USN Tactical Air Control Squadron 12 Challenge Coin – Product Details
About This Coin
For over seven decades, TACRON 12 has served as the primary air control agency coordinating all air support for amphibious operations, ensuring seamless integration between the Navy Tactical Air Control System (NTACS) and the Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS) . Stationed in San Diego, the squadron provides air control detachments in support of San Diego-based Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 and Okinawa-based ESG 7 — operating from the decks of amphibious assault ships and expeditionary locations ashore . Every aircraft flying within the battle group’s airspace, every search and rescue mission launched, and every critical cargo delivered passes through TACRON 12’s watchful coordination .
Core Features
1. TACRON 12 Command Insignia & “Talons Take Care of Talons” Motto
The coin prominently features the official TACRON 12 command insignia — a design reflecting the squadron’s unique mission of tactical air control over Navy and Marine expeditionary forces.
The reverse or obverse proudly displays the squadron’s enduring motto: “Talons take care of Talons.” This phrase, reinforced by former Commanding Officer Kevin M. Marsh, is “a description of who we are, a description of the behaviors that set us apart, and a root cause of our success” . The motto embodies the command climate focused on professional development, resulting in 238 tactical air control center qualifications, 74 warfare designations, and over 1,179 days with no liberty incidents .
2. Naval Aviation Control Heritage & Mission Integration
The design honors TACRON 12’s legacy as the central coordinating authority for all things air within an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) . From managing passenger mail cargo (PMC) requests for transport between ships to coordinating search and rescue missions and medical evacuations, TACRON 12 ensures “if anything is flying in our airspace, we know what that aircraft is doing” .
3. Premium Die-Struck Metal & Enamel Finish
Minted using die-struck techniques that provide crisp, high-relief detail, the coin features durable metal construction with vibrant enamel highlights that bring the command colors to life. The finish is resistant to scratches and wear, ensuring the coin remains a pristine keepsake through years of active-duty wear or display.
Core Value for Customers
1. For TACRON 12 Air Controllers & Expeditionary Personnel
A cherished symbol of service as the “gatekeeper to the skies” for Navy and Marine aviation. TACRON 12’s enlisted ratings are predominantly Air Traffic Controllers (ACs), who provide advisory and procedural control to all aircraft outside 25 nautical miles and join Marine Mobile Teams for land exercises via LCAC or helicopter .
For every AC, Operations Specialist, and Intelligence Specialist who has served with TACRON 12 — logging over 10,000 sorties and 21 major joint exercises — this coin serves as a tangible connection to their mission .
2. For Command Recognition & Change of Command Ceremonies
The coin serves as an official ceremonial token presented during TACRON 12 Change of Command ceremonies, such as the April 30, 2021 transition between Cmdr. Kevin M. Marsh and Cmdr. Jason A. Ahmanson at the Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado .
Presented by Commands and squadron leadership to recognize professional excellence, leadership contributions, and superior performance — consistent with the standard Navy challenge coin tradition.
3. For Expeditionary Strike Groups & Amphibious Ready Group Deployments
The coin commemorates service as part of TACRON 12 detachments supporting amphibious operations. Whether deployed aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) during COMPTUEX, or providing air control for USS Wasp (LHD 1) and USS America (LHA 6) throughout the Pacific Theater, this coin marks the wearer’s role within the larger Navy-Marine Corps team .
