United States Navy: Surface Warfare Insignia - Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS). Silver (white metal) breast badge. Full-size

Reverse of insignia with makers marks V-21-N

The reverse of the insignia complete with 2 x pin-posts and attached butterfly clutch discs

The surface warfare insignia is a military badge of the United States Navy which is issued to U.S. Navy personnel who are trained and qualified to perform duties aboard United States surface warships. There are presently four classes of the surface warfare pin, being that of line, staff, special operations, and enlisted. The line and enlisted surface warfare badges may be earned by United States Coast Guard personnel assigned to Navy commands

Unlike other warfare pins available to both enlisted and officers, the ESWS and SWO pins differ by more than just colour (gold for officers and silver for enlisted is a common theme in U.S. Navy uniforms). The blade weapons behind the hull on the SWO pin are swords. The blade weapons on the enlisted pin are cutlasses. This can clearly be seen in the curvature of the blades and the shape of the handguards. This derives from the sword being a symbol of naval officers and their authority, while cutlasses were traditionally issued for battle to enlisted sailors during the age of sail. The ship that is featured in the middle of the pin is that of a modern warship of when the pin came out in 1978 and looks as if it’s a Knox Class Frigate

Condition: EF

Code: 24817