In the United States Coast Guard, there is no greater professional milestone than earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer. It's a transformation, an acceptance into a time-honored fellowship known as the Chief's Mess. Becoming a "Chief" signifies a profound shift – from follower to leader, from technician to mentor, becoming the undisputed technical expert and the vital link between officers and enlisted personnel.
As many families know, the journey through Chief's Initiation is a demanding one, requiring commitment not just from the selectee, but from their entire support system. It's a testament to the weight and responsibility of the anchors they are about to assume. This same pride and tradition carry on as they advance, marking the incredible achievements of promotion to Senior Chief and Master Chief, and culminating in a well-earned retirement that celebrates a lifetime of service.
As a fellow military member with deep family ties to the Coast Guard Academy, I've seen firsthand the immense pride and dedication within the Coastie community. This guide is for the proud families, mentors, and shipmates looking to find a gift that truly honors the significance of becoming – or retiring as – a Coast Guard Chief.
1. A Place of Honor for the Chief's Cutlass
While rooted in naval history, the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Cutlass today is a unique and powerful symbol of their specific authority and heritage within the service. It signifies their role as deckplate leaders, upholding standards, training junior personnel, and embodying the motto "Semper Paratus" – Always Ready.
Receiving that cutlass marks their entry into the Chief's Mess—a respected body of senior enlisted leaders who hold immense technical expertise and embody the warfighter mentality essential to the Coast Guard's diverse missions. A handcrafted display is the perfect way to honor this symbol, whether they are a new Chief, a Senior Chief, or a Master Chief celebrating retirement. Our displays keep this emblem of leadership out of a closet and proudly on the wall.
We offer two distinct styles to perfectly honor their service:
Our Dedicated Chief Cutlass Display: This display is precision-crafted for the specific dimensions of the USCG CPO Cutlass, finished in our signature Cognac stain. It’s a timeless piece designed for a timeless tradition.
Our Universal Display (Three Wood Finishes): For a more modern aesthetic or to complement specific home or office decor, our Universal style is an excellent choice. It securely holds the CPO Cutlass and is available in three stunning hardwood finishes: a bright, natural Maple, a deep, rich Walnut, and our classic Cognac.
(Please note: We do not sell the cutlass itself, only the handcrafted display. For a superior quality, regulation cutlass, we personally recommend trusted vendors like Marlow White.)
A Pro-Tip on Personalization: Engrave the nameplate with the date of their advancement, their name, and rank (e.g., "CPO Jane P. Doe, USCG" or "MCPO John R. Smith, USCG (Ret)"). This celebrates the milestone and their enduring place in the Mess.
Explore The Dedicated Coast Guard Chief Cutlass Display
Discover Our Universal Style in Maple, Walnut, & Cognac
2. A Career Forged at Sea & Ashore: The Coin Display
A Coast Guard Chief's career is built on diverse experiences – cutters, small boat stations, aviation units, specialized commands ashore. Their challenge coin collection tells the story of every unit, every deployment, every significant achievement. A Senior or Master Chief retiring will have a collection representing decades of service, leadership, and technical mastery.
Our Personalized Coin Display provides a distinguished home for these tangible pieces of their history. With three lines of custom engraving, you can add their name, final rank, and dates of service, creating a deeply personal tribute to their invaluable contribution to the Coast Guard.
Perfect for: A new CPO starting their collection, or a retirement gift honoring a full career.
Shop Our Engraved Challenge Coin Displays
To the newest Coast Guard Chief, the seasoned Senior Chief and Master Chief, and their incredible families: congratulations. You have earned your anchors, and with them, the deep respect of all who serve. Semper Paratus!
- The Blades Raised Team
