| USS John Rodgers (DD-983) Copper-Plated Antique Coin Medallion |
This authentic coin medallion is plated with copper from the USS John Rodgers. It has an antiqued patina and measures 47mm. It includes a certificate of authenticity from the ship dismantler, coin mint and manufacturer. With the unique presentation plaque, the coin medallion is mounted (and removable) on a beveled walnut-finished plaque with a copper plate highlighting the USS John Rodgers' history. This handsome frame is ready to hang. The coin medallion and presentation plaque have been created with the highest degree of workmanship and commitment to excellence and are 100% handcrafted in America, by Americans. The USS John Rodgers (ex-DD-983), was the sixth ship of the US Navy to be named for the three generations of Rodgers who served in the Navy. The Spruance-class destroyer was built by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi and sponsored by Mrs. Roy C. Smith, Jr., the great, great-granddaughter of Commodore John Rodgers. John Rodgers was laid on 12 August 1976, launched on 18 March 1978 and commissioned on 4 September 1979. On 16 September 1983, operating off the coast of Lebanon, John Rodgers was the first ship to use the MK86 Gun Fire Control System in combat while firing against Syrian controlled portions of Lebanon. Ongoing support missions continued east of Beirut. In 1993, John Rodgers departed as flagship for Commander, South Atlantic Force during UNITAS XXXIV with a several month deployment operating with the military of multiple South American nations. On 3 October 1997 John Rodgers departed on her last deployment with the Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (MARG), participating in the Bright Star 97 naval exercise with the Egyptian Navy and the Reliant Mermaid exercise with Israel and Turkey along with five other major exercises taking her to Spain, France, Italy, Egypt, Israel, Greece and Turkey. John Rodgers made eight major deployments including extensive operations in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Persian Gulf. She took part in numerous counter drug operations in the Caribbean and played a major role in Operations Desert Shield, Support Democracy and Sharp Guard. At various times during her career, John Rodgers served as flagship for COMDESRONs 14, 20, 22, 32, 36, Canadian COMDESRON ONE, COMSOLANT, COMSTANAVFORLANT, and WEAUCONMARFOR, and served as host ship for the Change of Command of COMSIXTHFLT in 1988 and COMSTANAVFORLANT in 1995. John Rodgers unit awards include: Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation (second award), Battle "E", National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (second award), Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (eighth award) and United States Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon. On 4 September 1998 John Rodgers was decommissioned and sold as scrap in 2005. The official crest of John Rodgers symbolizes the service of three members of a prominent Navy family. The anchor represents the service of Commodore John Rodgers, who acted as President of the Board of Naval Commissioners, following the War of 1812, until 1837. His son, Rear Admiral John Rodgers, led exploring expeditions in Chinese waters and through the Bering Strait in 1855; the compass rose is symbolic of his service. Commander John Rodgers II, great-grandson of Commodore Rodgers, was a pioneer of Naval Aviation, and his service is alluded to by the wings. The sea eagle, a sharp-eyed, marine bird-of-prey, represents the ship's primary mission of detection and tracking, with the addition of incredibly deadly striking ability. The three arrowheads refer to the multi-mission capabilities of the Spruance - class destroyer, as well as the Naval service of the father, son, and great-grandson for whom the ship is named. For more on the USS John Rodgers, visit The USS John Rodgers website For more information about the Last Voyage, please click here. To go back to the home page, click here. |
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