Shield. The shape of the shield was adapted from the seal of the cutter that served under the Revenue Cutter Service, which is the USRC ARGUS. The shield is divided into three parts by white waves with a black base and two shades of blue above. The white waves highlight another function of the USRC ARGUS, which was waterways management, an early aid to navigation. The two shades of blue convey the homeports of the original cutter and its namesake. The USRC ARGUS was homeported in New London, Connecticut while the USCGC ARGUS’s homeport is Long Beach, California. The black base illustrates a ship navigating through the Pacific and Atlantic. Two elements, the key and scales, were also taken from the Revenue Cutter Service seal. Both objects point to the multiple missions of the USRC ARGUS. The scales signify the balance and justice required to enforce customs laws. The key symbolizes defense operations and security. The ram’s horn represents the original cutter’s strength and authority in maritime law. The use of gold further embodies the power and authority the original cutter wielded in the early years of our Nation. The design of the shield also alludes to two Greek mythological figures of the same name. The shield shape, golden horn, and black base point to Argus, the builder of the ship Argo to assist the hero Jason in his quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece. The eye nested between the scales reflects Argus Panoptes, the giant with a hundred eyes who is known as an all-seeing being.
Crest. The thirteen peacock feathers represent the 13 years USRC ARGUS served and sailed under the Revenue Cutter Service. Furthermore, the peacock feathers are both a symbol of the many-eyed giant Argus and his allegiance to the Greek goddess Hera. The diadem is a symbol of Hera, signifying power and authority.
Supporters. Tridents are symbolic of maritime dominion. They point to the Greek god Poseidon, the ruler of the seas, who was the father of hero Jason.
Motto: “VIGILANS CUSTOS MARIS” translates to “WATCHFUL GUARDIAN OF THE SEA.”
Seal. The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a circular white background, enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outside with a gold rope and inscribed “USCGC ARGUS” above and below “WMSM 915,” in gold.