Future Submariner/USNA grad Gift?

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navy27hopeful

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Got asked to give a first salute to one of my old detailers/firsties, we are pretty close. Was thinking of giving a super small gift as an end of the year gratitude thing. Any thoughts? Going subs.
 
navy27hopeful said:
Got asked to give a first salute to one of my old detailers/firsties, we are pretty close. Was thinking of giving a super small gift as an end of the year gratitude thing. Any thoughts? Going subs.
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A few thoughts:

  • In the plant they'll be initialing and signing A LOT of things, so a nice pen could be an option.
  • Modern nuclear subs are the legacy of Admiral Rickover. His biography could be a good gift.
  • Another great submarine book is Blind Man's Bluff. Highly recommended. An inscription in either book would be a nice touch
 
One of the moms in a FB group posted this frame - "if you are looking for the perfect frame for your Commissioning photo or other special accomplishments * I have no affiliation with the folks that sell these - but if you are seeking ideas, here's one. Search "Forever Firstie" - I think it's 45 bucks.

Engraved Picture Frames
 
I'm thinking a nice analog watch that qualifies for being able to wear in secure areas, or a k-bar knife, a personalized whiskey decanter and glasses, a nice 1911, pair of nice sunglasses. Any of the above can be personalized with engraving something on it of course.
 
navy27hopeful said:
Got asked to give a first salute to one of my old detailers/firsties, we are pretty close. Was thinking of giving a super small gift as an end of the year gratitude thing. Any thoughts? Going subs.
Click to expand...
Another thought I had from my nuke power days: I had a good Surefire flashlight for checking the bilge, looking at valves, etc. A nice LED dual illumination light (low and high power) would be thoughtful and useful on the sub.
 
A small but meaningful gift - a miniature submarine warfare pin, which is worn with mess dress. It can signify your faith in him or her they will successfully qualify and earn their regular-sized pin, and they could wear yours to the next Sub Ball, Dining Out, Navy Ball, etc. No jinx attaches. I have both passed down and been given pins or rank insignia.
 
Mallard Duck said:
I'm thinking a nice analog watch that qualifies for being able to wear in secure areas, or a k-bar knife, a personalized whiskey decanter and glasses, a nice 1911, pair of nice sunglasses. Any of the above can be personalized with engraving something on it of course.
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Is there a resource for a watch that would qualify?

I’m thinking we may get our guy a nice watch. That qualifies 👍

A ‘Submariner Rolex’ rolled across my feed. It’s beautiful. It’s also 9k.
 
justdoit19 said:
Is there a resource for a watch that would qualify?

I’m thinking we may get our guy a nice watch. That qualifies 👍

A ‘Submariner Rolex’ rolled across my feed. It’s beautiful. It’s also 9k.
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I'm pretty sure any non smart watch qualifies, so pretty much any watch you think he will like and fits in your budget. If you are looking for a dive watch like the submariner Rolex. Citizen has dive watches that are ALOT more reasonable. Search Citizen Promaster and/or Aqualand.
 
justdoit19 said:
Is there a resource for a watch that would qualify?

I’m thinking we may get our guy a nice watch. That qualifies 👍

A ‘Submariner Rolex’ rolled across my feed. It’s beautiful. It’s also 9k.
Click to expand...
FWIW, you can get a Tudor BlackBay (made by Rolex, very similar movement, more “tool”/less bling) for ~4k new depending on size, bracelet and complication. Still a heart stopping price for a watch, but it’s a Sub and watch nerds appreciate it (sometimes more than the Rolex Sub.)

 
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justdoit19 said:
A ‘Submariner Rolex’ rolled across my feed. It’s beautiful. It’s also 9k.
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LOL...a Rolex Submariner would be very appropriate !;)
The Midstore does have a nice selection of Tag Heuer watches with the USNA Crest .. might not satisfy the "watch nerds" but a quality piece that lasts forever. (I wore one (without the USNA crest) for about 20 years before being overcome by the iWatch last year --)

Mallard Duck said:
a k-bar knife, a personalized whiskey decanter and glasses, a nice 1911, pair of nice sunglasses.
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I'd love any of the above, but none (including the sunglasses) very useful in a sub !
 
OooK, ratcheting it down a bit from a Rolex.

I recently sent a CL2020 Sub Officer, (the Big Brother DD never had) a bundle of about 10 cigars for an up comming patrol. Favorites of mine, mild and light on the nicotine, but great flavor. Just a random "thank you for your service" gift. About 2days after he returned DD sent me a screen shot of a conversation she had with her "big brother". Three times the guy had asked DD to promise to tell me how much the "sticks" were appreciated.

"Tell him we burned-em-all. We got a swim break on a calm sunny day in the ____________. We sat at the stern and just enjoyed them. It made the trip! I got pretty sunburned LOL. Promise you'll tell him _____________ ."

You might just give him one good cigar and tell him to take it on his first patrol, (or 2-3-4 cigars..whatever). Figure to spend $12 to $25 a piece for a gift worthy cigar. A good cigar and a note from a friend telling him to burn this one on his first patrol; that should make a memory, (hard to put a price on those).

PS. Make sure your sending something good; ask around. Shoot, PM me if you want. Oh, and if you do this, include a hydration packet ($1.5) to keep the stick moist through school and to that point on patrol when he can/wants to smoke it.
 
Old Navy BGO said:
LOL...a Rolex Submariner would be very appropriate !;)
The Midstore does have a nice selection of Tag Heuer watches with the USNA Crest .. might not satisfy the "watch nerds" but a quality piece that lasts forever. (I wore one (without the USNA crest) for about 20 years before being overcome by the iWatch last year --)


I'd love any of the above, but none (including the sunglasses) very useful in a sub !
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That's funny. Great observation, but I couldn't think of anything that was sub appropriate other than Mid-nopoly, a personalized life vest, or a drag-behind the boat fishing line. haha.
 
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