SHIELD
Per bend enarched Azure and Navy between in chief an eagle's wing and in base a dolphin hauriant a bend enarched or charged throughout with a bend wavy of the first.
CREST
On a wreath of the colors Or and Azure an American bald eagle Proper standing with wings elevated and addorsed and facing to dexter in front of a torch of the first enflamed Proper.
MOTTO
On a scroll Navy doubled Argent, the words "FUEL FOR FREEDOM" in gold letters.
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color upon a white oval enclosed within a dark blue collar edged on the outside with gold rope and bearing the name "USS WILLAMETTE" at top and "AO-180" in base, all in gold.
SHIELD
The light and dark blue colors refer to the sky and sea, with dark blue representing the more traditional sea service in base and the light blue above for aviation. The capability of AO-180 to supply both types of fuel, for surface ships and for aircraft, is symbolized by the dolphin and the eagle's wing. The arched gold bend with wavy blue upon it is a reference to the historic Willamette River in Oregon State for which the ship is named.
CREST
The flaming torch behind our national bird symbol, the bald eagle, is a representation of the words of the ship's motto, "Fuel for Freedom."