Gulf of Mexico Rebranded 'Gulf of America' to Honor Sailor Greatness
Published Date: 1/15/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting January 15, 2026, the name on a special seaman’s service award changes from “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America” to honor American greatness. This update affects sailors who earned this award during World War II and includes some office address and citation fixes. No money changes here—just a fresh new name and some paperwork sprucing up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
WWII Seaman Award Renamed
Starting January 15, 2026, the seaman's service award name in the regulation changes from "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of America" for an award earned during World War II (service between December 7, 1941, and November 8, 1945). This is a name change and does not change any money or benefits.
Replacement Decorations Available at Cost
Effective January 15, 2026, decorations previously issued may be replaced "at cost" upon written request directed to the Maritime Administrator, Attention: Seamen's Service Awards, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. You must submit a written request and pay the replacement cost to obtain a replacement decoration.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12547, Tanker Security Program
The Tanker Security Program (TSP) helps keep a fleet of U.S.-flagged tankers ready for national defense and security needs. This final rule updates the program based on feedback and sets new rules for which tankers qualify, including limits on government charters. Starting July 23, 2026, eligible tanker owners can receive payments to support their operations, boosting America’s maritime strength and economy.
2026-14521, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V PORTS-NORTH
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the M/V PORTS-NORTH, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 paying passengers. This decision could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. You have until August 19, 2026, to share your opinion before they decide if this is a good or bad move.
2026-14484, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V RUSH HOUR
The government is thinking about allowing a foreign-built small passenger boat called M/V RUSH HOUR to operate in U.S. coastal waters. They want to hear from people by August 17, 2026, to make sure this won’t hurt American boat builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. If approved, this could change who’s allowed to run small passenger boats here, so it’s a big deal for the boating community and local businesses.
2026-14486, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V THUNDERBOLT
The government is asking for your thoughts on letting a foreign-built small passenger boat, the S/V THUNDERBOLT, operate in U.S. coastal waters carrying up to 12 passengers. This could affect U.S. boat builders and businesses that use American-made vessels. If you have opinions, make sure to share them by August 17, 2026—your voice matters!
2026-14485, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V TEXAS CORSAIR
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on whether the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V TEXAS CORSAIR should be allowed to operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, with comments due by August 17, 2026. It’s a chance to weigh in on protecting American jobs while welcoming new vessels.
2026-14483, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V PIRATE CAT
The Maritime Administration is asking for public comments on a request to let the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V PIRATE CAT operate in U.S. coastal trade. This decision affects U.S. boat builders and businesses using U.S.-built vessels, and the agency wants to make sure it won’t hurt them. Comments are due by August 17, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00752, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Zuni, NM; Correction
The FAA fixed a small but important mistake in the airspace rules for Zuni, New Mexico. They corrected the region name from Western Pacific to Southwest, but everything else, like the airspace size and rules, stays the same. This change takes effect on May 14, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra or cause delays.
Next: 2026-00765, Roth In-Plan Conversions
Starting January 28, 2026, federal employees and service members with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) can convert their traditional TSP money into Roth TSP funds. This means you’ll pay taxes now but could enjoy tax-free cash when you retire. It’s a fresh way to manage your retirement savings and take control of your tax future!