Shield. Blue, red and white are the colors traditionally associated with the U.S. Coast Guard. Gold is indicative of excellence and achievement. Master Chief Petty Officer Angela McShan was known throughout her devoted career as an exemplary educator and professional. The blue and red chevrons, intertwining in the center, allude to the diverse personnel of the Coast Guard, each coming from a different direction in life and MCPO McShans extraordinary ability to bring them together to reach their personal goals and the goals of the U.S. Coast Guard. The gold rope in center, enveloped by the chevrons, is expressive of achievement. The diamond shapes on either side are a heraldic symbol used to indicate a woman, denoting MCPO McShans achievement as the first African-American female to achieve the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer in the Coast Guard.
Crest. The three mounts refer to the three core values of the Coast Guard: Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty. The oak tree in center is representative of the learning tree, a symbol commonly used to depict education, for which Master Chief McShan had a gift. Highly regarded during her time as an A school instructor and CPO Academy instructor, McShan inspired many students to improve their lives and was well known as an expert communicator and mentor. The severed chain at the base of the tree represents the breaking of barriers through education, a value MCPO McShan encapsulated throughout her career as an instructor, Civil Rights Counselor, and Yeoman. On either side of the oaktree, a Cape May warbler is perched, commemorating the cutters homeport of Cape May, New Jersey. The birds stand ready and alert, one leg raised, just as the crew of the ANGELA McSHAN stands relentlessly poised and prepared to respond. The warblers beaks point upwards toward the two silver stars nestled within the tree, referring to the Master Chief Petty Officer E-9 insignia worn by McShan.
Supporters. The two Chief Petty Officer cutlasses further denote McShans achievement as the first African-American woman to achieve the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer in the Coast Guard and, also, represent the crew of the cutter. The green scroll, suggesting growth and resiliency, wraps around the cutlasses, illustrating the unity of the ships personnel. The cutlasses are positioned pointing upward to characterize the ships motto.
Motto. The phrase WE REACH HIGH is the motto and describes MCPO McShans remarkable ability to motivate her students to strive for success.
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 ANGELA McSHAN above and below WPC 1135, all in gold.