SHIELD
Per chevron Celeste and Azure, issuant from base a trident Or surmounting a life ring Proper, debruised by a chevron in base Gules fimbriated Argent charged with three bezants, the middle bearing a mullet of the fourth.
CREST
From a wreath Argent and Celeste, a wreath of palm and laurel Vert, surmounted by a terrestrial globe Proper, overall a scale Or.
MOTTO
SEMPER PARATUS
SUPPORTERS
Two swords saltirewise Proper.
SHIELD
Red, white and blue, the national colors, are the colors traditionally used by the Coast Guard. The medium blue represents the Pacific Ocean, the cutter's range of operation. The life ring suggests the USCGC Boutwell's mission of maritime safety and one of the cutter's largest at-sea rescues of 500 passengers and crew from the Dutch cruise ship Princedam, which caught fire and sank in the Gulf of Alaska. The chevron alludes to the prow of the cutter and the Boutwell's support of the Coast Guard strategic goals. The trident, a symbol of maritime power and strength, emphasizes the USCGC Boutwell's mission of protection of natural resources and national defense. The three gold discs, symbol for gold coins, signify the three cutters to bear the name of George S. Boutwell, the past Secretary of Treasury. The middle disc with red star, adapted from the California State flag, recalls the location of the cutter, Alameda, California.
CREST
The terrestrial globe highlights the Pacific region, the cutter's primary range of operations. The palm frond refers to USCGC Boutwell receiving the 1998 Admiral John B. Hayes Award for the most outstanding operational unit in the Pacific Area. The laurel branch, a symbol of honor and achievement, commemorates the Meritorious Unit Commendation, awarded to USCGC Boutwell and crew for exceptional service. Gold denotes excellence. The scales adapted from the seal of the Department of Treasury, recalls George S. Boutwell, Secretary of Treasury during Ulysses S. Grant's administration in 1869. Mr. Boutwell was a dedicated public servant, also served as Commissioner of Internal Revenue (1862-1863) and Congressman (1863-1869) and was instrumental in improving the monetary, bookkeeping and accounting system.
SUPPORTERS
The crossed swords denote the cutter's mission of law enforcement and security, also highlighting military readiness and teamwork.