SHIELD
Azure, an unrolled scroll and case Proper charge with cross pate convex Gules; a chief arched debased per pale Gules and Argent, in dexter a castle Or and in sinister a lion rampant Gules.
MOTTO
A scroll Azure doubled Gules and inscribed "ALL SEAS ARE NAVIGABLE" in White.
SUPPORTERS
All superimposed upon a trident with spike to base Or and bearing on the tines a stylized compass rose Azure charged with a polestar Gules and supporting a bald eagle displayed Proper. On either side of the shield a dolphin embowed urinant Or.
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white round shape enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outer side with a gold rope and inscribed in gold letters with the words "USS COLUMBUS" at top and "SSN 762" at base.
SHIELD
Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the U.S. Navy and symbolize the sea and excellence. Red stands for courage and action. The shield honors Christopher Columbus, an early explorer for whom the capital of Ohio is named. The vessels Santa Maria, Pinta and Nia are recalled by the three sections of the shield. The arc alludes to the globe and new horizons. The castle and lion are adapted from the Spanish flag and allude to Christopher Columbus' sponsor. They also appeared on the coat of arms of the third USS COLUMBUS which helped sink 24 Japanese submarines during World War II. The scroll suggests a map and navigational skills. The red stylized cross on the white scroll resembles that which Christopher Columbus bore on his sails and recalls the explorer's voyage to the New World.
SUPPORTERS
The trident represents sea prowess and depicts Naval military readiness. The tines represent the three previous ships named COLUMBUS, while the bottom spike points to the ocean depths, the area of operation of the present USS COLUMBUS. Christopher Columbus navigated by dead reckoning with a compass and the measurement of latitude from the North Star. The compass rose highlights the four major directions and the red polestar signifies the North Star. The annulet of the compass rose forms an "O" for Ohio, while the star at its center is for Columbus, the state capital. The eagle is adapted from that city's seal, while the dolphins are symbolic of submarine service.