As a Navy officer, my respect for the U.S. Coast Guard is immense and personal. My cousin is a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, and for three years, I was stationed at the Navy Subase right across the Thames River. Our family even had the honor of being a host family for cadets.
That experience gave me a profound appreciation for the "Coastie" community. It's a small, tight-knit service with a massive, multi-faceted mission—from search and rescue and law enforcement to national defense. I truly believe they are an underserved branch, and it was my connection to the CGA that first inspired me to start this business from my garage in Connecticut.
While the Academy is a four-year journey, Coast Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a 17-week sprint. It's an intense, demanding program that forges leaders quickly. For families, this can be a whirlwind. You are justifiably proud, but the speed of it all doesn't leave much time to learn the new traditions. This guide is for you.
1. The First Salute & The Commissioning Plaque
One of the most powerful moments of commissioning day will be the "First Salute." This is the tradition where your new Ensign receives their first salute as an officer, typically from an enlisted service member who has been a mentor to them. Our Personalized Commissioning Plaque is the perfect way to capture this moment. It allows you to frame a 5x7 photo from that day right next to their Coast Guard Officer Crest and a custom engraved message.
A Pro-Tip on Personalization: Focus on the Milestone. For a timeless gift, engrave the nameplate with the event itself, not their new rank. An engraving like, "Jane P. Doe, United States Coast Guard, Commissioned 17 October 2025" will be cherished for their entire career, long after they've promoted past Ensign.
Perfect for: A gift from a cadet's parents to their sponsor family (if applicable), or for the new Ensign.
Design a Custom Commissioning Plaque for Your New Ensign
2. The Officer's Sword: A Symbol of Authority
The Coast Guard Officer's sword is a key uniform item and a powerful symbol of their new authority as a commissioned officer. It's a magnificent gift that truly honors the weight of their new responsibilities. We offer two distinct, handcrafted styles to give this sword the place of honor it deserves.
Our Dedicated Coast Guard Display: This was the original design that inspired my business. It's precision-crafted for the Coast Guard Officer sword and finished in our signature Cognac stain.
Our Universal Display (Three Finishes): For a more modern aesthetic or to match specific furniture, our Universal style is a perfect choice. It's available in three stunning hardwood finishes: a bright, natural Maple, a deep, rich Walnut, and our classic Cognac.
(Please note: We do not sell swords. For a superior quality, regulation sword, we personally recommend trusted vendors like Marlow White.)
Explore The Dedicated Coast Guard Officer Display
Discover Our Universal Style in Maple, Walnut, & Cognac
3. A Career of Service: The Challenge Coin Display
Your new officer's career will be incredibly diverse. They may serve on a high-endurance cutter, at a small boat station, or with a law enforcement detachment. At each command, they will earn challenge coins that tell the story of their journey. A new officer can easily collect 5-10 new coins each year. Our Personalized Coin Display is a gift that grows with them, providing a place to showcase the unique story of their service.
Shop Our Engraved Challenge Coin Displays
Advice for Your Commissioning Weekend in New London
Celebrating your new Ensign in New London is a special experience. Here are a few tips from a former local to make the most of your visit:
Take All the Photos: The Coast Guard Academy campus is beautiful (OCS graduation is held there). Walk the grounds (respectfully, of course!), see the chapel, admire the USCGC Eagle if she's in port, and take as many photos as you can. It's a historic place and a perfect backdrop for family memories.
Visit the Nautilus: As a former Groton submariner, I have to recommend visiting the Submarine Force Museum right across the river. You can walk through the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. It's an incredible piece of naval history and a highlight of the area.
Get Great Seafood: You can't visit coastal New England without indulging. The New London and Mystic area has some fantastic, authentic seafood. It's the perfect way to have a celebratory family dinner.
Frame the Commission: Your Ensign will receive an official commissioning certificate signed by the President. This is a very big deal. I highly recommend getting it professionally framed to preserve it for a lifetime.
On Gift Timing: The Coast Guard is an expeditionary service, and your officer will be moving—a lot. Our displays are built with durable, "PCS-proof" construction, but you might consider waiting to present a large gift until they are settled at their first "real" duty station. It makes for a wonderful "welcome home" present and saves them a headache during a hectic move.
From our military family to yours, congratulations on this incredible milestone. We are honored to serve the Coast Guard community. Semper Paratus!
- The Blades Raised Team
