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.
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