Shield.  On a disc per chevron embattled Gules and Argent, below fess point a lozenge and a mullet one point down Celeste, in chief a chevronnel Or; all within a bordure of the last.

Crest.  From a wreath of the colors Argent and Gules, a large paved stone Argent (Silver Gray), surmounted by a Ky Lan passant regardant Brün (Bronze), langued of the second, pupils and nostrils Sable, eyed, armed, and chest Argent (Eggshell), mane, whiskers, fins, and flames on tail and upper legs Azure, hooved Gris, charged above each hoof a small wispy cloud Celeste.

Supporters. On either side three bamboo stalks entwined by the ends of the scroll Proper, inner bamboo stalk slightly arched inwards, and nine more in between behind the shield.

Motto.  A scroll Gules, striped at the top and bottom Or, bearing the inscription “COURAGE UNDER FIRE” of the last.

Shield.  Gold symbolizes honor and achievement, while red signifies valor and sacrifice.  The embattled chevron alludes to Hue, Vietnam, where Gunnery Sergeant John L. Canley and his Marines fought heroically to relieve and defend friendly forces from enemy attack.  The chevron further suggests the bow of the USNS JOHN L. CANLEY as seen from above, moving forward or rising up as an Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) class ship.  The lozenge is from the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines insignia, honoring the unit and the Marines who served with Gunnery Sergeant Canley during the battle for Hue City.  The reversed blue star represents the Medal of Honor, awarded to Gunnery Sergeant Canley for his gallantry, bold determination, and devotion to his country and Marines.  The star also pays tribute to the Navy vessel USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66), named after Sergeant Alfredo Gonzalez, a Marine comrade of Gunnery Sergeant Canley, who also received the Medal of Honor for heroism during the same battle.  The chevronnel is a symbol of leadership, in which Gunnery Sergeant Canley assumed command and led the company into Hue City when his commanding officer was wounded. 

Crest.  The wreath adopts the first named metal and color from the shield and blazon; white and scarlet.  The Ky Lan is a sacred mythological beast native to Vietnam, also known as the Asian unicorn.  It signifies good fortune and peace, guarding temples and places of worship.  The Ky Lan stands on a paved stone as the protector of Hue City.

Supporters.  Bamboo is a symbol of vitality and resilience.  It’s a resourceful plant that carries the spirit and culture of Vietnam.  Grouped together, the bamboo suggests unity and strength in numbers.  The flexibility of the bamboo further alludes to the broad range of military operations the ESB ship class is capable of, acting as a mobile rotary-wing base, drone ops, mine-hunting, special warfare command and control platform.

Motto.  The ship’s motto, “COURAGE UNDER FIRE,” refers to Gunnery Sergeant John Canley’s brave and heroic acts of rushing into enemy fire to carry his wounded Marines to safety.    

Seal.  The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oval within a Navy blue designation band, edged with a gold chain border and bearing the name “USNS JOHN L. CANLEY” at the top and “T-ESB 6” at the base in gold.