Shield.  Quarterly, Azure and Argent, an escutcheon blazoned:  Paleways of 13 pieces, Gules and Argent, a chief Azure fimbriated Or bearing an anchor and nine mullets four and five fesswise of the second; all within a bordure Or.

Crest.  From a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure, upon a pellet, a decrescent moon Or, enclosed by a stylized representation of a Pennsylvania railroad tunnel Gris topped with an enlarged keystone Gules fimbriated of the fourth; all encircled by a wreath of palm, Proper.  

Supporters.  On either side of the shield a Bahraini sword, hilt up, Proper; the dexter hilt jeweled Gules beneath a flame of the like detailed Argent and the sinister hilt jeweled Azure beneath a droplet of water of the like garnished Argent.

Motto.  A flowing scroll Argent, edged Gules, inscribed “OFFENSIO IN DEFENSIONE” Azure.

Shield. The colors of the shield honor the illustrious career of former New York Giants defensive end, Emlen Tunnell.  The division of the shield symbolizes the game of American football which is played in quarters.  The escutcheon’s six white stripes denote his selection as an All-Pro six times, an honor that designates the best player at each position.  The escutcheon’s chief bears two rows of stars, four and five, representing Emlen Tunnell’s jersey number, 45, and is a tribute to his professional football career. Tunnell suffered a neck injury in 1942 and was rejected in his efforts to enlist in both the Army and Navy during World War II.  The white anchor marks his eventual acceptance into the Coast Guard in May of 1943.

Crest.  The wreath adopts the first-named metal and color from the shield and blazon. The crescent moon is from Emlen Tunnell’s rank insignia which he wore as a Coast Guardsman during and after World War II.  The image of a crescent moon has long been associated with the preparation and distribution of food and other subsistence items in the United States military.  During World War II African American Coast Guardsmen were often assigned to steward duties and were ordered to serve at important battle stations. The railroad tunnel and red keystone denote Emlen Tunnell’s hometown of Radnor, Pennsylvania where a park is memorialized and a statue is erected in his honor.  The palm wreath signifies Manama, Bahrain as the permanent homeport of the Sentinel-class cutter, EMLEN TUNNELL (WPC 1145).

Supporters. The Bahraini swords also denote the permanent homeport of EMLEN TUNNELL.  Jewels on the hilts of the swords recognize Tunnell’s heroic efforts which posthumously earned him the Combat Action Ribbon and the Silver Lifesaving Medal. The red flame symbolizes Tunnell’s bravery and quick thinking, saving the life of a shipmate after an attack and explosion aboard the cargo ship USS ETAMIN.  The blue water symbol represents Tunnell’s heroism, diving from the USS TAMPA into frigid water to save a drowning shipmate.

Motto:  The Latin motto translates to “OFFENSE ON DEFENSE” and was used to describe Tunnell’s playing style as well as his fierce determination on the field, which the crew of the WPC 1145 will strive to embody.  

Seal.  The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a circular white background, enclosed by a blue designation band, inscribed “USCGC EMLEN TUNNELL” above and “WPC 1145” below in gold, all within a gold rope border.