SHIELD
Azure (Dark Blue), a pall inverted Gules, fimbriated Or between in dexter chief a sun in glory above a pictorial of sand dunes, all Proper, in sinister a demi-trident with the center tine as a lightning bolt of the third, and in base three bars wavy Celeste fimbriated Argent (Silver Gray) surmounted by a magnolia flower Proper; all within a diminished bordure of the third.
CREST
From a wreath Or and Azure (Dark Blue), three anchors Argent (Silver Gray) below a pair of Kentucky long rifles in saltire Proper, between five plates bendwise and five plates bendwise sinister; overall an eagle, wings inverted, Proper bearing the arms of the United States perched upon an arrow fasces fesswise Or to sinister, interlaced with an olive wreath Vert.
MOTTO
A tri-partite scroll Azure doubled Or inscribed IN RE TERRAM MARIQUE Or.
SUPPORTERS
Behind the shield, a USN Officer sword in dexter chief, a USMC Officer Mameluke sword in sinister chief, a USN cutlass in dexter base, and a USMC NCO sword in sinister base saltirewise points downward, all Proper.
SHIELD
The colors of the shield--dark blue, red and gold--are associated with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. These specific colors represent both the current crew as well as the Marines and Sailors who fought in the Battle of Derne at Tripoli. The inverted pall partitions the shield into thirds, signifying LHA 7 as the third ship to bear the name USS TRIPOLI. The sun in glory above sand dunes depicts the 600-mile desert journey from Alexandria, Egypt to Derne, Tripoli led by General William Eaton, USA, and First Lieutenant Presley OBannon, USMC. The trident, featuring a lightning bolt, depicts the three prongs of USS TRIPOLIs capabilities--air, land and sea. The lightning bolt also represents the F-35B Lightning II which USS TRIPOLI can fully support. The three bars wavy represent USS TRIPOLIs ability to navigate across the oceans in defense of our national interests. The magnolia flower pays homage to the State of Mississippi, where USS TRIPOLI was built. All three venues--land, air and sea--are referenced in the shield to reflect and reinforce the ships motto.
CREST
The three anchors represent the USS ARGUS, USS HORNET and USS NAUTILUS that provided necessary support, supplies and money to Eaton and OBannon along the trek to Tripoli. Additionally, the ships aided Eaton and OBannon during the battle with cannon fire upon the enemys strongholds. The two Kentucky long rifles are in honor of OBannon serving in the Kentucky State Legislature and Senate after his military career as well as denoting his final resting place. Further, the rifles are angled to signify OBannon as the first person to raise the American flag in victory on foreign soil. The ten musket balls pay homage to the eight Marines and two Sailors who were engaged in the Battle of Derna. The eagle, bearing the arms of the United States, is emblematic of Eatons appointed position as a Consul of Tunis. The fasces, symbolic of leadership and authority, emphasizes Eatons diplomatic role. The arrow within the fasces conveys direction, as well as serves to imply a backing of military force. The olive wreath is associated with peace and compliments the conciliatory efforts made by Eaton prior to the Battle of Derna.
MOTTO
IN RE TERRAM MARIQUE translates to IN THE AIR, ON LAND, AND SEA. This personifies the capabilities of USS TRIPOLI as an amphibious warfare vessel and echoes a verse in the Marine Corps Hymn.
SUPPORTERS
The Navy Officer sword and Marine Corps Mameluke sword signify leadership and teamwork. The Marine Corps adoption of the Mameluke stems from OBannon being awarded the sword by Hamet Karamanli for his leadership and bravery in the decisive victory at Derne. This honor is further commemorated in the Marine Corps Hymn with To the shores of Tripoli. The Navy cutlass and Marine Corps NCO sword pay tribute to the enlisted team on the ship.
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oval, edged gold, enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outside with a gold rope and inscribed USS TRIPOLI above and LHA 7 below in gold