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Revision as of 16:36, 16 October 2006 by Sm8900 (talk | contribs) (→Nomenclature)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)It is customary for naval ships to receive an individually designed coat of arms.
Ship Heraldry, US Navy
It is the custom in the United States Navy for naval ships to receive an individually designed coat of arms. However due to heraldic traditions in the U.S. these emblems usually take the form of seals or crests, which are commonly rendered in the form of embroidered patches.
Below are emblems for some US Navy ships. Other ships and units may be added to this list.
Nomenclature
For some US NAvy ships, the official emblem is called a seal, while others are called a crest. Some examples where the term "Seal" is used are the aircraft carriers USS Carl Vinson, and USS John Stennis, at the official description.
Many other ships use the term "crest", and in fact this is the term used at the offical list of crests, at Surface Force Command.
One document which sheds much clarity on this issue is the heraldic description for the Mahan ship crest, which is quoted below. In this case, the ship's crest and seal are referred to as distinct items. This would appear to illustrate the official US Navy concepts in distinguishing the two types of emblems.
Aircraft Carriers
Description of Coat of Arms:
The seal of USS CARL VINSON shows an eagle, wings spread and talons extended, carrying a banner in its beak. The eagle is emblematic of the nation and the ship's motto, and also represents the power that resides in the ship's aircraft. The eagle flies in the form of a stylized letter "V," the initial of the ship's namesake, Congressman Carl Vinson. The "V" also represents the ships hull when viewed bow-on. Inscribed on the banner the eagle carries is the Latin Phrase "Vis Per Mare" which means "Strength from the Sea."
Destroyers
Here is the Ship's Crest for the Destroyer USS Mahan, DDG-72.
Below is the official heraldic description for this crest.Please note that this official descriotion makes mention of both the "crest" and seal, as separate and distinct items.
- SHIELD: Azure, issuing from dexter base a gauntlet Argent garnished or grasping a trident of the like and a torch enflamed saltirewise Proper.
- CREST: From a wreath Argent and Azure, a wreath of laurel and palm Proper surmountd by an annulet Or bearing twelve mullets of the second, overall a compass rose Gules bearing a scroll Proper charged with a mullet of the second.
- MOTTO: A tri-partite scroll Azure doubled and inscribed "Built to Fight"
- SUPPORTERS: A United States Navy officer's sword adn cutlass saltirewise points down Proper.
- SEAL
- The coat of arms in full color as in the blazon, upon a white background enclosed with a dark blue oval border edged on the outside with a gold rope and bearing the inscription "USS MAHAN" at top and "DDG 72" at bottom in gold.
- SYMBOLISM
- SHIELD: Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally used by the Navy and represent the sea and excellence. The trident, symbolizing sea power, denotes DDG 72?s warfare capabilities and underscores the importance of a strong Navy. The gauntlet and torch are adapted from the previous USS MAHAN?s emblem and highlight the ship?s namesake, Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, as the father of all modern navies. The tines of the trident represent the three previous ships named MAHAN, as well as the Officer, Chief Petty Officer and Enlisted Corps of personnel which man the ship.
- CREST: The central star commemorates the second USS MAHAN?s World War II battle honors (five battle stars), earned before she was sunk by Kamikazes. The twelve small stars on the gauntlet denote the battle stars of the third USS MAHAN for service in the Vietnam War. The unfurled scroll underscores Mahan as the author of "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1660-1783)". The compass rose and gauntlet represent Mahan?s influence of sea power, its strategy and geopolitical importance worldwide. The wreath combines laurel and palm to symbolize honor and victory.
- "MOTTO: The motto was chosen in remembrance of Admiral Arleigh Burke in memory of his many contributions to the U.S. Navy. During the commissioning of the USS ARLEIGH BURKE, Admiral Burke issued the following challenge to those who man this class of ship: "This ship is built to fight; you?d better know how."
- SUPPORTERS: The crossed swords express strength through teamwork and cooperation from the Enlisted and Officer Corps. Represented are the enlisted
Supply ships
Here is the Ship's Seal for the USS Bridge.
Notes
- http://www.cvn70.navy.mil/facts/shipseal.htm
- http://www.mahan.navy.mil/Ships_Crest.htm
- http://www.bridge.navy.mil/htm/namesake.htm
External Links
- US Navy website
- List of US Navy official ship websites
- List of Ships Crests, at Surface Force Command
- NavSource Online. Patches from WWII to the present are shown in articles on individual ships.
- US Army Institute of Heraldry insignia list
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