SHIELD
Azure, an escutcheon blazoned as follows: Argent (Silver Gray), on a chevron abased edged of the second, between in chief a balance scale and in base a key fesswise, wards to dexter and downward, nine enarched lozenges; all within a diminished bordure, all of the second; surmounted on top of the shield, an eagle wings displayed Or bearing a shield blazoned as follows: Paly of thirteen, in chief thirteen mullets fesswise, seven and six, all the second, clutching an anchor fesswise fluke to sinister of the last; all within a modified bendwise Bowen knot throughout and in dexter and sinister chief a mullet, all Argent (Silver Gray); all within a diminished bordure Or
CREST
From a wreath Argent and Azure, between a pair of tridents palewise Or, an anchor of the last surmounted by the representation of the USRC Dobbin Proper.
MOTTO
A scroll Gules edged Or inscribed DIRIGO ∙ DISCIPLINA ∙ SERVO of the last.
SUPPORTERS
Behind the shield a rope hook and oar saltirewise Proper.
SHIELD
Honors Sumner I. Kimballs devout service as organizer and General Superintendent of the U.S. Life-Saving Service. The rope banding of the shield recalls the U.S. Life-Saving Service seal. The use of the Revenue Marine insignia, bearing scales of justice and a key, pays homage to Kimballs early career as Treasury clerk and promotion to chief of the Revenue Marine Division, in addition to representing the law enforcement mission of USCGC KIMBALL. The golden eagle, bearing the USCG Arms and clutching an anchor, is adapted from the Revenue Marine insignia to portray the merit and promotion system put into place by Kimball whose firm grasp and oversight anchored the Revenue Marine services, Kimballs hallmark achievement. The two silver stars pay tribute to the patrol boat KIMBALLs World War II service and as a reminder of this being the 2nd cutter to bear his name. The colors silver and blue pay tribute to the Silver Lifesaving Medal created under Kimball. The shape of the shield is adapted from the U.S. Coast Guard Arms, honoring the foundations laid forth by Kimball.
CREST
Replicates the USRC DOBBIN, the first training ship of the U.S. Revenue Cutter School of Instruction. Kimball was the key figure in persuading Congress to authorize the School, which led to the development of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The anchor and two tridents, adapted from the Academy seal, stand beside and behind the DOBBIN signifying the evolution of professional instruction past to present.
MOTTO
DIRIGO ∙ DISCIPLINA ∙ SERVO is Latin for Lead, Train, and Save. DIRIGO exemplifies Kimballs life work as well as highlights the leadership required at every level in todays Coast Guard. DIRIGO also pays tribute to Kimballs home state of Maine, which shares the motto. DISCIPLINA refers to self-control and determination, education, and training which personifies Kimballs personal way of life and devotion to readiness through drills and training. SERVO signifies protection and preservation which underpins U.S. Coast Guard statutory missions. The gold and red colors of the scroll pay tribute to the Gold Lifesaving Medal also created during Kimballs tenure.
SUPPORTERS
The oar and hook are from the U.S. Life-Saving Service seal, continuing the tribute to Kimballs legacy of establishing the U.S. Life-Saving Service.
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white disc, edged gold, enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outside with a gold rope and inscribed USCGC KIMBALL above and WMSL 756 below in gold.