Description
Our Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay Hawaii Coin is minted in bronze with an antique finish. The coin features Hawaiian King Kamehameha overlooking an outline of the Islands, with “Marine Corps Base Hawaii—Kaneohe Bay.” The other side of the coin is the famous United States Marine Corps insignia.
Kaneohe Bay Hawaii USMC Challenge Coin Features
- MCB Kaneohe Bay Hawaii Coin
- Measures 1.75″
- Professionally & individually packaged
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Licensed by the U.S. Marine Corps
Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) – Kaneohe Bay
Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), situated on the Mokapu Peninsula in O’ahu, Honolulu, is a significant U.S. Marine Corps facility encompassing both ground and air operations. Originally established as Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay, it has evolved into a crucial base for Marine and Navy operations. MCBH houses units like the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, Marine Aircraft Group 24, and Combat Logistics Company 33, along with the Navy’s Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2.
MCBH’s historical significance dates back to 1918 when President Woodrow Wilson designated land on Mokapu Peninsula for military use. The base witnessed key historical moments, including an attack minutes before Pearl Harbor in 1941. Post-World War II, the Marines assumed control, officially commissioning it as a Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay in 1952. In 1994, several Marine installations in Hawaii were consolidated to form MCBH.
As part of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, MCBH plays a vital role in regional operations. The base also gained pop culture fame, having been used as a filming location for the movie “Battleship” in 2010. MCBH continues to be an integral part of the Marine Corps’ presence in the Pacific, supporting various military and strategic 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.
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.
