Chief of Navy Commendation
Overview
The Chief of Navy has a personal commendation badge that can be awarded to personnel who perform to an ‘excellent' level either over a sustained period or during a specific event or project. This award recognises performance that would be unlikely to meet the criteria for a New Zealand State Honour.
Description
The Chief of Navy Commendation Badge is circular with an antique bronze finish and features a double-fouled anchor facing left. The image sits above two crossed fern fronds and is encircled by the words "CHIEF OF NAVY." The design reflects the personal standard of the Chief of Navy.
The Chief of Navy's personal standard is similar to the Admiralty Flag of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth nations. In use since 1633, Admiralty flags feature the same double-fouled anchor superimposed upon various backgrounds. The Chief of Navy's flag has two equal sections of maroon (red) and royal blue.
In July 2024, a new design was issued featuring the Chief of Navy Commendation Badge set on a blue ribbon bar.
Eligibility
The Chief of Navy Commendation may be awarded to:
- officers and, ratings of the RNZN, RNZNR and RNZNVR;
- civilians employed by the Navy;
- ships and establishments; and
- personnel from other Services (New Zealand and foreign), whose contributions to the RNZN deserve formal recognition, but which may not be covered by the criteria for awards from the Sovereign.
Note: There is no Royal Warrant for this commendation. Administration instructions are included in the Regulations.
Queries & requests
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Wearing this commendation
Commendations are not included in the New Zealand Order of Wear. Military personnel wear commendations awarded personally to them on their right breast in uniform, in a corresponding position to a full-size ribbon bar worn on the left side of the uniform. In civilian dress, these commendations may be worn on the lapel of the jacket (usually on the left side), at the recipient's discretion. In cases where full-size medals are worn on a lounge/business suit, these commendations are to be worn on the right lapel.
Members of a unit awarded a CDF, Service Chief, or NZDF Commendation are not entitled to receive or wear the badge awarded to individual recipients.
For more information on the wear and care of honours, medals, and awards:
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Nominating someone for this commendation
Nominations for commendations are made by submitting an MD592 through Single Service chains of command. Self-nominations for these awards will not be accepted.
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Checking if this commendation was issued
Honours, medals, and awards bestowed on an individual for service in the New Zealand Armed Forces are recorded in their individual service record. NZDF Personnel Archives and Medals holds a collection of about 1.5 million service records relating to 420,000 New Zealand service personnel who served in New Zealand’s Military Forces after the First World War.
Service records are not currently digitised, but we can locate it and find the information you might be looking for or help you book a time for you to see the records in Trentham by completing the form on the Service Record page.