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In the U.S. Navy, few traditions are as unique — or as proudly carried — as being a Plankowner. The term goes back centuries, but it still carries serious weight among today’s sailors. And one of the most popular ways to recognize a Plankowner is with a Plankowner Plaque: a handcrafted display piece that preserves the sailor’s place in a ship’s story.
Whether you're part of a commissioning crew, a naval history fan, or looking for a meaningful gift, here’s everything you need to know.
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A Plankowner is a member of the original crew of a newly commissioned Navy ship. Traditionally, it refers to sailors who were present at the ship’s commissioning and served during her early days.
The name comes from old naval custom:
When a ship eventually decommissioned, original crew members were said to be entitled to a “plank” of the ship’s deck — symbolic recognition of the role they played in bringing her to life.
Today, the tradition continues as a way to honor those who were there from the start.
Examples of Plankowner, Cruise and Deployment Plaques
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Why Plankowner Recognition Matters
Serving on a commissioning crew isn’t just another set of orders — it’s a milestone in a sailor’s career. Plankowners:
A Plankowner Plaque captures that pride and preserves it in a permanent, display-ready format.
A Plankowner Plaque is a custom wooden plaque that commemorates a sailor’s role as a member of a ship’s commissioning crew. These plaques typically include:
Some plaques include full-color artwork, 3D cast crests, or additional custom wording.
At MilitaryPlaques.com, units often request them for:
• Commissioning ceremonies
• Departing plankowners
• Decommissioning events
• Shadow boxes and award walls
• Personal collections and veteran memorabilia
Plankowner plaques are popular among:
Any time a sailor moves on from their commissioning assignment — retirement, PCS, completion of tour — a plankowner plaque makes a powerful, personal recognition piece.
Here are common (and highly requested) elements:
Essential Elements
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Optional Personalization
Why Plankowner Plaques Are So Popular
They preserve a rare career milestone
Only a small number of sailors ever serve on a commissioning crew.
They make a meaningful farewell gift
Plankowner plaques replace “generic” awards with something deeply personal.
They carry Navy heritage forward
The connection between a sailor and their ship is lifelong.
They look great displayed anywhere
Offices, homes, CPO Messes, quarterdecks, or shadow boxes.
They stand the test of time
High-quality wooden plaques become family keepsakes.
At MilitaryPlaques.com, the process is simple:
Plaques are handcrafted, painted, and finished for long-lasting display — never mass-produced.
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Final Thoughts
Serving as a Plankowner is a point of pride that stays with sailors for life. A Plankowner Plaque is one of the best ways to capture that moment, recognize their role, and give them something they’ll display for years.
If you’re looking to commemorate a commissioning crew member — or preserve your own place in naval history — a handcrafted plankowner plaque is a meaningful way to do it.
When a service member retires, a plaque isn’t just a decorative object — it’s a tangible record of duty, rank, and moments that matter. This guide walks you through everything: materials, sizes, finishes, design elements, how to write the wording, and ready-to-use templates you can hand to your vendor or drop directly into a mockup request.
If you’d rather skip straight to a finished design, request a free mockup from MilitaryPlaques.com and see your plaque concept within 24–48 hours.
A memorable retirement plaque nails three things:
[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Army
Presented in grateful recognition of honorable and distinguished service
to the [Unit Name] and the United States
[Service Start Date] — [Service End Date]
Presented by [Unit/Command Name]
[Presentation Date]
[Rank] [Full Name]
For outstanding leadership, dedication, and devotion to duty during service with [Unit/Name].
Your commitment inspired us all.
Thank you for your service.
[Unit / Sqd / Company]
[Presentation Date]
[Rank] [Full Name]
With sincere appreciation for your leadership and service aboard [Ship/Squadron Name].
Fair winds and following seas.
Presented by the Officers & Crew
[Presentation Date]
[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Air Force
In honor of [number] years of exemplary service and leadership,
served with distinction at [Unit/Command].
[Service Start Date] — [Service End Date]
Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]
[Rank] [Full Name]
For exceptional leadership, courage, and service in defense of our nation.
Semper Fidelis.
[Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]
[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Coast Guard
Presented in appreciation for dedicated service to the Coast Guard and the protection of maritime interests.
[Service Start Date] — [Service End Date]
Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]
[Rank] [Full Name]
United States Space Force
In recognition of exceptional service and leadership in support of space operations with [Unit/Command].
[Service Start Date] — [Service End Date]
Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Presentation Date]
[Rank/Title] [Full Name]
Presented in grateful appreciation for your dedicated service and leadership
with the [Department Name].
[Years of Service] Years • [Presentation Date]
[Emblem]
[Rank] [Full Name]
United States [Branch]
Presented in recognition of
[Short statement]
[Service Dates]
Presented by [Unit/Command]
[Date]
How long will it take? 2–4 weeks; expedited 10–14 days.
Can you ship to APO/FPO? Yes, confirm with vendor.
If you want this guide turned into a real plaque layout, request a free mockup from MilitaryPlaques.com. Provide the recipient’s name, rank, preferred layout, emblem art, and presentation date — we’ll return a proof you can approve or revise.
If you’re looking for a plaque that you can give as a gift or award to your military friend or workmate, a personalized plaque is always a great idea!
Military Plaques can help you get the plaque worthy of your fellow service men and women!
From a common seal-shaped plaque to a map-like and shield-shaped plaque, your plaques come in any shape or design you envision. Your imagination is your limit!
Each plaque is 100% handcrafted and fully customizable, with no extra charge for artwork setup.
Customize the look and feel — from vibrant full color to elegant natural wood tone, and in any size you need. Each plaque is made only from the finest mahogany which is kiln-dried to prevent it from warping and twisting, and that makes our plaques last for years!
Whether you're ready to design or need a creative hand, our artists are here to help!
We produce custom-made plaques for military, government, schools and universities, and corporate plaques in any retirement, recognition, graduation, or appreciation day.
There’s no minimum order required and no US shipping standard delivery fee.
Military Plaques value timely and affordable delivery so you can have your plaque with no hassle.
From a common seal-shaped plaque to a map-like and shield-shaped plaque, your plaques come in any shape or design you envision. Your imagination is your limit!
Each plaque is 100% handcrafted and fully customizable, with no extra charge for artwork setup.
Customize the look and feel — from vibrant full color to elegant natural wood tone, and in any size you need. Each plaque is made only from the finest mahogany which is kiln-dried to prevent it from warping and twisting, and that makes our plaques last for years!
Whether you're ready to design or need a creative hand, our artists are here to help!
We produce custom-made plaques for military, government, schools and universities, and corporate plaques in any retirement, recognition, graduation, or appreciation day.
There’s no minimum order required and no US shipping standard delivery fee.
Military Plaques value timely and affordable delivery so you can have your plaque with no hassle.
Order now from our wide selection of highest quality and unique customized wooden desk nameplates that you can have in a lifetime without changing!
Start Your Custom Plaque Design
Designing a plaque is about more than appearance—it represents service, tradition, and honor. At MilitaryPlaques.com, we make it simple to create custom plaques that meet the standards of military units, federal agencies, and government institutions. Every piece is hand-carved from premium kiln-dried mahogany, ensuring accuracy, durability, and professional presentation.
Decide what the plaque will represent—retirement, unit recognition, office display, or an official government seal. Clear purpose guides the design and helps us recommend the right size, shape, and level of detail.
We offer plaques ranging from small 4″ presentation pieces to 72″ wall displays. Popular shapes include round seals, shields, and rectangular plaques. The choice depends on placement—whether in an office, lobby, or ceremonial hall.
Most military and government plaques feature an official seal or emblem. Our team is licensed to reproduce Department of Defense seals, service branch logos, and federal agency emblems and does so with absolute accuracy. Adding custom artwork ensures authenticity and distinction and incurrs no extra artwork or manufacturing costs.
Include essential details such as the name of the organization, the honoree, rank, dates of service, or a short dedication. Keeping text clear and concise ensures professional readability and visual balance with the emblem.
Every order includes a free design mockup. This proof shows layout, lettering, and emblem placement before production. Only after your approval do we proceed to hand-carving and finishing.
Start Your Custom Plaque Design
From military retirement plaques to government wall seals, we provide expert design support at every step. Honor service and tradition with a plaque that reflects excellence and history.
Our logistics team ensures plaques arrive on schedule. We proudly ship to APO & FPO addresses at no additional charge, supporting service members wherever they are stationed.
Our dedicated design and sales specialists are ready to answer questions, provide mockups, and guide you through every step of the ordering process.
For over 30 years, our commitment to service and detail has earned us a loyal base of military units, agencies, and organizations who return year after year.
Each plaque is handcrafted from premium kiln-dried mahogany, carefully treated to prevent warping, cracking, or twisting. The result: museum-quality pieces built to last.
Our graphic artists and master woodcarvers work side by side with our production team to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and precision in every emblem and seal we produce.
Unlike outsourced vendors, MilitaryPlaques.com owns and manages its production process end-to-end, ensuring every plaque meets the highest standards.
How to Design Custom Plaques
Advice on Shadow Box Design
Wording for Dedication and
Going Away Plaque Image
Instruction for Ordering
Desk Name Plate
At Militaryplaques.com, we've been creating official seals and plaques for U.S. Government agencies and businesses since 1991. Our range includes logo seals and emblem plaques for various entities like national and regional offices, local government bodies, the U.S. Military (including Space Force), universities, police and fire departments, as well as famous Hollywood movie and streaming studios. You can find our products showcased at prestigious locations such as veterans’ own homes, The White House, The Pentagon, government agencies worldwide, military headquarters and universities.
Explore our catalog of products to find what you're looking for. Note, these are examples of the work we have done over the years. Every single item on this website is made to order. Every single one hand crafted to our customers specific instructions. Every one unique. All at no extra charge – that’s right fully customized, one-off plaque design with no extra fees!
We are a registered Government Service Agency (GSA) and can provide you with our NAICS codes upon inquiry. We welcome government contracts and purchase orders. Our licensing covers all branches of the U.S. Military as well as the F.B.I., ensuring top notch quality products. In addition, as a business owned by U.S. Military veterans and CVE Certified as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), we take pride in serving our fellow veterans.
Alongside the official seals and emblem plaques, we offer a variety of custom U.S. Military items including shadow boxes, wooden wings, tail flashes, award wall plaques, desk name plates made from solid mahogany wood, We also offer standard and custom made military plaques in high density urethane (HDU) or in cast metal.
Feel free to reach out to us by dialing toll free 1800 313 1876. Our service hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
We provide free design and artwork services without any setup fees. When it comes to shipping, you can opt for our standard six-week free shipping or expedited two week shipping for an additional cost. Rest assured; we have a dedicated quality control team that ensures each product is not only visually appealing but also durable for a lifetime. Every step of the production process is carried out with meticulous attention and precision.
Standard Shipping &
Mockup Design
For your inquiry about our products, call us toll free, email or feel free to send us your message by filling out the form below. It is necessary to fill out your name and email address so that we can respond to you.
Find concise, service-appropriate inscription templates for military dedication, retirement and going-away plaques. Our examples are written to meet branch conventions, honor service, and translate cleanly to hand-carved mahogany and official seals. Need help? Request a free mockup and wording review from our design team.
You can call or email us for assistance on the wording of your dedication plaque and we can also provide free of charge mockups of designs. Remember, we have no minimum order quantity and no design, set up or standard shipping fees.
1Name
Writing the name or call sign (if applicable) or rank of the person receiving the dedication plaque is perfect. You make the plaque more personalized and unique that will make the receiver love to hang or display it in his or her room or office. It makes the person feels proud to have it. However, whenever you include the name you need to make sure that you observe proper capitalization, abbreviation, and spelling.
2Organization Name
If you’re giving the dedication plaque to an organization, then it is also great that you make them see their department, unit, battalion, troop, squadron, or team name engraved on the plaque. They will be glad if they can show it on their walls or podiums, so visitors will see it during events.
Like the names written for individual receivers, it should also be written correctly.
3Date
Dedication plaques can also come up with a date. If you’re giving the plaque as an award, then you can write the date of the recognition company. On the other hand, if it is a retirement and going away plaque, you can write the dates of service period. For memorial plaques, you can put the birthday and the date of death of the departed military men or women.
4Quote
Writing a perfect wording for your dedication plaques does not always mean that you need to add a message. Sometimes, a simple quote is already ideal. It can be the favorite phrase or motto of the recipient or the department’s slogan.
Here are the sample slogans of the military department:
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Discover a collection of heartfelt and honorable phrases to commemorate the dedication and service of military personnel. These examples of military wording for presentation and retirement plaques are crafted to convey deep appreciation and respect, celebrating the bravery, commitment, and achievements of those who have served our nation.
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