Shield
Azure (Dark Blue), in base four bars wavy Argent, surmounted by an escarbuncle pomette and floretty Or, in centre a stone Gules, bottom centre spoke interwoven with the bars wavy; all within a diminished bordure Argent (Silver Gray).
Crest
From a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure (Dark Blue), upon a mount Vert, the Newport Tower, surmounted by a laurel wreath issuant from base, all Proper, all between four mullets Gules, two on each side.
Supporters
Behind the shield, two U.S. Navy Officer swords saltirewise, blades downward Proper.
Motto
On a scroll Gules, doubled Azure, the inscription IN OMNIA PARATUS in White letters.
Shield
Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the U.S. Navy. Gold is emblematic of excellence and honor. Dark blue refers to the sea. During medieval times, thick convex metal devices, referred to as escarbuncles, were fastened onto the front of shields to strengthen them. An escarbuncle often included eight reinforcing spokes radiating outward with a red gem placed in the center. Such a device turned the shield into a weapon and aided in the deflecting of blows during combat. Similar to how the escarbuncle strengthens the shield, the U.S. Navys presence in Newport has been one that has not only increased the fortitude of the community but has also fiercely defended it since the Revolutionary War. Long held as Newport Countys single largest employer, the Newport Naval Station has helped shaped Newport into what it is today and continues to be a stronghold in the community. The escarbuncles spokes pointing in the cardinal and intercardinal directions, each terminating with a symbol resembling a sailboat, refers to Newports rich sailing history, as well as the busy nature of the port, with ships sailing in every direction. The waves at base are a reference to the Seal of the Naval War College, the Navys most prestigious educational institution, which is located at the Newport Naval Station. The bottom center spoke is illustrated going underneath the waves, alluding to the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, also located at the Naval Station, which serves as the Navys principal research, development, test and evaluation center for submarine weapons systems. Placed on the surface of the waves, the remaining two bottom spokes refer to the Naval Stations Surface Warfare Officers School Command which trains surface warfare officers from the time they are commissioned until they have command at sea. These facilities play an instrumental role not only within the community of Newport, but in the continuing creation of a highly-trained, educated and prepared Navy. Crest. The wreath adopts the first-named metal and color from the shield and blazon. The four red stars denote the USNS NEWPORT as the fourth ship in naval service to be named in honor of Newport, Rhode Island. The Newport Tower, or Old Stone Mill, is an iconic landmark located in Newports historic Turo Park. The tower is the remains of a windmill built in the mid-17th century and is listed as one of the oldest structures in the United States. Shown on the flag of Newport with a wreath of laurel, this enduring structure is emblematic of the strength and support capabilities of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport, a class of vessel to which the USNS NEWPORT belongs. Once viewable from Narragansett Bay, the tower served as a landmark for passing mariners and was used as a lookout point for American soldiers during the Revolutionary War. In order to reflect this fascinating history, the tower has been placed at the top of the Coat of Arms, as if it is looking out over the whole of Newport, keeping it safe, just as the physical tower has done for centuries.
Supporters
The two U.S. Navy Officer crossed swords refer to the Newport Naval Stations and Naval War Colleges function as the Navys premier site for educating and training officers and officer candidates.
Scroll
The red color refers to the phrase Red Island. It is theorized that early settlers called Aquidneck Island, where Newport is now located, Red Island due to the red foliage that can be seen from Narragansett Bay. Over time, the phrase is thought to have evolved into Rhode Island which the state is presently called.
Motto
The Latin motto, IN OMNIA PARATUS, translates to READY FOR ANYTHING.
Seal
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oblong disc within a dark blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name USNS NEWPORT at the top and T-EPF 12 at the base.