The Making Of

The 3D SOCOM Flag

This flag is made from 1,092 shotgun shells, and it waves. It carries the seal of U.S. Special Operations Command in the blue field. Here is how it came together, one step at a time.

Storyboard

1. 
   1

   The frame

   It starts with a frame made from aluminum.

2. 
   2

   The metal sheet

   A sheet of galvanized metal goes on top of the frame.

3. 
   3

   Bending the first curve

   The sheet is bent to start the wave.

4. 
   4

   Checking the fit

   A row of shells is set along the curved edge to check how they follow the wave.

5. 
   5

   The wave takes shape

   More bends give the sheet its rolling shape.

6. 
   6

   From above

   The finished wave, seen from overhead.

7. 
   7

   Side view

   From the side you can see how the wave rises and falls over the frame.

8. 
   8

   The first rows of shells

   The first rows of blue shells go on, starting in the corner.

9. 
   9

   Stripes going on

   Row by row, the red and white stripes fill in.

10. 
    10

    Every shell in place

    All of the shells are on.

11. 
    11

    The wave in the stripes

    The stripes follow the wave of the metal underneath.

12. 
    12

    Stars and seal

    White stars and the U.S. Special Operations Command seal are added to the blue field.

13. 
    13

    Close-up of the seal

    A closer look at the seal and stars.

14. 
    14

    Finished

    The finished flag.

15. 
    15

    In 3D

    Seen from the side, the flag looks like it is waving.

16. 
    16

    At the WWAR Annual Gala

    Michael with the finished flag at the Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch Annual Gala.