The commemorative coin for the commission of the USS New Jersey (SSN796), designed by a MAST NJROTC cadet, is now available for sale at the Commissioning Committee’s website.
The coin, which is available for $25, was created and designed by Highlands resident Russell Karshmer, a raising senior at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology on Sandy Hook. Karshmer, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Karshmer, was one of four MAST students who submitted design ides among the more than 300 received from students from throughout New Jersey
The coin design depicts the view from Mount Mitchill, recognizing it as the highest point on the Eastern seaboard. From that vantage point, he portrays the Eastern Goldfinch, the state bird of New Jersey, perched atop a branch of the state tree, the Red Oak, and holding the state flower, the Violet, in its beak. The bird is observing the approach of the USS New Jersey (SSN 796) into Naval Weapons Station Earle in Leonardo for her commissioning. In the background, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States, illuminates the newest submarine to join the fleet from her post in historic Fort Hancock, a former U.S. Army Base.
Other design considerations are the three oak leaves, three acorns, and three piers at Earle, symbolizing that USS New Jersey is the third warship to bear the name USS New Jersey, and New Jersey being the third state to join the Union.
The colors of the water and sand illustrate the official state colors of Jersey Blue and Buff respectively and the banner outlines the location and date of the USS New Jersey’s commissioning in April 2024.
The USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee recently added the coin to it exclusive new merchandise geared to collectors and supporters alike. All items are not only unique keepsakes but also a way to support the crew of the New Jersey.
In addition to the Karshmer designed coin, the commissioning committee’s shop also added a wine glass etched with the submarine and continues its sale of other ceramics, medals and hats among other memorabilia of the nation’s newest submarine and the third Naval vessel named to honor the state.
The submarine will be commissioned September 17 at Navel Weapons Station pier in Leonardo.
