Ford Carrier Strike Group Earns Rare Presidential Unit Citation for Distinguished Service in Iran Conflict

The Ford Carrier Strike Group has been honored with the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation, a recognition bestowed upon units demonstrating exceptional valor and achievement in combat. This accolade was awarded today during a ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia, attended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, among other high-ranking officials. The citation commends the group's outstanding performance from February 28 to May 1, 2026, as part of Operation Epic Fury, where they executed numerous strikes on Iranian targets amidst continuous threats.

The Presidential Unit Citation is the military's highest honor for collective units and is exceedingly rare. Previous recipients include the 1st Marine Division for their bravery during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in 1950 and the 2nd Ranger Battalion for their actions on D-Day in 1944. The Ford Carrier Strike Group, which includes vessels like the USS Winston S. Churchill, USS Bainbridge, and USS Mahan, along with nine squadrons from Carrier Air Wing Eight, has now joined this elite fraternity of distinguished units.

The group's deployment lasted nearly a year, during which they displayed remarkable resilience and operational excellence. The award underscores their critical role in the ongoing conflict with Iran and serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to national security. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao's citation further highlights the group's exceptional warfighting capabilities, solidifying their legacy in military history.