The pewter badge is 2 inches long and 1 1/8 inch at its highest point. In the Forefront the American Eagle looking towards the right with both wings widely spread, indicating power and observance. Its left claw grasping onto the base of an anchor indicating stability and safety. Behind the eagle an early American Naval Frigate with all sails fully exposed to the wind and heading in the same direction the eagle is looking. The Frigate has the American Flag and jack standard proudly flying above the highest point on the ship. The Frigate is making its way through the ocean waves representing the ability of the U.S. Navy to enter any body of water to respond to any crisis or objective to secure peace and security. The rope attached to the anchor and surrounding the frigate and extending down the front of the eagle to the bottom of the anchor represents the linking together of the U.S. Navy with its powerful naval force to travel in and around any body of water, sea or ocean, to protect and defend its interests and interests of others.

The pewter badge shall be worn by both enlisted and officer grades to exemplify, no distinction in merit, qualification or responsibility to perform any basic Seaman duty when urgency dictates.

CRITERIA

The Navy Seaman Badge. To be awarded to able-bodied Seaman (Airman, Fireman, and Construction) insignia who after having completed the requirements for that particular rating and have demonstrated a level of duty, training and responsibility and is qualified and competent to work on deck, below decks and/or on the superstructure of his or her assigned naval vessel, may apply for the Seaman's Badge.

Personnel are required to serve and or be assigned to an active duty naval vessel in their field or area of expertise and complete a minimum six month tour of duty at sea (cumulative). To be authorized to all personnel at or above the Seaman (Pay grades E-3 enlisted; O-1 officer) Rating and may continue to wear the insignia/badge throughout their naval career. The badge will also be awarded to members of the U.S. Marine Corps who while being assigned to any active navy vessel and while performing their assigned duties and having served the minimal amount of time at sea may apply for the Seaman's Badge.

The purpose of allowing the Marine Corps to be eligible for this badge is an attempt to restore to an ancient tradition and the original role the marines played aboard ship. This is to encourage marines to cross train and learn seamanship roles as once practiced by their predecessors when marines were sailors first and warriors second until combat conditions arose.

RETROACTIVITY

Upon enactment The Seaman's Badge will be retroactive to 1797, the date the Seaman's rank was first established.

BACKGROUND

The Seaman's Badge was designed by Vietnam Veteran Greg W. Colyer GMG PO3C, U.S. Navy on 13 August 2010. However, the basic features were taken from the current Navy Insignia used by the Navy Department but altered and enhanced for the purpose of this badge. The purpose was to reward those individuals who have attained an efficiency in accomplishing those skills and experience needed to perform the deck work aboard a navy vessel, whether above or below decks, and performing those needed skills while "out to sea", over a period of time, regardless of hazards, weather conditions, or unforeseen circumstances.

Contact Person for this posting: Greg Colyer, PO3C
infoman@verizon.net

This website established 13 August 2010