The Navy E Ribbon, more fully called the Navy Battle Efficiency Ribbon, was established by the Secretary of the Navy in July of 1976.  These military awards are presented to units for permanent duty on Navy ships that have won a battle efficiency competition.  These military ribbons are unit awards, and are one of the few ribbons that are not individual awards.  

The Navy E Ribbon is worn above the right breast pocket of a full dress uniform.  When in standard uniform, the ribbon is placed above the left breast pocket.  Subsequent awards are denoted by placing a Navy “E” device, for up to three awards.  Thereafter, a single Wreathed Battle “E” device is worn instead.

The Navy E Ribbon is worn below the Meritorious Unit Commendations and the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation, and above the Prisoner of War Medal in the order of precedence for military medals and ribbons.  It is considered the equivalent of the Army Superior Unit Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Coast Guard “E” Ribbon.

The Navy E Ribbon can be worn as traditional full size military ribbons and lapel pins.  Like most military awards, it is available as traditional slide-on, full size military ribbons, and thin military ribbons.