Shield. The colors are the traditional colors of the Military Sealift Command. The gold pale (vertical stripe) resembles the number one, representing the T-AO 205 as the first and leading John Lewis-class oiler, all of which will be named after prominent civil rights activists and leaders. The anchor is colored black to symbolize determination in the face of the unknown. The silver gray eagle is from the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was awarded to Rep. John Lewis by President Barack Obama in 2011. Obama addressed Lewis as the “conscience of the United Stated Congress” for his courage and unwavering commitment to justice. The silver gray eagle is also displayed on the mace of the U.S. House of Representatives, symbolizing Rep. Lewis’ Congressional service for 17 terms. The fuel droplets denote the mission of the replenishment oiler. The Edmund Pettus Bridge denotes the location of the Selma to Montgomery protest march when, on March 7th 1965, Lewis and fellow activists were beaten by mounted troopers. Lewis bore permanent scars on his head from the incident known as “Bloody Sunday.”
Crest. The wreath adopts the first-named metal and color from the shield and blazon. The depiction of the USNS JOHN LEWIS at sea symbolizes the mission. The fuel hose with silver gray connectors embodies the motto, “UNBREAKABLE PERSEVERANCE,” and represents the determination of the crew to supply both fuel and dry stores during underway replenishment at sea.
Motto. The ship’s motto, “UNBREAKABLE PERSEVERANCE,” evolved from John Lewis’ eulogy given by President Obama, “A man of pure joy and unbreakable perseverance.”
Seal. The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oblong disc within a blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name “USNS JOHN LEWIS” at the top and “T-AO 205” at the base, all in gold.