For Unit Recognition & Command Awards
Presented by the commanding officer of USS Tornado to crew members in recognition of special achievement, exceptional performance, and dedicated service . Awarded during command ceremonies, quarters calls, and decommissioning ceremonies to honor Sailors who served aboard the final Cyclone-class patrol ship .
For Special Warfare (SEAL) Support Recognition
USS Tornado was specifically designed for maritime special operations, including SEAL insertion and extraction, intelligence collection, swimmer operations, and littoral support . The ship’s crest features the trident from the Naval Special Warfare insignia crossed with a Navy sword, symbolizing her mission of providing support for Special Warfare forces . Presented to SEAL teams and special operations personnel who operated from or in coordination with PC-14.
For Inter-Service & Coast Guard Transfer Commemorations
USS Tornado was transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard on September 30, 2004, and served as USCGC Tornado (WPC-14) before being returned to the Navy on September 30, 2011 . Challenge coins from Tornado commemorate this unique inter-service history, honoring both Navy and Coast Guard crews who served aboard the vessel.
For Commissioning, Decommissioning & Historic Commemorations
USS Tornado was commissioned on June 24, 2000, and held her final decommissioning ceremony on February 18, 2021 . Coins serve as permanent records of significant milestones, documenting the service of the fourteenth and final Cyclone-class patrol ship, which served well past her designed 15-year service life .
USS Tornado PC-14 Challenge Coin – FAQs
Q: What is the USS Tornado PC-14 Challenge Coin?
A: The USS Tornado PC-14 Challenge Coin is a commemorative naval coin created to honor the service, missions, and legacy of the U.S. Navy coastal patrol ship USS Tornado (PC-14).
Q: Who is this challenge coin designed for?
A: It is ideal for USS Tornado crew members, Navy personnel, veterans, military families, naval collectors, and anyone interested in U.S. Navy ship memorabilia.
Q: What design elements are commonly featured on the coin?
A: Designs may include the USS Tornado name, PC-14 hull number, naval insignias, ship artwork, anchors, maritime symbols, American flags, and mission-related graphics.
Q: Can the USS Tornado PC-14 Challenge Coin be customized?
A: Yes. Custom options include deployment dates, crew names, command logos, reunion details, service milestones, retirement messages, and special commemorative artwork.
Q: What occasions are suitable for presenting this naval challenge coin?
A: It is commonly used for ship reunions, Navy ceremonies, retirement gifts, command recognition, deployment commemorations, and military collector displays.