You may not stand watch on the bridge anymore. You’ve traded the rolling deck for a stable office, and the sound of the general alarm for the buzz of a smartphone. You’ve moved on to senior management, entrepreneurship, or a specialized civilian career.
But the lessons you learned as a Division Officer, a Department Head, or an Officer of the Deck (OOD) guide you every single day.
The ability to stay calm when the "sea state" gets rough in a board meeting. The absolute accountability of command. The attention to detail required to navigate complex challenges. Those traits weren't learned in a classroom; they were forged at sea, in the air, or under the water.
Yet, many successful professionals who served 5, 8, or 10 years in the Navy hesitate to display symbols of that service. You might feel that because you didn't do 20 years and retire, you shouldn't have a "shadow box." Or perhaps you worry that military memorabilia won't fit the refined aesthetic of your current executive office.
At Blades Raised, we believe your Navy service is the anchor of your professional identity. It belongs on your wall, not hidden in a sea bag.
1. The "OOD" Mindset in the C-Suite
There is a distinct confidence that comes from having held the Conn. When you have been responsible for a warship and her crew in the middle of the night, corporate pressure feels different. You have a perspective your peers often lack.
Your Officer Sword is the physical representation of that responsibility. It symbolizes the commission you held and the trust the nation placed in you. Displaying it isn't about "living in the past"; it's a subtle, powerful signal to your clients and colleagues that you possess a bedrock of integrity and tested leadership.
2. Wardroom Elegance: The Sophisticated Display
Navy officers understand tradition and aesthetics—think of the silver service in a wardroom or the teak decks of a battleship. We know that your office decor needs to meet a high standard. A cheap, plastic display simply won't do.
Our Universal Sword Display is designed with this sophistication in mind. It treats your sword like a piece of fine art or furniture.
Black Walnut: This finish is the top choice for the Navy veteran. Deep, dark, and rich, it evokes the feel of a traditional captain’s cabin or a high-end law library. It pairs beautifully with the gold-plated brass of the Navy Officer sword.
Natural Maple: For a lighter, more modern office aesthetic, Maple provides a clean, sharp look that highlights the stainless steel of the blade.
Our Dedicated Navy Officer Display: Precision-crafted for the specific dimensions of the Naval Officer's sword, finished in our classic Cognac stain. It’s a timeless piece designed to honor a timeless tradition.
Shop the Universal Sword Display Collection
Explore The Dedicated Navy Officer Sword Display
Didn't buy a sword during your service, it's never too late to get one!
3. Personalizing a "Non-Retired" Career
You don't need a retirement date to have a legacy. When customizing your nameplate, focus on the identity you carried and the ships or squadrons you served with.
Instead of a retirement date, use the dates of your service or your warfare qualification:
LT Kevin O’Connell
USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71)
2010 - 2016
Or:
Jane Doe
Surface Warfare Officer
U.S. Navy, 2008 - 2015
This validates your specific contribution to the fleet.
4. Curating the Coins: The Ports You Visited
A Navy career is defined by travel. Your challenge coin collection is likely a mix of ship coins, foreign navy exchange coins, and port visit mementos.
A Solid Maple Coin Display on your desk is a fantastic conversation starter. It allows you to showcase the global nature of your experience. When a client sees a coin from the 7th Fleet or a NATO exercise, it opens the door to share stories that humanize you and demonstrate your global perspective.
Honor the Anchor
You are successful today because of the foundation built in the Navy. Don't separate your professional success from its source. Bring the sword out of the closet. Mount it with the dignity it deserves. Let it serve as a daily reminder of the course you charted to get here.
Fair Winds and Following Seas.
- The Blades Raised Team
