USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81)
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Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

SHIELD

Per fess enhanced nebuly Argent and Gules, a cross of the like surmounted by a fleur-de-lis Azure, in base a book expanded Or, leaved of the first below a lion passant guardant of the fourth. CREST: From a wreath Argent and Gules a trident head per chevron Azure and of the first superimposed by a wreath of laurel and oak Or.


MOTTO

A stacked bipartite scroll Gules doubled Argent inscribed "IN WAR: RESOLUTION" and "IN PEACE: GOOD WILL" Or.


SUPPORTER

A garter Azure fimbriated and inscribed "THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER" Or.


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 WINSTON S. CHURCHILL" at top and "DDG 81" in base all gold.

Symbolism

SHIELD

The cross of St. George and the fleur-de-lis are adapted from Churchill's augmentation on an inescutcheon on his ancestral coat of arms. Red is emblematic of valor and sacrifice. The red cross on the white field refers to the flag of St. George (he became the patron of the Order of the Garter in 1348). The gold lion on the red field recalls Great Britain's heritage. The lion embodies strength, courage and determination. The nebuly alludes to the sky or clouds and highlights Britain's taking of the full thrust of German airpower in the Battle of Britain. The stylized book underscores Winston Churchill's reputation, not only as a gifted statesman and inspiring war leader, but also a great orator and author who was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature. He unified the British people with his stirring oratory, energy and resolve.


CREST

The trident symbolizes sea prowess and highlights the USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL's vertical launch capabilities; the three tines represent anti-submarine surface and air warfare capabilities. The trident is divided per chevron suggesting a "V" emphasizing victory in war (Winston Churchill's famous rallying sign) and defense strength in peace. The laurel recalls honor and high achievement; oak, strength and resolve.


SUPPORTER

In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II made Churchill a Member of The Most Noble Order of the Garter; the premier British Order of chivalry and the highest honor she could bestow.





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