USS Rafael Peralta DDG-115

Courageous till the end, the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) and its crew dominate the oceans to keep liberty’s torch aglow. Show your trust and support for the Navy destroyer and her brave men and women aboard with this impressive challenge coin, today.

The USS Rafael Peralta proudly honors a fearless Marine by taking his name as its own. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, in the Second Battle of Fallujah, Sgt. Rafael Peralta saved the lives of his fellow Marines by covering an enemy grenade with his own body. For that selfless act in 2004, he posthumously received the Navy Cross, the second-highest honor awarded to a Marine.

As an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the USS Rafael Peralta sails ready for battle with anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and anti-surface armament. These destroyers reign as the longest-produced Navy surface combatants and were built within three different flights: Flight I, Flight II, and Flight IIA – like the USS Rafael Peralta. The Flight IIA designation boosted the ship with improvements in the way of mine detecting, ballistic missiles, and an embarked air wing, equipping her with the best of modern warfare advancements in her class.

Minted in antique bronze and highlighted with brilliant enamel, this challenge coin honors the USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) and its crew. The obverse displays a three-quarter view of the ship slicing through the water. Encircling the ship in a background of bold blue is the ship’s name and motto, “FORTIS AD FINEM,” which means, “courageous till the end.” This motto is a testament to her namesake, Rafael Peralta, and his sacrifice and courage till the end. The reverse shimmers with the ship’s crest in bright white, blue, and yellow, all surrounded by rich red enamel.