Shield
Azure (Dark Blue), on a pale Gules edged Or, between two piles in chief and two piles reverse in base Argent, edged Argent (Silver Gray), an aviation propeller palewise of the third; overall three mullets fesswise of the last.
Crest
From a wreath Argent and Azure (Dark Blue), a knights helm Sable, detailed Or garnished Gules and topped with a flame of the last.
Supporters
Behind the shield, a USN officer sword in dexter chief, a USMC officer Mameluke sword in sinister chief, a USN CPO cutlass in dexter base, and a USMC NCO sword in sinister base saltirewise, points downward, all Proper.
Motto
A scroll Azure (Dark Blue) lined Gules inscribed INTO THE TIGERS JAW Argent.
Shield
The dark blue background and red stripe pay tribute to LtGen Petersens distinguished service as a United States Marine. The vertical propeller denotes LtGen Petersen as the first African-American Marine Corps aviator, capped with a silver star to highlight that he was also the first African-American Marine Corps General Officer. The two flanking stars combine to indicate his highest grade of Lieutenant General. The four Argent piles resemble fangs, alluding to the motto and characterize a fierce warrior spirit.
Crest
The black knights helm is emblematic of LtGen Petersens favorite squadron that he commanded in Vietnam, the VMFA 314 Black Knights. The knights helm also signifies honor and prestige, a noble legacy set by LtGen Petersen which will be carried forward by the ships command and crew.
Supporters
The officer and enlisted Navy and Marine Corps swords honor the bond between the branches as well as pay tribute to the command and crew, representing authority, professionalism and unity in the accomplishment of their mission.
Motto
The motto, INTO THE TIGERS JAW, was used by LtGen Petersen many times in his life and conveys the unbridled spirit confronting and overcoming social injustices and prejudices as well as courage and bravery in combat.
Seal
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oval, enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outside with a gold rope and inscribed "USS FRANK E. PETERSEN JR." above and DDG 121 below in gold.