Navy Challenge Coins: Designs That Celebrating Service and Sacrifice
- Renae
- Jul 24, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Creating a challenge coin for Navy Chief Travis W. Rogers was both an honor and an opportunity to craft a deeply personal tribute to his 20 years of service. The custom camera-shaped design symbolizes his passion for photography, with lightning bolts on the shutter representing the precision and speed he brought to his role. His name, rank, and service dates are etched on the camera lens, while the design incorporates Navy emblems and a “Skull Captain” to reflect his leadership and identity. The reverse side features his guiding philosophy, F.E.E.R. (Foresight + Engagement + Execution = Results), along with the timeless Navy Chief motto, “Once a Chief, Always a Chief.” This challenge coin stands as a testament to Chief Rogers’ career, leadership, and legacy—one that will be remembered long beyond his years of service.
Designing the Rear Admiral Lex Walker challenge coin was an opportunity to honor both his leadership and the unwavering dedication of Carrier Strike Group Ten. The front of the coin proudly displays “Forged by the Sea” in bold gold lettering, set against a striking, high-color wave that symbolizes the power and resilience of life at sea. Below, RDML Lex Walker’s name is etched in gold on a custom square-shaped, gold-plated coin, embodying the strength and prestige of those who serve. The reverse features a deep navy blue backdrop with a red-and-white-striped circle, a Roman “X,” and a gold eel—symbolic of the unity and fortitude of Carrier Strike Group Ten—surrounded by Delta triangles and stars for a timeless, commanding presence. More than just a coin, this piece is a tribute to an extraordinary leader and the sailors who shape the Navy’s legacy, ensuring their impact is remembered for generations to come.
Designing a challenge coin for Navy ISC Kevin Gleason was an honor, allowing us to craft a piece that truly reflects his distinguished career and personal legacy. The dog tag-shaped coin, which doubles as a bottle opener, features a silver background with raised lettering that reads, "I will never forget," a phrase that holds deep significance for him. His heritage is proudly displayed through the American, Puerto Rican, and Irish flags, alongside his ISC (IW/AW/FM) designation, service dates, and badges marking his progression from Seaman Apprentice to Chief. On the reverse, the World Trade Center Towers and New York City skyline stand as a solemn tribute to 9/11, while his role insignias and rank progression visually narrate his career in Navy Medical and Retail Services. Every detail was carefully chosen, ensuring this coin serves not just as a memento, but as a lasting tribute to a lifetime of service, dedication, and honor.
Retirement challenge coins are more than just commemorative pieces—they are enduring symbols of service, sacrifice, and leadership. For Navy Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CWO2) Christopher Smith, we designed a coin that reflects his impressive 16-year career and the legacy he leaves behind. The front features a raised gold and silver Navy anchor, flanked by emblems representing key milestones, with the inscription “Up From the Ranks” to honor his journey from enlisted to officer. The reverse showcases a silver mustang galloping across an American flag, symbolizing his status as a Mustang and his steadfast dedication to the Navy. This bespoke design captures both his personal and professional achievements, ensuring his impact is remembered for years to come.
Navy Base Guam Challenge Coin
Navy Base Guam, located on the western Pacific island of Guam, serves as a crucial strategic hub for the United States Navy. This base supports a variety of operations, including logistics, maintenance, and training, ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of naval forces in the Indo-Pacific region. As a forward-deployed base, it provides vital support for submarines, surface ships, and aircraft, enhancing the Navy's ability to project power and respond swiftly to regional contingencies. Additionally, Navy Base Guam plays a key role in fostering international partnerships and enhancing regional security through joint exercises and collaborations with allied forces. Its strategic location and comprehensive facilities make it an indispensable asset in the U.S. military's global operations.
Bureau of Navy Personnel Commander Challenge Coin
The custom challenge coin designed for the Bureau of Navy Personnel Commander in BUPERS Millington, TX. This exquisite gold coin features a striking blue border and a white fill, exuding elegance and prestige. On one side, a majestic brown bald eagle holds a Navy anchor, symbolizing strength and honor, accompanied by the words "Bureau of Navy Personnel." The reverse side displays an open star with red and white stripes trailing like a flag, embodying patriotism and dedication. The inscription "Presented by Commander" adds a personal touch, making this coin a cherished memento of service and commitment.
Navy Station and the Naval Training Stadium Challenge Coin
Custom challenge coin we created for Navy Station and the Naval Training Stadium in Norfolk! This stunning gold coin, framed with a blue border, features colorful insignias that truly bring it to life. One side showcases a navy ship accompanied by an airplane and helicopter, capturing the essence of naval aviation and maritime strength. The other side highlights the iconic McClure Field stadium, complete with a plane flying overhead and the memorable date of June 22, 2018. This coin is a vibrant tribute to the dedication and spirit of Norfolk's naval community.
Navy Station New Orleans Challenge Coin
Navy Station New Orleans is a vital strategic installation located in the heart of Louisiana, serving as a key support hub for the U.S. Navy's operations in the Gulf Coast region. The station provides comprehensive administrative, logistical, and operational support to various naval and joint commands, ensuring mission readiness and efficiency. It also hosts the headquarters of Navy Reserve Forces Command, playing a crucial role in the management and deployment of Navy Reserve personnel. Additionally, Navy Station New Orleans fosters strong community ties and supports regional disaster response efforts, underscoring its importance not only to national defense but also to local resilience and security.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Navy played a vital role in the medical response by rapidly deploying its hospital ships, USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy, to provide relief in New York City and Los Angeles. Navy medical personnel were also sent to critical hotspots, offering essential care and logistical support alongside civilian healthcare providers. The Navy's research and development teams further contributed through testing and research efforts. To commemorate their efforts, a custom challenge coin was designed for the Navy Medical Response Team, featuring the Navy medical symbol with "DEPLOYED IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19" on one side, and a world map with a giant COVID germ against a navy sonar background on the other. The coin’s inscriptions, "United States Navy Response" and "COVID-19," honor the dedication and bravery of the Navy's medical heroes in their global fight against the pandemic.
At Challenge Design, we had the privilege of crafting a unique challenge coin for the Navy Chief Petty Officers' Mess at the White House, honoring the Navy's revered tradition of "Deckplate Leadership." This coin captures the essence of Navy Chiefs—hands-on leadership, mentorship, and commitment to the mission. Dual-plated in gold and silver, the coin's design features an intricate depiction of the White House and showcases powerful symbols, including the Navy chief anchors and the goat skull and anchor. Emblazoned with the words "Deckplate Leadership at its Finest," the coin serves as a tribute to the values and dedication of the Navy personnel at the White House. It is a symbol of the pride and service that define this distinguished community.
Portsmouth Virginia Navy Baby Challenge Coin
The Portsmouth Virginia Navy Baby Challenge Coin is a cherished keepsake given to all new parents who deliver at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP). This unique coin features a stork in a Marine sailor hat carrying a baby bundle adorned with a Marine anchor, symbolizing the arrival of a new Navy baby. The words "Congratulations on your new Navy baby" are inscribed along with the year and base, Portsmouth, Virginia.
The reverse side of the coin showcases the hospital building and the state of Virginia, with a tiny hospital cross marking the location of the base. It also includes a Navy anchor and the Navy insignia. The top border proudly states, "Proudly serving those who serve us so well," while the bottom border reads, "Quality patient care for more than 185 years - first and finest." This commemorative coin, featuring NMCP, celebrates the legacy of exceptional medical care and the joy of welcoming new life into the Navy family.
Camp David Navy Challenge Coin
The "Camp David Mountain Goats" challenge coin features a distinctive design with an angry goat wearing a U.S. Navy cap, symbolizing the herd introduced in the 1990s to manage invasive plant species at the retreat. The coin’s motto, "Tried, Tested, and Accepted," reflects Camp David's enduring role as a secure and reliable site for presidential activities. On the reverse side, the coin highlights the "Bear's Den," a secluded cabin at Camp David, with the phrase "Welcome to the Bear's Den, Established 1942," alongside a U.S. Navy anchor and helicopter. This side emphasizes the crucial role of Navy personnel in supporting and securing the retreat, celebrating both its unique features and the operational support integral to its legacy.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5) Benny Brockington Jr Navy Challenge Coin
Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5) Benny Brockington Jr. serves as a key figure within the U.S. Navy, holding a prestigious position that reflects his extensive experience and leadership. As a CWO5, Brockington is part of an elite group of warrant officers recognized for their technical expertise and command authority across various specialized fields. His role involves significant responsibilities, including mentoring junior officers, ensuring operational excellence, and upholding the high standards of the Navy.
Guantanamo Bay Naval Base Challenge Coin
Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, often referred to as Gitmo, is a strategically significant U.S. military base located on the southeastern coast of Cuba. Established in 1903, it serves as a key logistical and support hub for naval operations in the Caribbean and Latin American regions. The base provides a wide range of services, including maritime and aviation support, and plays a crucial role in regional security and humanitarian missions. Additionally, Guantanamo Bay is known for its detention facility, which has been used to hold detainees in the War on Terror. The base's unique location and multifaceted operations make it an essential asset in the U.S. Navy's global strategy.
The challenge coin for the Second Class Petty Officers stationed at Camp David is a distinguished dark silver oval with a unique rotating centerpiece featuring the U.S. Navy Petty Officer Second Class (PO2) insignia—a symbol of authority and maritime tradition. The coin’s design includes an inner border adorned with tiny stars and an outer border reading "Presidential Retreat Camp David" and "Second Class Petty Officers Association," flanked by the Navy emblem and the Presidential Seal. The reverse side highlights 18 symbols of various U.S. Navy rates and prominently displays the phrase "Second to None," reflecting the high standards and exceptional performance expected of these sailors and their embodiment of the Navy’s core values of excellence, leadership, and dedication.
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