Celebrate one of the Navy’s most meaningful traditions with our Plank Owner Plaque, handcrafted to recognize sailors who served as part of a ship’s original commissioning crew. This plaque is designed for commands, units, and individual sailors who want a lasting symbol of their role in bringing a new vessel — and a new chapter of naval service — to life.
If you’re preparing for a commissioning ceremony or planning a farewell presentation, Request a Quote and Free Mock Up today to begin your order.
The term Plankowner dates back to early naval history, when commissioning crews were regarded as having a personal connection to the vessel they helped launch. Although sailors today don’t receive an actual plank of the deck, the recognition remains just as significant. Our Plank Owner Plaque preserves that legacy in solid mahogany, carved and finished with exceptional depth and clarity.
Need help visualizing your layout? Ask for a Free Mockup Design and our team will prepare a digital proof based on your ship’s crest and personalization details.
Each plaque is made from premium, kiln-dried mahogany selected for its durability and its ability to take on fine carving. The ship’s crest or command seal is recreated by hand, using a combination of precise carving, hand-painting, and multi-layer finishing to capture the richness of the original design. The “Plank Owner” inscription is engraved clearly and professionally, ensuring it stands out as the central element of the piece.
This plaque is fully customizable. You may include the ship’s name and hull number, commissioning date, command motto, sailor’s name, rate or rank, and years assigned to the vessel. Units often add deployment references, warfare insignias, or leadership message plates to create an award or farewell gift tailored to the sailor’s service.
Our design team provides a free digital mockup before carving begins. This allows you to review, revise, and approve the final appearance, ensuring the finished plaque perfectly reflects the commissioning story you want to preserve.
Each piece passes through multiple stages of carving, sanding, painting, sealing, and quality control. The end result is a substantial, weighty plaque with a smooth finish and crisp detail. A recessed hanger is installed on the back for easy display in homes, offices, quarterdecks, or command spaces. Many sailors also choose to display their plaques in shadow boxes alongside deployment items and memorabilia.
The Plank Owner Plaque is frequently selected for:
– Commissioning ceremonies
– CPO Mess presentations
– Officer and enlisted departures
– PCS or rotation gifts
– Navy retirements
– Veteran keepsakes
– Decommissioning events
Because this tradition is unique and deeply meaningful, these plaques are often treasured for decades. They represent teamwork, long watches, first cruises, early challenges, and the proud bond formed among the commissioning crew.
Whether purchasing for yourself, a fellow sailor, or an entire division, this handcrafted Plank Owner Plaque is a fitting way to mark your place in the ship’s history.
