Description
Marine Air Station Miramar Coin is made from polished bronze with a smooth cut edge. The front of the coin features the words ‘MCAS Miramar’ in gold against a white background. The center of the challenge coin displays the EGA with two lightning bolts coming out of each side and airwing assets. On the back of the coin is the Eagle, Globe & Anchor and the words ‘United States Marine Corps’.
This coin has the look and feel of genuine quality and would make a great addition to your collection or a special gift that any Leatherneck will appreciate. Arrives professionally & individually packaged. Made in USA.
MCAS Miramar USMC Challenge Coin Features
- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, CA design.
- Bronze alloy.
- Accented in bold colors.
- Measures 1.75 in.
- Professionally & individually packaged.
- Made in USA.
- Licensed by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS Miramar) is located in Miramar, San Diego, California. It’s a crucial installation of the United States Marine Corps. Originally established as Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Miramar, it later became Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar before transitioning to USMC control. Currently, it is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, part of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.
MCAS Miramar is renowned as the world’s largest Master Jet Air Station. The airfield, named Mitscher Field since 1955 in honor of Admiral M.A. Mitscher, a World War II commander, has a rich history of military aviation. It is notably the former site of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School’s TOPGUN training program, which relocated to Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada in 1996.
During World War I, Camp Kearny was established for infantry training. In World War II, the site transitioned to a Marine Corps and Navy air station, with significant runway expansions and operational changes.
Post-World War II, the Marines relocated to MCAS El Toro, and Miramar was redesignated NAS Miramar. The base experienced significant growth during the Vietnam War, developing into a Master Jet Station. The transition back to Marine Corps control occurred in 1997, following the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations in 1993.
Today, MCAS Miramar is a vital training and operational base for the USMC, accommodating numerous Marine aircraft and units. It focuses on providing advanced aviation training and support for various Marine Corps air operations. Despite its evolution over the decades, MCAS Miramar remains a significant and dynamic component of the USMC’s aviation capabilities.
Marine Corps Challenge Coins
Marine Corps challenge coins are deeply rooted in military tradition. They symbolize honor, camaraderie, and individual accomplishments in the USMC.
Military challenge coins trace their roots back to ancient Rome, where custom coins rewarded exceptional feats. They later evolved into “portrait medals” during the Renaissance.
In the early US military, challenge coins were exclusive to high-ranking officers recognizing exceptional achievements. Notably, in World War I, a pilot’s coin saved his life by proving his identity. Some argue that modern challenge coin traditions, including in the Marine Corps, originated during the Vietnam War for bar entry.
Today, these coins signify specific achievements or service excellence and carry sentimental value, serving as tokens of significant moments in a Marine’s journey.
Marine Coin Check, Traditions, and Rules
A coin check is a spontaneous challenge where members must promptly display their coins.
Rules for coin checks are informal, allowing challenges to occur anywhere, anytime, by displaying the coin and shouting “coin check!” Accidentally dropping a coin counts as a deliberate challenge. Responding within ten seconds by presenting a unit’s coin is essential.
Consequences add a playful element: failure to produce a coin results in buying drinks for the challenger and others. Conversely, a successful challenge requires the challenger to buy a round for the group.
The tradition also includes coin theft, with successful thieves earning a drink. Coins are typically carried for easy access, with a widely accepted rule of “a step and a reach.” Presentation often occurs subtly during handshakes, with modifications like drilling holes or attaching them to belt buckles invalidating their challenge status.
