SHIELD
Blue, red and white are the colors traditionally associated with the U.S. Coast Guard. The white and blue counterchange represents the Atlantic and Pacific oceans where William Hart served. The wavy division characterizes the tumultuous waters Hart often had to navigate and serves as an illustration of his most well-known accomplishment in November 1926. Off the coast of Absecon, NJ, Hart, in charge of the CG-213, skillfully rescued the crew of a stranded tugboat, the THOMAS TRACY. Due to the extreme winds and heavy seas, the crew of the tug had no choice but to abandon ship. Hart navigated his vessel within eight feet of the tug and evacuated the crew, heroically jumping overboard himself to save a crew member who had fallen off and nearly drowned. This action led to Hart being awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal on May 24, 1927. Shortly after, in August of 1927, Hart responded to a floating gasoline fire in Arundel Cove, MD while aboard the CG-210. Portrayed by the flames atop the representation of the oceans, the gasoline fire event was one of Harts most notable achievements. The red and yellow colors used are a further reference to the Gold Lifesaving Medal Hart was awarded for the THOMAS TRACY rescue.
CREST
The waves are adapted from the Coast Guard Cutterman insignia and identify CGC WILLIAM HART as a Fast Response Cutter. The waves paired with the palm trees convey the landscape and sea-going culture of Hawaii, the location of the ships homeport. The Officers sword and Chief Petty Officers cutlass depict William Harts service as both a Commissioned Officer and an enlisted Chief. The life ring is emblematic of the Gold Lifesaving Medal Hart received for his heroic actions during the rescue of the THOMAS TRACY crew. The life-ring is also expressive of the lifesaving duty of the ship. The sea shell, or escallop, is an obvious reference to the sea but is also indicative of a shield and the protective role the WILLIAM HART plays as part of the U.S. Coast Guard fleet.
SUPPORTERS
The two stags are a characterization of William Harts last name, which is a heraldic term for deer. The stags are symbolic of strength, protection and the promise of peace. Their white color is indicative of integrity and purity of purpose.
MOTTO
The Hawaiian motto, PUUWAI O KE KAI, translates to HEART OF THE SEA.
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a circular white background, enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outside with a gold rope, inscribed USCGC WILLIAM HART above and below WPC 1134, all in gold.