SHIELD
Celeste, two cannons in saltire muzzles upward, surmounted by a missile in pale erect, all between three mullets in chief and as many in base, that in base point reversed, Argent detailed Gris. All within a diminished bordure of the second.
CREST
Issuant from a wreath of the colors Argent and Celeste, a representation of the Naval Aviator Badge surmounted by a F4U Corsair all Proper, at the apex, between the folded wings, a starburst Or.
SUPPORTERS
Two lions rampant Or, each gorged with a collar Azure, on the dexter side the collar inscribed 211, and on the sinister side, a collar inscribed 205, both numerals of the first.
MOTTO
On a tri-folded scroll Azure, doubled Gules, the inscription: ABOVE ALL OTHERS in Gold letters.
SHIELD
The colors light blue and white are representative of the Medal of Honor ribbon and also allude to the sky and clouds, the field of action of a fighter pilot. The six mullets (stars) are representative of the six-aircraft flight squadron of which Thomas Hudner was a member. The inverted star in base symbolizes his element leader and friend, Ensign Jesse L. Brown, the Navy's first African-American carrier pilot, who then-LTJG Hudner valiantly attempted to save in 1950. The cannons and missile represent the ammunition of the advanced weapons systems and the naval surface combatant technology aboard USS THOMAS HUDNER, a restart Insertion ship with elements of the next generation of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, called Flight IIA. The ships mission includes anti-aircraft, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.
CREST
The torse or wreath takes the first metal and color from the shield and here, also, symbolizes the sky and the snowy, frozen terrain on which Thomas Hudner landed his plane during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir (the Frozen Chosin). Captain Hudner was the only Naval aviator in the Korean War awarded the Medal of Honor, also represented by the twisted wreath colors. The wings and shield are from the Naval Aviator Badge and reflect Hudners service in Naval Aviation. The star-burst is modeled after the symbol of the Chosin Few. The wings of the Corsair are raised in salute.
SUPPORTERS
Lions traditionally represent strength, courage and fortitude. They are also known for protecting their own and thrive as group hunters. Here, they also allude to Captain Hudners valiant actions that earned him the Medal of Honor, as he risked his life attempting to rescue and protect a fellow squadron mate whose plane was forced down by enemy anti-aircraft fire. The lion on the left wears a dark blue collar with the tail number of Jesse Browns plane, 211. The lion on the right has a dark blue collar with Thomas Hudners tail number, 205, in gold, also symbolizing his distinguished Navy career.
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oblong disc within a dark blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name USS THOMAS HUDNER at the top and DDG 116 at the base.