The Long Blue Line (WINTER 2020)

Among maritime traditions, a Plankowner is a
term used for any individual who served as
a member of the original crew comprised
to build and commission a new vessel. The
Museum Association
created a Sustaining
Donor program with this
nautical tradition in mind.
Museum Plankowners
commit to monthly
donations through the
commissioning of the
building and to date,
nearly 750 people have
chosen to participate
in this program. The
Museum Association
knew that honoring this
kind of commitment
required a special
commemoration. To accomplish that, Retired Coast
Guard Chief Petty Officer Schon Russell was asked
to apply his artistic talent to create a certificate
design based on nautical tradition. CPO Russell
spent countless hours examining historical records
to ensure the artwork represents the Service well. The
certificate pays tribute to many facets of the Coast
Guard story, and highlights the organizations that
were the foundation of the modern day Coast Guard.
The top left corner shows the likeness of one of the
original ten ships of the Revenue Cutter Service.
Taking center stage is a lighthouse shining its
beacon to portray the Lighthouse Service. The
seal of the Bureau of
Marine Inspection and
Navigation hearkens
back to the beginnings
of merchant vessel
oversight. Representing
the Life Saving Service
on the top right is an old
surfboat and breeches
buoy, used to bring
stranded souls ashore.
The lower left corner
depicts the construction
of the museum merged
with a ship’s hull. In
addition to other Coast
Guard and nautical artifacts, in the lower right corner
is Alexander Hamilton’s treasure chest filled with
Coast Guard insignia.
Most of all, the Plankowner Certificate respects the
past and highlights the sacrifice and service of all
who have put on the uniform in the United States
Coast Guard.
HOW TO BECOME A NATIONAL COAST GUARD MUSEUM PLANKOWNER
1 2 3
THE LONG BLUE LINE WINTER 2020
29