This silver tie clasp features the insignia of the SSBN Deterrent Submarine Patrol badge—a side view of a Lafayette-class SSBN (ballistic missile submarine) with a Polaris ballistic missile centered on top of it. The insignia is awarded for a successful mission; whether a patrol was successful is the decision of the Type or Task Force Commander under whose command the sub was operating.
The breast insignia features mounts where stars can be added to reflect subsequent successful missions; a gold star represents one subsequent mission, a silver star stands for five. After the insignia as approved, awards were made retroactively back to the very first strategic deterrent patrol mission, conducted by the USS George Washington and completed on January 21, 1961.
Current Navy regulations call only for gold tie tacks or clasps for Officers and CPOs, but prior to 2004 enlisted Sailors were authorized to wear silver tacks or clasps on the four-in-hand ties that were a basic component of the Winter Blue uniform. The Winter Blue uniform was replaced by the Year-Round Service Uniform.
Customers purchasing this tie clasp may wish to pick up a
standard four-in-hand or
pre-tied necktie.