A Navy association challenge coin belongs to a group within a command, such as a Chief’s Mess, a first class petty officer association, a wardroom or a Mustang association. The group usually pays for the order itself, from member dues or a fundraiser.
What Is a Command Association?
Large commands hold several groups that organize themselves outside the chain of command. First class petty officer associations, Chief’s Messes, wardrooms, Mustang associations and morale and welfare committees are common examples.
Most run their own affairs, with dues, leadership and events handled by the members. That gives each group an identity of its own, even though everyone in it serves in the same command. The gallery includes a first class petty officer association coin made for one of these groups.
Why Associations Order Their Own Coins
Associations pay for their coins themselves, and that shapes the order. Quantity and price matter more to a small group than to a command. Many associations sell their coins to members, so the price has to suit the people buying.
The person placing the order is usually a member with a small committee behind them. A supply department typically has no part in it.
Occasions vary. Orders come from association milestones, mess deck takeovers and other events, fundraisers, new members joining and farewells for people who transfer out. Membership turns over constantly, so one order tends to lead to the next. The gallery also includes Chief’s Mess coins.
What Goes on an Association Coin?
Common elements include the association’s own device or mascot, the ship or command it belongs to, a hull number, and rank and rating symbols that fit the group. Many add a motto and a founding date.
Association coins often have more humor than command coins, because the group picks the design for itself. An in-joke that means something to the members belongs on the coin.
Some associations want the ship’s crest or an official Navy insignia on the coin. Reproducing an official insignia without authorization is a federal offense, regardless of intent. Official marks usually need approval from the command or agency that owns them, so ask your chain of command early, before the design is final. We work from artwork you are authorized to supply. If no official insignia is involved, we can still build a design around the association’s own identity.
About This Mustang Association Coin
This Navy association challenge coin was made for the Mustang Association aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier named for Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. It was produced for a mess deck take-over in the ship’s galley, when association members step in to serve meals to the crew. The ship’s 40th anniversary coin is a separate project for the ship itself.
A Mustang association brings together officers who were commissioned from the enlisted ranks. For the background, see what a Navy Mustang is.
The coin has these features:
- Shape: a ship’s wheel forms the base, with a mustang worked directly into the same silhouette.
- Finish: shiny gold across the whole coin.
- Color: part of the mustang is colored in the US flag colors.
- Banner: a scroll across the lower edge reads “USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Mustang.”
- Reverse: the association’s insignia appears in silver on the gold field.
Merging two shapes into one outline takes planning, because each symbol has to stay readable while sharing an edge. The wheel’s handles frame the outer edge, and the mustang’s head and mane sit within the wheel. Open spaces between the spokes keep the two shapes distinct.
Design a Coin for Your Association or Mess
Chief’s Mess, first class association, wardroom or any other group paying its own way? Tell us what your members want on the coin, and we’ll build artwork and a price that fits your budget.
Artwork is free, and you can revise the design as many times as you like before production. A digital proof comes before anything is made. The minimum is 50 coins, and most orders finish 45 to 50 days after artwork approval. Rush production is available for tight deadlines, and shipping within the continental US is free. Embleholics is veteran-owned and SDVOSB registered in SAM.
Browse our custom Navy challenge coins, or send us your idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a command association challenge coin?
A command association challenge coin belongs to a group inside a command, such as a Chief’s Mess, a first class association or a Mustang association. The members usually pay for it from dues or a fundraiser, and it shows the group’s own identity.
What is a First Class Petty Officer Association?
A First Class Petty Officer Association, often shortened to FCPOA, is a group organized by first class petty officers at a command. Its members typically plan their own events and fundraisers, and many order an FCPOA challenge coin to mark the group.
Can an association order coins without going through the command?
Yes. Associations typically fund and order their own coins directly, using member dues or fundraising money. The person placing the order is usually a member of the group, so the order does not need to come from a supply department or a command budget.
Can associations sell coins to their own members?
Yes. Many associations sell their coins to members and use the proceeds to cover the cost of the order. Others hand them out at events, when new members join or when someone transfers. The group decides how to distribute them.
What goes on an association challenge coin?
Common elements include the association’s own device or mascot, the ship or command, a hull number, rank and rating symbols, a motto and the founding date. Many groups add an in-joke, since the members choose the design themselves.
Can a coin combine two different shapes?
Yes. Two symbols can share one outline, as a ship’s wheel and a mustang do on the USS Nimitz Mustang Association coin. On that coin, open spaces between the spokes keep both shapes readable.
What is a mess deck takeover?
A mess deck takeover is an event where members of a ship’s association take over food service duties and serve meals to the crew on the mess decks. Associations aboard USS Nimitz have run them, and the Navy has called them Food Service Assistance takeovers.
What is the minimum order?
The minimum order for custom challenge coins is 50 coins. Artwork is free and revisions are unlimited before production, so a small association can settle on a design before committing. Shipping within the continental US is free.
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