Description
Upholding one of the most notable legacies in the history of the United States Coast Guard, the USCGC Tampa-902 is the latest in a long line of Cutters that date back to the early 1900s.
The motto of the USCGC Tampa-902, “Thy way is the sea, thy path in the great waters,” tells the tale of its unique place in Coast Guard lore. This motto is the same as the memorial inscription at Arlington National Cemetery, so given for the 131 sailors who lost their lives on the original Tampa during World War I.
On September 18, 1918, the Tampa was sunk by a German Submarine in the Bristol Channel off the coast of the United Kingdom. The Tampa was assigned to protect conveys from submarine attacks and its sinking stands as the greatest American combat casualty loss of World War I.
The officers and crew of the Tampa-902 proudly upheld the legacy of their fallen comrades every day they serve. Commissioned on March 16, 1984, the Tampa’s mission includes disrupting smugglers, drug traffic and illegal immigration as well as performing search and rescue operations.
This coin salutes the personnel aboard the Tampa who carry on the legacy of one of the Coast Guard’s most distinguished names.
Minted from zinc, and finished with a two-tone shiny gold and antique silver plating, this coin pays tribute to the USCGC Tampa-902 and salutes the exceptional service of her crew. The obverse displays the insignia of the USCGC Tampa-902 highlighted with colorful enamel. The reverse contains the starboard view of the USCGC Tampa-902 dutifully sailing imbued with bold enamel.
Each coin measures 1 3/4 inch (44mm) in diameter.
