USCG Mellon WHEC 717 Gold Anniversary Color Changing Coffee Mug – Design Description

This color-changing mug commemorates the USCGC Mellon (WHEC-717)’s remarkable legacy of service, particularly highlighting its “Gold Anniversary” – the 50th year of its commissioning.

Design Elements and Symbolism

The central artwork prominently features the USCGC Mellon, depicted in a detailed, historically accurate illustration. The ship’s profile is rendered with precision, showcasing its iconic Hamilton-class design, symbolizing its endurance and role as a high-endurance cutter capable of extensive missions on the open ocean.

Around the ship, the design incorporates elements that shift in color with heat. These shifting hues represent the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the Coast Guard’s mission, and also evoke the “Gold Anniversary” theme. The vibrant, warm colors subtly allude to the ship’s 50th year of service.

The design is enriched with additional details, such as the ship’s designation (WHEC-717), and may incorporate subtle references to the wide range of Coast Guard missions the Mellon undertook: search and rescue, law enforcement, maritime security, and environmental protection. These details, together with the color shift, invite a sense of appreciation for the ship’s long-standing dedication to service.

Upon the application of a hot beverage, the design transforms, amplifying the imagery and the message of honor for the USCGC Mellon.