USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123)
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Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield.  Gyronny of eight chequy per circular Azure (Navy Blue) and Argent, a mullet of eight points throughout Or, charged in fess point by a lozenge of the last, bearing a smaller lozenge Gules.

Crest.  From a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure (Navy Blue), between in base a pair of Roman numerals “X” Or, a bow fesswise Gules, grip and bowstring drawn back of the first, inner field of the second, bearing eight mullets of the first, four to dexter and four to sinister, surmounted by an arrow palewise of the third, the arrowhead bearing a mullet of eight points Or, emitting rays of light Argent.

Supporters.  On dexter side a representation of Artemis supporting the shield from chief with sinister hand Proper, dexter hand bent and grasping an arrow from the quiver on her back Brün, bearing arrows Or, an oak leaf on her chest of the first. On sinister side a representation of Athena mirroring Artemis Proper, skin, eyes, and hair Brün, bearing the Aegis and a crown Or, Gorgon head Argent (Silver), in sinister hand a spear of the first, spearhead of the last.

Motto.  A scroll Azure (Navy Blue), doubled, inscribed “BELLATRIX ILLA,” and on either side of the motto a cross patée convex Or.


Symbolism

Shield.  Navy blue and white signify the deep and vast ocean, while red and gold symbolize honor and success.  The circular-checkered pattern refers to the Aegis Combat System, a powerful computer and radar technology created to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets.  The polestar suggests guidance and achievement, while the lozenge is a heraldic symbol signifying women and their dedicated service to the Navy.

Crest.  The wreath adapts the colors of the Navy and the ocean waves the ship sails upon.  The bow and arrow belong to the Greek goddess Artemis, paying homage to the USS HIGBEE (DD 806).  The arrow is drawn and aimed at its target, ready to launch.  The eight battle stars refer to the USS HIGBEE’s service in World War I and the Korean War.  On each side of the bow is a Roman numeral “X,” paying tribute to the “Sacred 20”– the first group of women to join the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps.  The radiant star on the arrowhead further honors Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, a pioneering military nurse of the early 1900s.   

Supporters.  Artemis and Athena are female warriors, standing in unison to uplift the shield and the mission of the crew members and ship.  Together, they represent the old and new age of naval technology, and their diverse appearance signifies the inclusion and equality of all.  Artemis honors Lenah Higbee by wearing an oak leaf, referring to the Navy Nurse Corps.  She readies herself by drawing an arrow, paying homage to DD-806 as the highest scoring ship in naval surface fire support during its commissioned service in 1976.  Athena arms herself with the Aegis and holds a spear to attack her enemies.  Both goddesses are decorated with silver and gold, tying in to the officers and enlisted sailors who wear their insignia with unity and pride.

Motto.  The Latin motto translates to “SHE IS A WARRIOR” and refers to the spirit of Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, the actions of the ship, and the mission of the crew.  At the ends of the scroll are small representations of the Navy Cross, alluding to Lenah Higbee being the first woman to be awarded that Navy medal.

 

Seal.  The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a light blue oblong disc within a dark blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name “USS LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE” at the top and “DDG 123” at the base.

 






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