Classis Syriaca in the Bar Kokhba War

[D B Campbell]

Or does the award of the hasta pura and vexillum imply some more active role?

I certainly took this view when I wrote the chapter on Hadrian (in 2014) for Josho Brouwer's forthcoming Ancient Generals book. Hadrian was so parsimonious with decorations that it's difficult to gauge why individuals might have received what they received. There's no other evidence of maritime action (known to me), but operations on the Dead Sea wouldn't be entirely out of the question. The award is clearly associated (imho) with the post of prefect of the Syrian fleet.