Heraldry


U.S. Navy / U.S. Navy Heraldry / Ship Seals / USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) / Seal

USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199)
Seal


Description
Shield. Per fess nowy Azure and Or, in chief thirteen mullets arched, two, five, and six, Argent, at fess point a demi-orange bearing a droplet Sable fimbriated and emitting rays of light of the second, at base six piles wavy reversed in point to fess point throughout Celeste, Azure (Navy Blue), and Vert fimbriated Or; all within a diminished bordure of the last.

Crest. From a wreath of the colors Or and Azure, surmounted on ocean waves Celeste, a dragon with a sea serpent-like body Gris, detailed on its head Sable, eyed Argent, pupil, fin, tail, and langued Gules, horns, chest, and highlights Argent (Silver Gray), whiskers, fin, and tail flame details of the first, emitting from its mouth a trail of smoke of the eighth.
Supporters. Behind the shield a United States Navy Officer’s sword and Navy Chief Petty Officer’s cutlass in saltire Proper, points downward.

Motto. A scroll Gules inscribed “TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE” Argent.

Symbolism
Shield. The shield is divided by sky and sea, the thirteen stars symbolizing the USNS TIPPECANOE (T-AO 199) as the thirteenth ship of the Henry J. Kaiser class. The arched placement of the stars on the shield alludes to the Indiana state flag, where the Tippecanoe River flows. The black droplet refers to the ship’s task of being a replenishment oiler, while the sunrays around it suggest the new day’s horizon and the aide it provides at sea. The multi-colored ocean waves are like a trail leading toward the droplet, further indicating the mission of the ship – to refuel and resupply.

Crest. The wreath adopts the first-named metal and color from the shield and blazon--gold and blue. The dragon is inspired by the East Asian culture, combined with a sea serpent body to effectively travel upon the ocean waves. It represents the USNS TIPPECANOE (T-AO 199) which is affectionately known as the “Beast of the East,” since the ship normally operates forward to the Far East and serves in the United States Pacific Fleet. The smoke trailing out of the dragon’s mouth suggests the steam of the ship as it moves speedily forward.

Supporters. The crossed sword and cutlass symbolize the officers and enlisted personnel that the ship supports, demonstrating the teamwork and cooperation by the combined naval team.

Motto. The ship’s motto, “TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE,” refers to the historical lineage of the ship and accomplishing its mission.
Seal. The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oval within a Navy Blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name “USNS TIPPECANOE” at the top and “T-AO 199” at the base.

Background
The seal was approved for the USNS TIPPECANOE effective 1 April 2025.





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