The SSBN Deterrent Patrol Insignia is a uniform breast pin worn by officers and enlisted sailors of the United States Navy's submarine service who have completed strategic deterrent patrols in nuclear ballistic or cruise missile submarines.
[1][2] Design of the SSBN pin shows a silver Lafayette-class submarine with superimposed Polaris missile and electron rings which signify the armament and nuclear-powered characteristics of the Fleet Ballistic Missile Deterrent Force.
After the insignia was approved, awards were made retroactive to the first strategic deterrent patrol of USS George Washington (SSBN-598) which was completed on 21 January 1961.
The strategic deterrent patrols of the five Regulus missile submarines were not initially deemed worthy of this insignia, but this decision was reversed in 2004.
[4] The SSBN pin is worn on the left uniform pocket, typically below award ribbons.