JULY 31, 2025 – Twenty-one Soldiers assigned to Kentucky’s 1st Battalion, 623d Field Artillery Regiment (HIMARS), were recently awarded the Army Sea Duty Ribbon (ASDR) for their support to a joint mission alongside the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet during the unit’s deployment to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations during fiscal year 2024.
The ASDR was awarded by the Chief of the Maritime Qualification Division, Headquarters Department of the Army, in recognition of more than 30 consecutive days of sea duty service in a designated combat zone aboard a qualifying Navy vessel. Areas of operation included the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea.
This mission was part of the battalion’s larger deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve. The sea duty assignment highlighted the battalion’s flexibility and ability to integrate into joint maritime operations — a unique achievement for an Army field artillery unit.
“This award is a testament to the adaptability and professionalism of our Soldiers,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason T. Simpson, battalion commander during the deployment. “Operating in a maritime environment, side-by-side with the U.S. Navy in a combat zone, is a rare and impressive accomplishment for any Army unit, let alone a National Guard artillery battalion.”
This recognition adds another significant chapter to the 1-623d’s proud legacy, reinforcing its reputation as a highly capable and expeditionary unit, even beyond the traditional land-based artillery mission.
The following Soldiers were awarded the ASDR:
- Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Anderson
- Staff Sgt. Thomas Barrett-Weber
- Sgt. Cody Bencze
- Sgt. Nolan Boyles
- Sgt. Mason Chandler
- Maj. Justin Cossel
- Spc. Cole Davis
- Sgt. Dillyn Graham
- Spc. Ethan Grawe
- Spc. Nicholas Grissom
- Spc. John Hammer
- 1st Lt. Jesse Mascoe
- Sgt. Wesley Medley
- Spc. Dylan Nickel
- Staff Sgt. Cole Petty
- Sgt. William Ratliff
- Sgt. Christophe Ratusny
- Staff Sgt. Corey Tooley
- Spc. Austin Wallace
- Staff Sgt. James Williams
- Sgt. Matthew Witschey
At the time of deployment, the 1-623d belonged to the 138th Field Artillery Brigade. Since deployment, the 138th has undergone transformation to realign with U.S. Army V Corps as an operational fires command, and the 1-623d has been reassigned to the 38th Division Artillery.
Courtesy Story
Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office