,

and surface ship material conditions significantly enhanced

Fleet readiness. Improving ship material readiness, he expanded

and changed the material inspection paradigm from being a

material condition inspection to one which assessed material

readiness. His new approach to the annual report focused on

what warfighters needed to know from a material readiness aspect

to effectively employ ships and submarines. His efforts

included scenario driven analysis assessing the material

condition of a unit by successfully executing key warfare areas.

Attending two acceptance trials in Romania for the first Aegis

Ashore site to be deployed overseas, his insight and attention-

to-detail ensured this critical piece of worldwide Ballistic

Missile Defense network was able to come online fully operation.

Improving Board’s efficiency in educating ship’s personnel he

leveraged social media with a series of videos reaching modern

day Sailors. By his superior leadership, commendable

innovation, and inspiring dedication to duty, Captain

Binghampton reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the

highest traditions of the united States Naval Service.

For the President,

P. S. DAVIDSON

Admiral, U.S. Navy

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command


25 Jul 2016

Enclosure (7)

SAMPLE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL CITATION


(Margins: (L) 0.7, (R) 0.5, (T) 2.0, and (B) 1.0)


MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL to

LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ELROY CARPENTER

UNITED STATES NAVY


CITATION:

For outstanding meritorious service as Fleet Fuels Officer and

Logistics Readiness Officer on the staff of Commander, U.S.

Fleet Forces Command from August 2013 to June 2016. Through his

comprehensive understanding of Navy and Department of Defense

petroleum products and delivery mechanisms, Lieutenant Commander

Carpenter ensured the highest degree of operational support to

Commander, Task Force 80 operations and exercises, as well as to

Navy units in support of U.S. Northern Command and U.S.

Strategic Command. Identifying an immediately executable

solution for a U.S. Strategic Command Task Force, he achieved a

cost savings of $15 million, as well as developed and maintained

redundant and resilient supply chains for units performing

Maritime Homeland Defense missions. Providing adept logistics

expertise, his input was essential during critical, high-

visibility exercises and real-world operations. As Fleet Forces

Task Force Energy lead for biofuel, he developed a road map for

integration, tracking, and reporting of 78 million gallons of

biofuel, and successful execution of the Great Green Fleet

campaign. This superb tour of duty culminated a distinguished

career of 29 years of loyal and faithful service to his country.

Lieutenant Commander Carpenter’s distinctive accomplishments and

selfless devotion to duty great credit upon himself and upheld

the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,

R. P. BRECKENRIDGE

Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy

Deputy Commander

U.S. Fleet Forces Command


25 Jul 2016

Enclosure (8)

SAMPLE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS COMMENDATION MEDAL CITATION

(GOLD STAR IN LIEU OF THE SECOND AWARD)

LIEUTENANT CHARLES PARKER, UNITED STATES NAVY

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AS ASSISTANT BATTLE WATCH CAPTAIN AND CURRENT OPERATIONS ACTION OFFICER ON THE STAFF OF

COMMANDER, U.S. FLEET FORCES COMMAND FROM MAY 2014 TO APRIL 2016. LIEUTENANT PARKER MADE SIGNIFICANT AND

LASTING CONTRIBUTIONS IN SUPPORT OF ATLANTIC FLEET OPERATIONS, U.S. NORTHERN COMMAND, U.S. STRATEGIC COMMAND,

AND THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS. EXECUTING FLAWLESS WATCH STANDING, HE ENSURED SUCCESSFUL EXECUTION OF 15

STRATEGIC NORTH AMERICAN AND OPERATIONAL NAVY-WIDE EXERCISES, INCLUDING ARDENT SENTRY, VIGILANT SHIELD, HURREX,

AND SOLID CURTAIN. THIS SUPERB TOUR OF DUTY CULMINATED A DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF 21 YEARS OF LOYAL AND

FAITHFUL SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY. BY HIS EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONALISM AND SELFLESS DEVOTION TO DUTY, LIEUTENANT

PARKER REFLECTED CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND UPHELD THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.

FOR THE DEE L. MEWBOURNE

REAR ADMIRAL, U.S. NAVY

DIRECTOR, MARITIME OPERATIONS

U.S. FLEET FORCES COMMAND


25 Jul 2016

Enclosure (9)

SAMPLE NAVY AND MARINE CORPS ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL CITATION

INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST SECOND CLASS (SURFACE WARFARE) GEORGE C. CHRISTOPHER, UNITED STATES NAVY

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AS AN INTELLIGENCE ANALYST AT NAVAL RESERVE U.S. FLEET FORCES MARITIME INTELLIGENCE

OPERATIONS CENTER, NORFOLK, VIRGINIA FROM DECEMBER 2012 TO DECEMBER 2015. RAPIDLY ACHIEVING THE QUALIFICATION

AS A DAYTIME INTELLIGENCE WATCH ASSISTANT, PETTY OFFICER CHRISTOPHER HELPED SET THE STANDARD FOR THE WATCH

QUALIFICATION PROCESS. TRAINING AND PREPARING SAILORS FOR THE DEMANDING WATCH QUALIFICATION BOARD, HIS EFFORTS

FACILITATED A GREATER NUMBER OF RESERVISTS AUGMENTING THE ACTIVE DUTY WORKFORCE DURING EXERCISES AND DRILL

WEEKENDS. PROVIDING INFORMAL AND FORMAL BRIEFS, HE EDUCATED WATCHSTANDERS ON THE LATEST AND MOST IMPORTANT

INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPMENTS AND EVENTS HAPPENING AROUND THE WORLD. PETTY OFFICER CHRISTOPHER’S OUTSTANDING

PERFORMANCE AND LOYAL DEVOTION TO DUTY REFLECTED CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.

FOR THE DEE L. MEWBOURNE

REAR ADMIRAL, U.S. NAVY

DIRECTOR, MARITIME OPERATIONS

U.S. FLEET FORCES COMMAND


25 Jul 2016

Enclosure (10)

SAMPLE LETTER OF COMMENDATION CITATION

LETTER OF COMMENDATION

The Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command takes pleasure in commending

STEELWORKER THIRD CLASS (SEABEE COMBAT WARFARE)

LESTER GRUBER

UNITED STATES NAVY

for service as set forth in the following CITATION:

For outstanding performance of duty as a Construction Crew Member

while assigned to U.S. Fleet Forces Command “Fleet Landing” Renovation

Project from 19 January to 11 March 2016. Greatly enhancing access

and security, Petty Officer Gruber expertly assisted in the renovation

and installation of 2,000 square feet of new wall; 1,200 square feet

of new commercial flooring; 100 square feet of glass tile backsplash;

60 linear feet of cabinets with countertop, custom sink and

appliances; and a new 150 square foot storage closet for the Command

Recreational Committee. A proactive crew member, his efforts directly

resulted in the “Fleet Landing” renovation being completed ahead of

schedule with zero safety mishaps and improving quality of life for

1,200 staff personnel. Petty Officer Gruber’s outstanding performance

and loyal devotion to duty reflected credit upon himself and the

United States Fleet Forces Command.

R. P. BRECKENRIDGE

Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy

Deputy Commander

U.S. Fleet Forces Command


25 Jul 2016

Enclosure (11)

SAMPLE MILITARY OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDAL LETTER

1650

Ser N01/

From: Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command

To: YN1(SW/AW) Ima Sailor, USN

Subj: AWARD OF THE MILITARY OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE MEDAL

Ref: (a) SECNAVINST 1650.1H

1. Per reference (a), you are hereby authorized to wear the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal

for outstanding public service from October 2009 to October 2015.

2. During this time, you generously supported the Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast Troop 373. You

selflessly volunteered over 120 off-duty hours by assisting in the weekly meetings, leading small groups

and providing individual assistance to the scouts. You also attended numerous troop events, providing

important support over the past six years, including The Walk for the Cure, Fall Product Sales, Girl Scout

Cookie Sales and four field trips that allowed the young women to learn about different aspects of our

society and culture. As a co-leader of Girl Scout Troop 373, your volunteer time allowed the troop to

serve up to 25 scouts at a time, leading many of them in achieving the Brownie and Junior Girl Scout

Summit Awards as well as the Junior Bronze Award.

3. Your continued efforts and dedication to the community reflect most favorably upon the United States

Navy and the Department of Defense. Congratulations on a job well done!

R. P. BRECKENRIDGE

Deputy Commander

Copy to:

NAVPERSCOM (PERS 312)


27 Jul 2016

Enclosure (12)

GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETION OF OPNAV 1650/14

1. From – Indicate originating command plain language address directory (PLAD), office code

(if same as Awarding Authority), and address.

1.a. UIC/RUC – Originating command’s UIC. If UIC is unknown, indicate 00000. DO NOT

leave blank.

2. TO (Awarding Authority) – Indicate awarding authority command’s PLAD and address.

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO)

Chief of Naval Operations (N09B13/DNS-35)

2000 Navy Pentagon

Washington DC 20370-2000


Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals (NDBDM)

1000 Navy Pentagon

Washington DC 20370-1000

2.a. UIC/RUC - Indicate awarding authority UIC. If awarding authority is CNO, use 00011. If

awarding authority is SECNAV, use 31707. If UIC is unknown, use 00000. DO NOT leave

blank.

3. COMMAND POC – Indicate originating command POC’s rank, name, and email address.

4. PHONE – Command POC’s DSN and Commercial phone numbers. If DSN is not available

indicate NA.

5. IS LIST OF PARTICIPATING COMMANDS INCLUDED IN THIS SUBMISSION – Check

Yes or No.

6. CITED UNIT – Indicate Name of Awardee Unit.

7. UIC/RUC OF CITED UNIT – Indicate UIC of Awardee Unit.

8. CITED UNIT COMPONENT – Choose from drop down menu.

9. SHIP – Check Yes or No.

10. RECOMMENDED AWARD NUMBER – Indicate the number of occurrences of this award

for the unit.


27 Jul 2016

2 Enclosure (12)

11. RECOMMENDED AWARD – Choose from drop down menu.

12. PREVIOUS UNIT AWARDDS AND DATES RECOGNIZED - List prior unit awards

received by the Awardee and the full period of recognition, beginning and ending dates (Date

format DD-Mmm-YYYY - DD-Mmm-YYYY).

Note: Unit Awards must be verified through NDAWS. To verify, run a query award

search in the Unit Awards section of the website and enter all of the variations of the Unit

name to ensure you capture a full search of the unit’s previous awards. Example:

THEODORE ROOSEVELT CVN 71, CVN 71, THEODORE ROOSEVELT

CARSTRKGRU, THEODORE ROOSEVELT BATTLE GROUP, THEODORE

ROOSEVELT CVN 71.

13. UNIT AWARDS RECOMMENDED-NOT YET APPROVED – Self-explanatory.

14. CAMPAIGN – Select from drop down menu.

14a. OPERATION – Indicate the unclassified name of operation. If operation is classified or if

no operation applies, type in “N/A”.

15. OTHER UNITS BEING RECOMMENDED FOR SAME AWARD – Enter other units

recommended for same award.

16. GEOGRAPHIC AREA OF OPERATION – Select from drop down menu.

17. ACTION DATE/MERITORIOUS PERIOD – DD-MMM-YYYY – DD-MMM-YYYY.

18a. NAME, RANK/GRADE, COMPONENT, TITLE OF ORIGINATOR – First block enter

name; second block enter rank/grade; third block chose from drop down menu; and fourth block

enter title of originator.

18b. SIGNATURE – Type in originator signature block. After originator signs, annotate the

electronic signature line on the Word version starting with an /s/ before the originators signature

line.

18c. DATE – Indicate the date the originator signs the award.

19. FORWARDING ENDORSEMENTS -

COMMAND – Type in Command abbreviate name and on the second line type in the

command phone number.

Sample: COMUSFLTFORCOM

(757)836-5562


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3 Enclosure (12)

RECOMMENDED AWARD – leave blank for the endorser to fill in.

SIGNATURE GRADE – Enter endorser signature information.

Sample: P. S. DAVIDSON, ADM

COMUSFLTFORCOM

DATE FWD – Leave blank to be filled in by endorser.

20. Leave blank to be completed by Awarding Authority.

21. Leave blank to be completed by CNO Awards Branch.

22. Leave blank to be completed by NDBDM

23. Summary of Action – Self-explanatory, remember to spell out all ACRONYMNs the first

time.

P1. CITED UNIT NAME – Same as block 6.

P2. CITED UNIT RECOMMENDED AWARD – Same as block 11.

P3. CITED UNIT MERITORIOUS PERIOD – Same as block 17.

1-33. LIST OF PARTICIPATING COMMANDS, MERITORIOUS START AND END

DATES, and COMPONENT - List participating commands for the recommended unit award. If

you have more than 33 participating commands use a duplicate sheet and annotate the page

number to the right of block P1.

PARTICIPATING COMMAND – Enter PLAD for participating command name.

MERIT START – Normally the same start date as block 17 unless, they joined the

Awarding Unit at a different date.

MERIT END – Normally the same ending date as block 17 unless, they departed the

Awarding Unit at a different date.

COMPONENT – Select from drop down menu.


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4 Enclosure (12)

LISTS OF TAD, CIVILIAN, AND FOREIGN PERSONNEL

Included with the 1650/14 individual lists of all TAD, DoN Civilian, and foreign personnel that

are recommended for the Unit Award.

Note: Award originators are responsible for contacting NCIS to obtain the required

background records checks and appropriate United States Embassy to obtain the

concurrence of the United States Chief of Mission and the United States Defense Attaché.

NCIS and United States Embassy records checks and concurrence letters must be dated

within six months of the award submission. If older, new ones must be obtained.


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Enclosure (13)

SAMPLE LATE LETTER

1650

N(code)

date

From: Director, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (Directorate Code)

To: Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command

Subj: LATE LETTER ICO RANK/FULL NAME AWARD RECOMMENDATION

Encl: (1) OPNAV 1650/3 ICO Rank/Full name

1. Enclosure (1) is submitted with less than 30 days lead time.

2. (Reason award was submitted late, i.e.) Short notice orders were received on (date), with

member detaching on (date).

3. This letter will contain the same signature as the award recommendation originator/endorser

and will provide an explanation as to why the award was not forwarded within required

timelines. The standard “administrative oversight” is not an adequate explanation.

Director’s signature

department of the navy commander united states …sailorbob.com/files/cusffcinst1650.10b.pdfflag...

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