In the U.S. Navy, few traditions are as unique — or as proudly carried — as being a Plankowner. The term goes back centuries, but it still carries serious weight among today’s sailors. And one of the most popular ways to recognize a Plankowner is with a Plankowner Plaque: a handcrafted display piece that preserves the sailor’s place in a ship’s story.

Whether you're part of a commissioning crew, a naval history fan, or looking for a meaningful gift, here’s everything you need to know.

Request a Free Mockup Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876

What Is a Plankowner?

A Plankowner is a member of the original crew of a newly commissioned Navy ship. Traditionally, it refers to sailors who were present at the ship’s commissioning and served during her early days.

The name comes from old naval custom:
When a ship eventually decommissioned, original crew members were said to be entitled to a “plank” of the ship’s deck — symbolic recognition of the role they played in bringing her to life.

Today, the tradition continues as a way to honor those who were there from the start.

Examples of Plankowner, Cruise and Deployment Plaques

Request a Free Mockup Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876

Why Plankowner Recognition Matters

Serving on a commissioning crew isn’t just another set of orders — it’s a milestone in a sailor’s career. Plankowners:

Help bring the ship into active service
Establish the ship’s culture, standards, and identity
Train new crew
Work through the ship’s earliest operational challenges
Form lifelong bonds with fellow commissioning members

A Plankowner Plaque captures that pride and preserves it in a permanent, display-ready format.

What Is a Plankowner Plaque?

A Plankowner Plaque is a custom wooden plaque that commemorates a sailor’s role as a member of a ship’s commissioning crew. These plaques typically include:

The ship’s name and hull number
Ship’s crest or seal
Commissioning date
“Plankowner” designation or inscription
Sailor’s name, rank, and rate
Years of service on the vessel

example of plankowner plaque for US Navy

Some plaques include full-color artwork, 3D cast crests, or additional custom wording.

At MilitaryPlaques.com, units often request them for:
• Commissioning ceremonies
• Departing plankowners
• Decommissioning events
• Shadow boxes and award walls
• Personal collections and veteran memorabilia

Who Orders Plankowner Plaques?

Plankowner plaques are popular among:

Active-duty sailors
Command leadership
CPO Messes
Commissioning teams
Veteran associations
Families looking for meaningful gifts
Retiring plankowners

Any time a sailor moves on from their commissioning assignment — retirement, PCS, completion of tour — a plankowner plaque makes a powerful, personal recognition piece.

What to Include on a Plankowner Plaque

Here are common (and highly requested) elements:

Essential Elements

Ship name and hull number
Command crest or warfare insignia
Sailor’s name, rate, rank
Dates assigned to the vessel
“Plankowner” (or “Plank Owner”) wording

example of plankowner plaque showing aircraft detail

Request a Free Mockup Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876

Optional Personalization

Commissioning date
Ship motto or slogan
Deployment references
Division or department
Custom message from department leadership
Metal engraved personal dedication

plankowner plaque detail

Why Plankowner Plaques Are So Popular

They preserve a rare career milestone

Only a small number of sailors ever serve on a commissioning crew.

They make a meaningful farewell gift

Plankowner plaques replace “generic” awards with something deeply personal.

They carry Navy heritage forward

The connection between a sailor and their ship is lifelong.

They look great displayed anywhere

Offices, homes, CPO Messes, quarterdecks, or shadow boxes.

They stand the test of time

High-quality wooden plaques become family keepsakes.

How to Order a Plankowner Plaque

At MilitaryPlaques.com, the process is simple:

Choose a plaque style
Provide the ship’s details and sailor’s information
Upload crests, seals, or artwork
Approve your free design mockup
Production begins once approved

Plaques are handcrafted, painted, and finished for long-lasting display — never mass-produced.

Request a Free Mockup Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876

example of plankowner plaque 4

Final Thoughts

Serving as a Plankowner is a point of pride that stays with sailors for life. A Plankowner Plaque is one of the best ways to capture that moment, recognize their role, and give them something they’ll display for years.

If you’re looking to commemorate a commissioning crew member — or preserve your own place in naval history — a handcrafted plankowner plaque is a meaningful way to do it.

Request a Free Mockup Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876

Details: Written by: MIlitaryPlaques.com; Published: 10 November 2025

In the U.S. Navy, few traditions are as unique or as proudly carried as being a Plankowner. The term goes back centuries, but it still carries serious weight among todays sailors. And one of the most popular ways to recognize a Plankowner is with a Plankowner Plaque: a handcrafted display piece that preserves the sailors place in a ships story.

Whether you're part of a commissioning crew, a naval history fan, or looking for a meaningful gift, heres everything you need to know.

Request a Free Mockup Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876

What Is a Plankowner?

A Plankowner is a member of the original crew of a newly commissioned Navy ship. Traditionally, it refers to sailors who were present at the ships commissioning and served during her early days.

The name comes from old naval custom:
When a ship eventually decommissioned, original crew members were said to be entitled to a plank of the ships deck symbolic recognition of the role they played in bringing her to life.

Today, the tradition continues as a way to honor those who were there from the start.

Examples of Plankowner, Cruise and Deployment Plaques

Request a Free Mockup Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876

Why Plankowner Recognition Matters

Serving on a commissioning crew isnt just another set of orders its a milestone in a sailors career. Plankowners:

Help bring the ship into active service
Establish the ships culture, standards, and identity
Train new crew
Work through the ships earliest operational challenges
Form lifelong bonds with fellow commissioning members

A Plankowner Plaque captures that pride and preserves it in a permanent, display-ready format.

What Is a Plankowner Plaque?

A Plankowner Plaque is a custom wooden plaque that commemorates a sailors role as a member of a ships commissioning crew. These plaques typically include:

The ships name and hull number
Ships crest or seal
Commissioning date
Plankowner designation or inscription
Sailors name, rank, and rate
Years of service on the vessel

example of plankowner plaque for US Navy

Some plaques include full-color artwork, 3D cast crests, or additional custom wording.

At MilitaryPlaques.com, units often request them for:
Commissioning ceremonies
Departing plankowners
Decommissioning events
Shadow boxes and award walls
Personal collections and veteran memorabilia

Who Orders Plankowner Plaques?

Plankowner plaques are popular among:

Active-duty sailors
Command leadership
CPO Messes
Commissioning teams
Veteran associations
Families looking for meaningful gifts
Retiring plankowners

Any time a sailor moves on from their commissioning assignment retirement, PCS, completion of tour a plankowner plaque makes a powerful, personal recognition piece.

What to Include on a Plankowner Plaque

Here are common (and highly requested) elements:

Essential Elements

Ship name and hull number
Command crest or warfare insignia
Sailors name, rate, rank
Dates assigned to the vessel
Plankowner (or Plank Owner) wording

example of plankowner plaque showing aircraft detail

Request a Free Mockup Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876

Optional Personalization

Commissioning date
Ship motto or slogan
Deployment references
Division or department
Custom message from department leadership
Metal engraved personal dedication

plankowner plaque detail

Why Plankowner Plaques Are So Popular

They preserve a rare career milestone

Only a small number of sailors ever serve on a commissioning crew.

They make a meaningful farewell gift

Plankowner plaques replace generic awards with something deeply personal.

They carry Navy heritage forward

The connection between a sailor and their ship is lifelong.

They look great displayed anywhere

Offices, homes, CPO Messes, quarterdecks, or shadow boxes.

They stand the test of time

High-quality wooden plaques become family keepsakes.

How to Order a Plankowner Plaque

At MilitaryPlaques.com, the process is simple:

Choose a plaque style
Provide the ships details and sailors information
Upload crests, seals, or artwork
Approve your free design mockup
Production begins once approved

Plaques are handcrafted, painted, and finished for long-lasting display never mass-produced.

Request a Free Mockup Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876

example of plankowner plaque 4

Final Thoughts

If youre looking to commemorate a commissioning crew member or preserve your own place in naval history a handcrafted plankowner plaque is a meaningful way to do it.

Request a Free Mockup Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876

Details: Written by: MIlitaryPlaques.com; Published: 10 November 2025

Military Retirement Plaques — A Complete Buying Guide (Templates & Wording)

When a service member retires, a plaque isn’t just a decorative object — it’s a tangible record of duty, rank, and moments that matter. This guide walks you through everything: materials, sizes, finishes, design elements, how to write the wording, and ready-to-use templates you can hand to your vendor or drop directly into a mockup request.

If you’d rather skip straight to a finished design, request a free mockup from MilitaryPlaques.com and see your plaque concept within 24–48 hours.

1. What makes a great retirement plaque?

A memorable retirement plaque nails three things:

Accuracy: Correct rank, dates, unit name, and any official seals/insignia.
Legibility & hierarchy: The name and rank are large and prominent; secondary details (dates, assignments) are smaller but readable.
Tone: Respectful, concise wording that matches the service culture — formal for higher ranks, warm and personal for unit-level gifts.

2. Materials & Finishes

Wood (Mahogany / Walnut / Oak): Classic, warm, best for indoor displays.
Cast Metal (Aluminium): Prestigious, durable, often used in lobbies.
HDU : Weather-resistant, lightweight, mimics cast metal finishes.

3. Sizes & Placement

Small keepsake: 6" × 4"
Standard wall plaque: 8" × 10" to 10" × 14"
Command/Unit plaque: 12" × 18" to 18" × 24"
Large lobby seal: 36" and up

4. Wording Principles

Start with the recipient’s highest rank & full name.
Use a short lead line: “Presented to …”
Keep dates clear: “2000–2024.”
Be concise and centered where possible.
Close with presenter & date.

5. Sample Wording Templates by Branch

Army — Formal

[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Army

Presented in grateful recognition of honorable and distinguished service
to the [Unit Name] and the United States
[Service Start Date] — [Service End Date]

Presented by [Unit/Command Name]
[Presentation Date]

Army — Personal

[Rank] [Full Name]
For outstanding leadership, dedication, and devotion to duty during service with [Unit/Name].
Your commitment inspired us all.

Thank you for your service.
[Unit / Sqd / Company]
[Presentation Date]

Navy — Personal

[Rank] [Full Name]
With sincere appreciation for your leadership and service aboard [Ship/Squadron Name].
Fair winds and following seas.

Presented by the Officers & Crew
[Presentation Date]

Air Force — Formal

[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Air Force

In honor of [number] years of exemplary service and leadership,
served with distinction at [Unit/Command].

[Service Start Date] — [Service End Date]

Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]

Marine Corps — Personal

[Rank] [Full Name]
For exceptional leadership, courage, and service in defense of our nation.
Semper Fidelis.

[Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]

Coast Guard

[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Coast Guard

Presented in appreciation for dedicated service to the Coast Guard and the protection of maritime interests.

[Service Start Date] — [Service End Date]

Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]

Space Force

[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Space Force

In recognition of exceptional service and leadership in support of space operations with [Unit/Command].

[Service Start Date] — [Service End Date]

Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]

Police & Firefighter

[Rank/Title] [Full Name]
Presented in grateful appreciation for your dedicated service and leadership
with the [Department Name].

[Years of Service] Years • [Presentation Date]

6. Short Wording by Rank

Enlisted: For faithful and dedicated service in the United States [Branch].
Senior NCO: In recognition of distinguished leadership and mission excellence.
Company-grade Officer: With sincere appreciation for leadership and devotion to duty.
Senior Officer: For exemplary service and outstanding leadership in support of [Unit].

7. Layout & Typography Tips

Name largest, rank slightly smaller, body text smaller still.
Use serif fonts (traditional) or sans-serif (modern).
Keep lines centered, 3–7 lines max.

8. Approvals & Artwork

Request a proof/mockup before production.
Ensure seals are licensed for reproduction.
Provide vector logos where possible.

9. Ordering Checklist

Recipient name, rank, service dates
Unit/command name
Material & size
High-res emblem art
Presentation date

10. Example Layout (Text)

[Emblem]
[Rank] [Full Name]
United States [Branch]

Presented in recognition of
[Short statement]
[Service Dates]

Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Date]

11. FAQs

How long will it take? 2–4 weeks; expedited 10–14 days.

Can you ship to APO/FPO? Yes, confirm with vendor.

Final Checklist

Spelling checked
Unit name verified
Artwork cleared
Proof approved
Delivery date confirmed

Want a polished mockup?

If you want this guide turned into a real plaque layout, request a free mockup from MilitaryPlaques.com. Provide the recipient’s name, rank, preferred layout, emblem art, and presentation date — we’ll return a proof you can approve or revise.

Details: Written by: MIlitaryPlaques.com; Published: 03 September 2025

Military Retirement Plaques A Complete Buying Guide (Templates & Wording)

When a service member retires, a plaque isnt just a decorative object its a tangible record of duty, rank, and moments that matter. This guide walks you through everything: materials, sizes, finishes, design elements, how to write the wording, and ready-to-use templates you can hand to your vendor or drop directly into a mockup request.

If youd rather skip straight to a finished design, request a free mockup from MilitaryPlaques.com and see your plaque concept within 2448 hours.

1. What makes a great retirement plaque?

A memorable retirement plaque nails three things:

Accuracy: Correct rank, dates, unit name, and any official seals/insignia.
Legibility & hierarchy: The name and rank are large and prominent; secondary details (dates, assignments) are smaller but readable.
Tone: Respectful, concise wording that matches the service culture formal for higher ranks, warm and personal for unit-level gifts.

2. Materials & Finishes

Wood (Mahogany / Walnut / Oak): Classic, warm, best for indoor displays.
Cast Metal (Aluminium): Prestigious, durable, often used in lobbies.
HDU : Weather-resistant, lightweight, mimics cast metal finishes.

3. Sizes & Placement

Small keepsake: 6" 4"
Standard wall plaque: 8" 10" to 10" 14"
Command/Unit plaque: 12" 18" to 18" 24"
Large lobby seal: 36" and up

4. Wording Principles

Start with the recipients highest rank & full name.
Use a short lead line: Presented to
Keep dates clear: 20002024.
Be concise and centered where possible.
Close with presenter & date.

5. Sample Wording Templates by Branch

Army Formal

[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Army

Presented in grateful recognition of honorable and distinguished service
to the [Unit Name] and the United States
[Service Start Date] [Service End Date]

Presented by [Unit/Command Name]
[Presentation Date]

Army Personal

Navy Personal

[Rank] [Full Name]
With sincere appreciation for your leadership and service aboard [Ship/Squadron Name].
Fair winds and following seas.

Presented by the Officers & Crew
[Presentation Date]

Air Force Formal

[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Air Force

In honor of [number] years of exemplary service and leadership,
served with distinction at [Unit/Command].

[Service Start Date] [Service End Date]

Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]

Marine Corps Personal

[Rank] [Full Name]
For exceptional leadership, courage, and service in defense of our nation.
Semper Fidelis.

[Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]

Coast Guard

[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Coast Guard

Presented in appreciation for dedicated service to the Coast Guard and the protection of maritime interests.

[Service Start Date] [Service End Date]

Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]

Space Force

[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Space Force

In recognition of exceptional service and leadership in support of space operations with [Unit/Command].

[Service Start Date] [Service End Date]

Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]

Police & Firefighter

[Rank/Title] [Full Name]
Presented in grateful appreciation for your dedicated service and leadership
with the [Department Name].

[Years of Service] Years [Presentation Date]

6. Short Wording by Rank

Enlisted: For faithful and dedicated service in the United States [Branch].
Senior NCO: In recognition of distinguished leadership and mission excellence.
Company-grade Officer: With sincere appreciation for leadership and devotion to duty.
Senior Officer: For exemplary service and outstanding leadership in support of [Unit].

7. Layout & Typography Tips

Name largest, rank slightly smaller, body text smaller still.
Use serif fonts (traditional) or sans-serif (modern).
Keep lines centered, 37 lines max.

8. Approvals & Artwork

Request a proof/mockup before production.
Ensure seals are licensed for reproduction.
Provide vector logos where possible.

9. Ordering Checklist

Recipient name, rank, service dates
Unit/command name
Material & size
High-res emblem art
Presentation date

10. Example Layout (Text)

[Emblem]
[Rank] [Full Name]
United States [Branch]

Presented in recognition of
[Short statement]
[Service Dates]

Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Date]

11. FAQs

How long will it take? 24 weeks; expedited 1014 days.

Can you ship to APO/FPO? Yes, confirm with vendor.

Final Checklist

Spelling checked
Unit name verified
Artwork cleared
Proof approved
Delivery date confirmed

Want a polished mockup?

If you want this guide turned into a real plaque layout, request a free mockup from MilitaryPlaques.com. Provide the recipients name, rank, preferred layout, emblem art, and presentation date well return a proof you can approve or revise.

Details: Written by: MIlitaryPlaques.com; Published: 03 September 2025

At MilitaryPlaques.com, we listen to your feedback. Over the past year, we’ve carefully reviewed comments from military units, federal agencies, and individual customers. You asked us to improve lead times, strengthen shipping reliability, and enhance support. We’ve acted — and here’s the evidence.

Faster Production & Lead Times

Streamlined production process — average order-to-ship time reduced by 20%.
Priority Express Service — available for time-sensitive plaques, ensuring delivery for ceremonies and presentations.
Clear timelines — customers receive accurate ship dates at the mockup approval stage.

Reliable Shipping Worldwide

New carrier partnerships with FedEx and UPS for improved global coverage.
Real-time tracking provided with every order.
On-time delivery rate has improved to over 96% for domestic shipments.

Enhanced Customer Support

Dedicated military & government support team — trained to handle unit and agency requirements.
More real people on the phone and answering your email available for urgent project requests.
Faster response — 95% of inquiries answered within 24 hours.

What This Means for You

Whether you’re ordering a retirement plaque, unit crest, or a government wall seal, you can depend on us for accuracy, reliability, and timely delivery. Our mission is to honor your service with plaques that arrive exactly when you need them.

Request a Free Mockup Toll Free: 1-800-313-1876

We’re Still Listening

Your feedback continues to guide us. If you have suggestions or requests, please share them — we take every comment seriously. Together, we can keep improving how we serve the military, government, and families who order our plaques for fellow service men and family.

Details: Written by: MIlitaryPlaques.com; Published: 11 September 2025

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