Shield

Argent (Natural White), on a fess Celeste, a mullet of seven points Or within an olive wreath Proper, between five navigational crosses two in dexter and three in sinister Argent, all between two ancient Cherokee bands, one in chief and one in base, Argent (Natural White), detailed Sable.

Crest

From a wreath of the colors Argent (Natural White) and Celeste, a hawk displayed Sable, feathered Argent (Natural White) detailed and footed Gules, bearing seven mullets of seven points, three upon each wing, one centered upon the breast, Or.

Motto

A scroll Gules, doubled Or, the Cherokee native inscription in Gold letters.

Shield.  Natural white alludes to deer skin and other valuable trade materials produced by the Cherokee in the 1700s.  Two bands of crosshatched and interlocking Southeastern symbols represent the partnership between Cherokee Nation and the US Navy.  The bands run the width of the shield, recognizing T-ATS 7 as a critical backbone for strength and readiness within the fleet.  White directional crosses on a light blue field symbolize a migration story in which five of twelve boats were lost in a storm, the remaining seven becoming the seven clans.  According to legend, the survivors of the five lost boats will someday be found and reunited with the rest of the Cherokee people.  The seven-pointed star and olive branch wreath are from the official seal of Cherokee Nation. The star represents the seven clans and the wreath of oak leaves represents the sacred fire which, from time immemorial, the Cherokee people have kept burning in their land.

Crest.  The wreath adopts the first named metal and color from the shield and blazon. The American bald eagle represents the many generations of Cherokee Nation citizens who’ve served in uniform.  Bald eagles are revered and considered sacred by the Cherokee, and its wings are displayed outward to represent strength and power. The seven seven-pointed mullets denote the seven clans of Cherokee Nation and the hull number of T-ATS 7. 

Motto.  The red and gold scroll honors the service and contributions the Cherokee people have made to the Marine Corps.  There are seven folds in the scroll, further alluding to both the Cherokee clans and the vessel’s hull number. The Cherokee inscription, , translates to “WATER WARRIOR” and refers to the strong, resilient crew of USNS CHEROKEE NATION (T-ATS 7). 

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 chain border and bearing the name “USNS CHEROKEE NATION” at the top and “T-ATS 7” at the base.