Navy Honors Destroyer Crew for Defending Against Houthi Attacks in Red Sea

The Navy confirmed Tuesday that the sailors of the USS Oscar Austin are now permitted to wear Combat Action Ribbons due to their vital contributions in protecting U.S. and allied vessels from Houthi assaults in the Red Sea this spring.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer played a crucial role in air and missile defense amid an increase in drone and rocket attacks by Houthi rebels. The crew's exceptional performance during Operation Rough Rider resulted in the unit receiving a Combat Action Ribbon, which was awarded upon the ship's arrival at its new homeport in Spain.

The Oscar Austin set sail from Norfolk, Virginia, in September 2024, becoming part of the USS Harry S. Truman strike group. In April, the destroyer made its way into the Red Sea to address a wave of airborne threats aimed at military and commercial vessels alike.

Between mid-March and April, U.S. Central Command executed synchronized strikes targeting Houthi launch sites and command centers. In that period, the crew of the Oscar Austin acted promptly to counter various threats, ensuring the safety of international shipping routes.

The Oscar Austin, now part of the Sixth Fleet based in Naples, Italy, made its return to the Eastern Mediterranean in May.

The Combat Action Ribbon stands as a testament to the courage displayed by sailors in perilous situations, marking an honor that is becoming less common in the modern Navy.