USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52)
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Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

SHIELD

Per fess Celeste and Azure a stylized rendition of the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor superimposed by two traditional Polynesian spears saltirewise Proper in chief five mullets chevronwise above five mullets chevronwise above three chevronwise all Argent, in base a cross paty convex Or all within a bordure of plates.


CREST

From a wreath Argent and Celeste a Phoenix.


MOTTO

A scroll Argent fimbriated Gules inscribed NATIONS BATTLE CRY Azure.


SUPPORTERS

A United States Navy and a United States Marine Officer's swords saltirewise points down Proper.


SEAL

The arms as blazoned in full color upon a white oval enclosed by a dark blue collar edged on the outside with a gold rope and bearing the name USS PEARL HARBOR at top and LSD 52 in base all gold.

Symbolism

SHIELD

Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally used by the Navy and symbolize the sea and excellence. The ship is named for Pearl Harbor, the site of the Japanese attack from which our nation's battle cry "Remember Pearl Harbor" originated. This ship commemorates the heroic actions of both the armed forces and citizens of Oahu on December 7, 1941. The border of plates, which suggest pearls, the horizontal division of the shield, and the USS Arizona Memorial symbolize Pearl Harbor. The white stars on the light blue field (adapted from the Medal of Honor) honor the sixteen Medal of Honor awardees, while the gold cross on the dark blue commemorate the fifty-two Navy cross awardees, the largest number of awards for any single engagement in U.S. history. The Polynesian spears suggest a ready defense and attack capabilities while recalling the heritage of Hawaii. The anchor highlights Pearl Harbor, Oahu is one of the most important harbors and naval bases in the Pacific; it is the homeport of the US Pacific Command and the Commander of the Pacific Fleet.


CREST

The Phoenix, the mythical bird that rose renewed from its own ashes, symbolizes the United States response to the Japanese surprise attack, raising this nation to arms and victory.


SUPPORTERS

The crossed Navy and Marine swords denote strength, cooperation and the ship's mission to protect power ashore by transporting and launching amphibious craft and vehicles to embark Marines in an amphibious assault.





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