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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What Is a Plankowner?
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:
- Help bring the ship into active service
- Establish the ship’s culture, standards, and identity
- Train new crew
- Work through the ship’s earliest operational challenges
- Form lifelong bonds with fellow commissioning members
A Plankowner Plaque captures that pride and preserves it in a permanent, display-ready format.
What Is a Plankowner Plaque?
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:
- The ship’s name and hull number
- Ship’s crest or seal
- Commissioning date
- “Plankowner” designation or inscription
- Sailor’s name, rank, and rate
- Years of service on the vessel
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
Who Orders Plankowner Plaques?
Plankowner plaques are popular among:
- Active-duty sailors
- Command leadership
- CPO Messes
- Commissioning teams
- Veteran associations
- Families looking for meaningful gifts
- Retiring plankowners
Any time a sailor moves on from their commissioning assignment — retirement, PCS, completion of tour — a plankowner plaque makes a powerful, personal recognition piece.
What to Include on a Plankowner Plaque
Here are common (and highly requested) elements:
Essential Elements
- Ship name and hull number
- Command crest or warfare insignia
- Sailor’s name, rate, rank
- Dates assigned to the vessel
- “Plankowner” (or “Plank Owner”) wording
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Optional Personalization
- Commissioning date
- Ship motto or slogan
- Deployment references
- Division or department
- Custom message from department leadership
- Metal engraved personal dedication
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.
How to Order a Plankowner Plaque
At MilitaryPlaques.com, the process is simple:
- Choose a plaque style
- Provide the ship’s details and sailor’s information
- Upload crests, seals, or artwork
- Approve your free design mockup
- Production begins once approved
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.
