Description
Marine Air Station Yuma Arizona Coin is made from polished bronze with a smooth cut edge. The front of the coin features the words ‘Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona’ in white against a blue background. The center of the challenge coin displays the desert landscape and setting sun over the mountain range. On the back of the coin is the Eagle, Globe & Anchor and the words ‘United States Marine Corps – Semper Fidelis’.
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.
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma Challenge Coin Features
- MCAS Yuma, Az 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 Yuma
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (MCAS Yuma), located near Yuma, Arizona, is a prominent United States Marine Corps air station. Founded in 1928 as Fly Field, it was later transformed into Yuma Army Airfield during World War II.
MCAS Yuma is under the control of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and has evolved into a key training and operational base for the USMC. It houses multiple F-35B Lightning II squadrons, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 (MAWTS-1), Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), and Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 (VMFT-401) of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing of the Marine Corps Reserve.
Apart from its USMC role, MCAS Yuma also serves a dual function as a joint-use civilian-military airport, sharing facilities with Yuma International Airport.
Currently, MCAS Yuma is a critical training facility for the US Marine Corps, focusing on air-to-ground operations and hosting essential aviation units. It stands out for its optimal flying conditions and extensive range areas. MCAS Yuma is a significant site for USMC aviation training and operations.
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.
USMC 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.
