Shield.  Argent (Silver Gray), a sunburst Argent throughout surmounted by a lozenge Azure fimbriated of the second, charged with two water-cooled Browning M1917s in saltire of the first, surrounded by five mullets in the configuration of the Southern Cross constellation Argent; all within a bordure Gules.

Crest.  From a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure, a body of water of the second surmounted by two palm branches Vert, superimposed by the United States Marine Corps emblem Or; all within the Medal of Honor ribbon arched to base Proper.

Motto.  A scroll Argent (Silver Gray), intertwining two sprigs of laurel Vert, one on either end, and bearing the inscription “HONOR LOYALTY SACRIFICE” Sable.

Shield. The shape of the shield is the same shape used on the previous USS BASILONE (DD 824) seal, highlighting the history and lineage of John Basilone’s namesake in the Navy.  Red, white, and blue are our National colors.  The Blue Diamond shape in center and Southern Cross configuration of the stars is a reference to the insignia for the 1st Marine Division, the division in which Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone gallantly served during World War II.  The crossed water-cooled Browning M1917s denote Basilone’s role as a machine gunner.  Behind the diamond, a faint starburst can be seen, alluding to an explosion.  Surrounding the blast is a red border consisting of many small ridges, which are reminiscent of machine gun belt-fed ammunition, further alluding to his service as a machine gunner.

Crest.  The wreath adopts the first-named metal and color from the shield and blazon.  The colors—blue and white—also represent the ribbon colors of the Navy Cross, awarded posthumously to Gunnery Sergeant Basilone for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima.  Emerging from the wreath is a body of water characterizing the area of battle for the USS JOHN BASILONE.  The two palm branches refer to the vegetation of Guadalcanal and reference Basilone’s heroic service in defense of Henderson Field.  Emphasizing that he served proudly as a Marine, the World War II era Marine Corps emblem sits between the palms.  Above all, the Medal of Honor ribbon denotes Gunnery Sergeant Basilone’s exceptional valor in action against enemy forces during the Battle of Guadalcanal, which resulted in him receiving America’s most prestigious military decoration.

Supporters. The Navy officer sword and enlisted cutlass symbolize the cooperation and teamwork between the leadership and crew of USS JOHN BASILONE.

Scroll. The sprigs of laurel refer to excellence and achievement, two concepts that readily apply to the legacy of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone and serve as inspiration to the crew of USS JOHN BASILONE.  The scroll bears the inscription “HONOR LOYALTY SACRIFICE,” the ship’s motto.  These words characterize the life and service of Gunnery Sergeant Basilone, honor his legacy and charge future generations of Selfless Warriors to sharpen their spears, take a stand, and move forward.

Seal.  The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oval within a dark blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name “USS JOHN BASILONE” at the top and “DDG 122” at the base.