USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM 552)
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Coat of Arms
SHIELD
Per saltire barry Azure and Celeste and Argent, a ship's wheel Or superimposed by a lightning bolt palewise Gules.
CREST
From a wreath Argent and Azure a mascle of the like enfiled by a cubit arm holding an enflamed torch of the first (as on the Statue of Liberty) overall at base two oars saltirewise Proper.
SUPPORTERS
Two naval swords points down saltirewise Proper.
MOTTO
A scroll Azure edged doubled and inscribed "CUSTOS LUCIS" Or ("KEEPER OF THE LIGHT").
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned upon a white disc enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outside with a gold rope inscribed "USCGC KATHERINE WALKER" above and "WLM 552" below in gold.
SHIELD
Blue, red and white are the colors traditionally associated with the U.S. Coast Guard; gold is emblematic of excellence and red denotes valor and zeal. The shield is divided saltirewise symbolizing strength. The wavy bars allude to the coastal waters patrolled by the Coast Guard; the white areas suggest the strong light beams emitting from a light house lantern and underscore the Cutter's missions of the tending of lighthouses and buoys and its search and rescue responsibility. The lightning bolt highlights the latest innovations in electronic navigation propulsion systems of the USCGC KATHERINE WALKER and resembles the letter "Z", underscoring this cutter as the first to utilize Z-drive propulsion instead of the traditional shaft and propeller. The ship's wheel represents guidance, leadership and aids to navigation.
CREST
The mascle or diamond is used in heraldry to denote the distaff side. It is combined with the torch arm of the Statue of Liberty to commemorate Katherine Walker's heroic tending of Robbins Reef Light in New York Harbor. The flame highlights her as the keeper of the light and statue in the Harbor. The oars honor the saving of fifty sailors from shipwrecks by Katherine Walker.
SUPPORTERS
The crossed swords symbolize teamwork and the maritime law enforcement mission of the USCGC KATHERINE WALKER.