Description
Our MCAS Cherry Point Coin is made from polished bronze with a straight cut edge. This coin has the look and feel of genuine quality and would make a great addition to your collection or as a special gift for your U.S. Marine. Arrives professionally & individually packaged. Made in USA.
MCAS Cherry Point USMC Challenge Coin Features
- MCAS Cherry Point Support and Training Coin
- “MCAS Cherry Point, NC” “Support & Training” on front of coin. “United States Marine Corps” “Semper Fidelis” on back.
- Bronze alloy.
- Accented in bold colors.
- Measures 1.75 inches
- Individually packaged
- Made in USA
- Ships fast!
- Licensed by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point – MCAS Cherry Point
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point (MCAS Cherry Point) is located in Havelock, North Carolina. It’s a key airfield of the USMC. Commissioned in 1942, it serves as the home of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Initially authorized in 1941, the base has played significant roles from World War II through modern conflicts.
During WWII, Cherry Point trained Marines for the Pacific theater and served as a base for anti-submarine operations. In the Korean and Vietnam Wars, it provided trained aviators and maintenance personnel. Cherry Point contributed notably to Operation Desert Storm with multiple squadrons and support units.
Post WWII, the base was transferred from the Navy to the Marines and underwent several name changes, reflecting its evolving role. Notably, Cherry Point was also used by the United States Air Force for radar operations in the 1950s and 1960s.
The base’s facilities include a 7,800-foot runway and accommodate a variety of units, including Marine Aircraft Group 24 and Combat Logistics Company 33. MCAS Cherry Point played a key part in Operation Enduring Freedom and continues to be an essential facility for Marine Corps aviation training and operations. The base also notably served as an emergency landing site for Space Shuttle launches and hosted multinational military exercises like Bold Quest.
Currently, MCAS Cherry Point hosts several Marine Corps and Navy units, playing a vital role in military aviation and logistics. The base’s extensive history and ongoing strategic importance underscore its key role in U.S. military operations both domestically and globally.
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.
