SHIELD
Blue, red and white are the colors traditionally associated with the United States Coast Guard and are also our National colors. Red stands for valor, bravery and zeal. Blue is emblematic of loyalty, devotion and perseverance. Light blue symbolizes coastal waters, the cutters theater of operations. White is for integrity. Gold denotes high ideals, achievement and excellence. Black represents stability and constancy. The nineteen mullets recall the nineteen awards received by the past and present cutters named SPENCER and are gold to honor John C. Spencer, Secretary of the Treasury, for whom USCGC SPENCER (WHEC 36) was named. The fasces, an ancient symbol of judicial authority, is bearing a scale of justice to further emphasize law enforcement governing drugs and fisheries. The two weights of the scale also refer to the two submarine sinkings during World War II credited to the SPENCER. The trident, a symbol of naval power and strength, recalls the past three cutters and reflects the motto, VALOR HONOR TRADITION.
CREST
The anchor is a symbol of sea power and maritime service and is entwined by a dolphin representing lifesaving and search and rescue duties. The dolphin is noted for its grace, intelligence and loyalty and has been credited with helping drowning seamen. The dolphins red, yellow and green colors suggest the cutters service in Vietnam. The waves of the sea refer to the cutters service in World War II.
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white disk enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outside with a gold rope and inscribed USCGC SPENCER above and WMEC 905 below in gold.