USCGC Joseph Napier (WPC 1115)
Skip Navigation Links.
Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

SHIELD

Per chevron Azure, and Gules, a chevron Argent thereon a representation of a water knot, the dexter strap of the second, the sinister strap of the first, all between three mullets in chevron in chief and as many in chevron in base of the third.


CREST

From a wreath Argent and Azure, a demi-seal of the Life Saving Service in colors Proper.


SUPPORTERS

Behind the shield, on the dexter side, a Navy officers sword and on the sinister side, a Navy enlisted cutlass in saltire Proper, points downward.


MOTTO

On an undulating scroll Argent, edged Gules, the inscription FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION in Blue letters.

Symbolism

SHIELD

The colors red, white and blue represent the Life Saving Service and the colors of the U.S. Coast Guard. The field is the same pattern as the pennant of the U.S. Life Saving Service. The six mullets (stars) represent the lives Joseph Napier saved during a brutal storm in October 1877 when he was Station Keeper at St. Joseph Live-Saving Station, Station Six, in Michigan. Keeper Napier heroically went into the sea four separate times to rescue distressed mariners and during this rescue, he suffered an injury to his leg from which he never fully recovered. For those actions, Joseph Napier was awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal. The representation of a water knot, which joins two ropes or straps, embodies the act of rescuing survivors from the sea. The undulating scroll with motto invokes the up and down motion of rough seas.


CREST

The crossed boat hook and oar, intertwined with a life ring, is from the seal of the Life Saving Service and honors all crew members who have braved the seas to rescue those in peril.


SUPPORTERS

The crossed Navy officers sword and Navy cutlass symbolize the officers and crew aboard JOSEPH NAPIER and reflect the synergy and cooperation of the officer-enlisted team. SEAL: The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white circular field within a dark blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name USCGC JOSEPH NAPIER at the top and WPC 1115 at the base.





Jump to Top