SHIELD
Azure, a fess wavy Argent, in pale overall a torch enflamed surmounted in chief by a mullet between two lightning flashes Or and between in base four mullets of the like pierced of the field.
CREST
On a wreath Or and Azure upon waves of the sea Vert a seahorse of the second, finned and garnished of the first, gorged with a collar Azure rimmed Or bearing four lozenges fesswise Argent and holding upright a Gold staff displaying a flag Gules.
MOTTO
On a scroll Argent lined Azure the inscription "MERITA TRANS MARE" in blue letters, translated, "Service Across the Sea."
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color upon a white oval enclosed by a dark blue collar on the outside with inner and outer edges consisting of gold rope and bearing the inscription "USS WABASH" at top and "AOR 5" in base, all in gold letters and numbers.
SHIELD
The shield, symbolic of defense, alludes to the WABASH as an element of our national defense system. The colors blue and gold are traditional to the U.S. Navy. The flaming torch and star at center are adapted from the flag of the State of Indiana wherein are located the Wabash River and the City of Wabash, the ship's namesakes. The River, main waterway of the State, is symbolized by the white wavy bar, and the City of Wabash, with the distinction of being the world's first electrically lighted city, is indicated by the two lightning flashes in chief. The pierced stars or spur rowels in base commemorate the exemplary service of three previous ships named WABASH throughout four national emergencies-the Civil War, World War I and II, and the Korean Conflict.
CREST
The seahorse amidst waves of the sea is symbolic of a ship with the rigorous mission of performing her services while on the high seas. The "Bravo" flag alludes to her main function of underway refueling. The colors blue and gold are traditional to the Navy, and blue, gold and white are also used on the flag of the State of Indiana. The white diamonds on the blue collar refer to the meaning of the Indian name for Wabash, "water over white rocks," and the number of diamonds indicate she is the fourth ship to carry the name WABASH.