The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) earned the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon (NARCS) July 28, 2020 for serving more than 28 days above the Arctic Circle.

Roosevelt supports commander, 6th Fleet (C6F) and the U.S. Navy's Arctic strategy by ensuring a stable conflict-free region, preserving freedom of the seas, and promoting partnerships.

“Maritime operations by USS Roosevelt are the most visible and persistent demonstrations of the Navy's commitment to Arctic security,” said Cmdr. Ryan R. Kendall, commanding officer aboard Roosevelt. “Today my crew has operated above the 66th parallel for twenty-eight days and counting, and I am thrilled to award them the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon. This ribbon symbolizes Roosevelt's exceptional maritime operations in the high north and a sustained U.S. naval presence in Arctic waters.”

During their time in the Arctic, the crew executed deterrence, sea control, and power projection missions.  In addition to performing a number of gunnery exercises and flight operations, Roosevelt participated in passing and tactical exercises with Norwegian patrol vessel HNoMS Gnist (P979) and an anti-submarine warfare exercise (ASW) with a P-8A Poseidon from commander, Task Force (CTF) 67, based at Naval Station Rota, Spain.

“The road to get here has been ever-changing but I think that's part of the fun,” said Lt. Michael J. Valania, navigator aboard Roosevelt. “Six months ago we were doing drills off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla. and now we're a forward deployed asset working with our NATO partners almost daily. Being able to reward the crew with the Arctic service ribbon is a huge win for the command and is something I think they'll always remember.”

Roosevelt’s northern most area of operation was above the 75^th parallel; an area where the majority of the Navy’s Arctic presence traditionally comes from the air and undersea services operating above or below ice formations.

Another notable achievement was Roosevelt’s participation in Exercise Dynamic Mongoose 2020, a NATO Allied Maritime Command-led exercise in the northern Atlantic Ocean. The exercise allowed Roosevelt to utilize its advanced sonar capabilities in a high-intensity anti-submarine warfare environment.

Roosevelt, forward-deployed to NS Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the C6F area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

C6F, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.