Navy
USS Arleigh Burke sailors awarded Armed Forces Service Medal for actions in Middle East
Stars and Stripes
February 7, 2026
The guided missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke in 2014. (Carlos M. Vazquez II/U.S. Navy)
USS Arleigh Burke sailors will receive the Armed Forces Service Medal for their actions in the Middle East in 2024 and during the “12-Day War” between Israel and Iran in 2025, according to a post on the ship’s Facebook page.
“Any Arleigh Burke sailor who served on board for Patrol 5,” (during the period of Aug. 15, 2024 to Dec. 16, 2024) or during the “12-Day War” from June 12, 2025 to June 24, 2025 is eligible, is eligible, according to the message. “Sailors who were present for both may wear the insignia plus that authorized for a subsequent award.”
The Armed Forces Service Medal, established in 1996, is for service members who participate in “significant” designated U.S. military operations, such as peacekeeping or humanitarian missions, after June 1, 1992, where no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action is encountered.
The Arleigh Burke was in the Mediterranean Sea in April 2024 when the ship, along with the USS Carney, shot down between four and six ballistic missiles headed toward Israel from Iran.
On June 13, 2025, Israel launched attacks aiming to neutralize Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran responded with significant ballistic missile and drone barrages against Israel. U.S. forces in the region helped defend Israel.
On June 21, the U.S. launched Operation Midnight Hammer, employing at least 125 aircraft — some used as decoys — and more than a dozen bunker-buster bombs to attack three nuclear sites in Iran. A ceasefire took effect on June 24.
The award comes just days after three F-16 pilots assigned to the District of Columbia Air National Guard’s 121st Fighter Squadron received the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in thwarting an Iranian drone attack in 2024.
The Armed Forces Service Medal, established in 1996, is for service members who participate in “significant” designated U.S. military operations, such as peacekeeping or humanitarian missions, after June 1, 1992, where no foreign armed opposition or imminent hostile action is encountered. (USS Arleigh Burke Facebook post)