SHIELD
Azure two chevronels couched fretted Argent interlaced with an anchor palewise Or, on a chief enarched nebuly of the last a trident head issuant from chief points to base Gules.
CREST
On a wreath, Or and Azure, a pair of wings conjoined in leure of the first charged with a cross convex pattee of the like fimbriated of the second and encircled by a wreath vert.
MOTTO
On a scroll Azure doubled Or, the inscription "READY AND ABLE" in Gold letters.
SEAL
The complete coat of arms in full color as in the blazon upon a white oval enclosed by a dark blue border with an outer edge of gold rope and inscribed "USS THACH" at top and "FFG 43" in base all in gold letters.
SHIELD
Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the Navy and represent the sea and excellence. The enarched nebuly chief refers to the sky and naval aviation; the three tines of the red trident representing "Fighting Three" and Admiral Thach's aggressive leadership of that squadron for which he was highly decorated. The interlaced chevronels and anchor emphasize the importance of naval air to the fleet and symbolize the "Thach Weave", a fighter tactic developed by and named for Admiral John Smith Thach.
CREST
The wreath is adapted from and refers to the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. The cross and its fimbriation symbolize the Navy Cross and a second award of that medal. The gold wings refer to naval aviation.