The Surface Navy Association (SNA) presented the 2026 Master Gunner George Sirian Meritorious Service Award to the family of Chief Fire Controlman (AEGIS) Joseph Babcock, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class, guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69), during a ceremony aboard USS Constitution, nicknamed “Old Ironsides,” Aug. 28, 2026.
This award honors George Sirian, a 19th century “Old Ironsides” crewmember who rose through the ranks from seaman to warrant officer in a career that spanned more than 50 years.
It recognizes a chief petty officer who has demonstrated sustained, long-term excellence in inspirational leadership, exceptional seamanship and surface warfare proficiency, while consistently excelling in organizational management, mission accomplishment, team motivation and mentorship.
“Connecting today’s Surface Navy to someone like George Sirian grounds us in where we come from,” said Force Master Chief Larry Lynch, Commander, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. “Chief Babcock’s unwavering determination embodies that legacy, but no Sailor succeeds alone. Tying this award to his name honors not just his service, but the incredible commitment and sacrifice of the Babcock family, because true deckplate leadership starts with a strong foundation at home.”
Babcock’s selection for the award recognizes years of hard work and dedication to his ship and shipmates. Babcock was unable to attend the ceremony to receive the award as he is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th fleet area of operations.
Babcock has made a direct impact on operational success during combat operations. While aboard Milius, he has completed back-to-back deployments to the U.S. 5th Fleet supporting operations in the Red Sea as well as Operation Epic Fury. As the force anti-air warfare coordinator, he safeguarded multiple high-value units by maintaining air superiority and ensuring the rapid identification, tracking and engagement of all contacts within a highly contested area.
Babcock earned the Sailor of the Year award, two Sailor of the Quarter awards and one meritorious advancement. He also received two Combat Meritorious Advancement nominations and five additional Sailor of the Quarter nominations.
As combat systems training team coordinator, Babcock developed and executed 24 advanced warfare scenarios, preparing 86 Sailors for combat operations prior to Milius assuming national tasking under U.S. Central Command. Additionally, as assistant boarding officer, he trained and certified the ship’s Visit, Board, Search and Seizure team, ensuring readiness for U.S. 7th Fleet patrols and the subsequent 5th Fleet deployment.
“Joe would be the first to tell you that an award like this doesn’t belong to one person—it belongs to the entire Combat Systems team and the Sailors on USS Milius who work tirelessly every single day in the warzone,” said Babcock’s wife. “While our family misses him deeply during this deployment, seeing his hard work, leadership and dedication to his Sailors recognized on a historic stage like USS Constitution makes us incredibly proud. We are honored to represent him today.”
“No one demonstrates that exact brand of warfighting leadership, uncompromising standards, and sustained excellence better than Chief Babcock,” said Rear Adm. T.J. Zerr, Commander Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. “In today’s high-intensity threat environment, our Navy demands Chiefs who possess the unmatched competence to keep weapon systems firing under enemy engagement, paired with the deckplate leadership that keeps Sailors sharp, resilient, and ready for combat. Chief Babcock embodies the spirit, technical mastery, and relentless drive of George Sirian, keeping our Fleet ready and lethal.”
Commander, Naval Surface Forces ensures fleet commanders are provided with personnel, materiel and training required to project credible naval power at sea, ashore, at home and abroad.
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