SHIELD
Azure, within an orle Argent, above a Haida Salmon symbol leaping Proper, the mullet formation of the big dipper and in sinister chief a larger mullet,Or; and in base two waves crested Celeste fimbriated of the second.
CREST
From a wreath Argent and Azure, between two anchors slanted outwardly Gules, a pictorial of a mountainous terrain of the second, garnished Celeste upon a waterway of the last, edged of the first, overall an American bald eagle, facing dexter, taking flight.
SUPPORTERS
Behind the shield, two Pacific Northwest Indian (Haida) oars, saltirewise oar heads up Or, surmounted by a lifesaving ring Argent strapped Gules.
MOTTO
On a tripartite scroll Gules, edged Or, the inscription STEWARDS OF THE LAST FRONTIER Argent.
SHIELD
The Haida-style salmon refers to the local native culture unique to USCGC JOHN McCORMICKs area of operation. The salmon represents the critical mission of fisheries regulation in the Gulf of Alaska. Salmon fishing was a favorite pastime of Boatswain John McCormick, a true waterman. The Big Dipper and Northern star are traditional symbols of Alaska.
CREST
The two anchors are colored red for bravery, and the mountainous terrain represents the area of operations for the USCGC JOHN McCORMICK. The American bald eagle is a symbol of patriotism and celebrates John McCormicks dedication to his crew and duty.
SUPPORTERS
The lifesaving ring and crossed oars represent the Surfman insignia, which was John McCormicks rate. The oars are in the Haida style and are crossed to denote the teamwork and cooperation of the JOHN McCORMICK crew. On March 26, 1938, McCormick and his crew put their exceptional skills to the test while assisting a distressed tugboat at the outer break of Clatsop Spit on the Columbia River. McCormick remained at the controls of his wooden 52-foot motor lifeboat in perilous conditions during the rescue.
SCROLL
The colors of the scroll are taken from the red ribbon and gold planchet of the Gold Lifesaving Medal, awarded to Boatswain John McCormick on November 7, 1938 for his heroic action.
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 JOHN McCORMICK at the top and WPC 1121 at the base.