SHIELD
Azure, between two mullets a trident head Or with the shaft encircled by a broken chain Argent, and under a chief arched Gules a bridge of three arches of the third.
CREST
On a wreath of the colors, Or and Azure, in front of two cannons in saltire a modern missile entwined with a serpent erect Proper all in front of a wreath of laurel of the first.
MOTTO
On a scroll Azure edged Azure and doubled Gules the words "POWER TO PREVAIL" in letters Azure.
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white vertical octagonal shape enclosed by a Dark blue border edged on the outer side with gold rope and inscribed in gold with these words "USS ANTIETAM" above and "CG 54"below.
SHIELD
Dark blue and gold are the traditional Navy colors. The trident, symbol of sea power, represents the Antietam's capabilities in the three dimensions of naval warfare. The broken chain symbolizes the Emancipation Proclamation, the most positive outcome of the Civil War Battle of Antietam. The two gold battle stars refer to the previous USS Antietam (CVS 36). Red signifies the heroism and suffering of 17 September 1862, the bloodiest day of the Civil War at Antietam and the Burnside Bridge is the battlefield's best known landmark.
CREST
The serpent has a fourfold meaning: It was on the first Navy Jack; its wavy shape, movements and tongue allude to the new sensor system on the Antietam (CG 54); it is similar to the copperhead found in the State of Maryland, site of the Civil War Battle; and its striking position reinforces the quick striking capabilities of the Antietam. The parrot guns with the modern missile represent the continuity in ordnance. The upright positive of the missile also symbolizes the vertically launched cruise missile on the cruiser, Antietam. The gold laurel wreath is symbolic of excellence in accomplishing the mission.