Final answer:
The Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon was authorized by the Secretary of the Navy on May 1, 1984, per the Navy Department Awards Web Service. It honors Navy and Marine Corps personnel for performance in a fleet marine force, requiring a minimum of 12 months in a Marine Corps unit and excellence in specific qualifications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The publication that authorized the Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon comes from official military regulations. This award was established by the Secretary of the Navy on May 1, 1984, as outlined in the Navy Department Awards Web Service. It recognizes those officers and enlisted members of the Navy and Marine Corps who demonstrate competence, understanding, and performance in the joint environment of a fleet marine force.
Criteria for the award include serving in a U.S. Marine Corps unit for not less than 12 months, acquiring specific qualifications and competency, and achieving excellence in skills pertinent to marine expeditionary duties. This recognition stems from a longstanding history of service and valor, as depicted in iconic moments such as the Marines raising the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima, or participation in significant military engagements like those during the Gulf of Tonkin resolution era. Awardwearers carry on this legacy of meritorious service and joint naval operations.