SHIELD
Per pale Gules and Or, in dexter three bendlets and in sinister an escutcheon counter changed of the field, overall a pile reverse raguly Sable charged with the U.S. Marine Corps emblem of the second.
CREST
Issuing from a torse Or and Gules, a sea stallion leaning on a trident Argent, having suspended from his neck by a chain Argent an escutcheon Sable charged with a label Argent within a bordure Gules.
SUPPORTERS
Behind the shield two U.S. Marine Corps enlisted swords in saltire, points downward Proper.
MOTTO
A red tripartite scroll inscribed "STRENGTH SOLIDARITY SACRIFICE" in gold letters, edged black with gold piping.
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oval field within a dark blue designation band, edged gold chain border and bearing the name "USNS MONTFORD POINT" at top and "MLP 1" at base.
SHIELD
Red and gold are the colors associated with the United States Marine Corps. The pile raguly has seven notches for the seven years that the first African-American recruits were trained at Montford Point (1942-1949) and is colored black to symbolize the determination of the recruits to serve their country. The eagle, globe and anchor emblem is the original design used during World War II. The three bendlets honor Gilbert "Hashmark" Johnson, an exceptional recruit who served in three services during his military career (Army, Navy, Marine Corps) and are colored gold to denote wisdom. The red shield represents the Montford Point Marine Association, a group established to perpetuate the legacy of the first African-Americans who entered the Marine Corps.
CREST
The USNS MONTFORD POINT will be a work horse at sea and is represented by a sea stallion. The shield hanging around his neck is colored black and red like the ship herself, and the white label denotes that this is the first ship in the MLP class. The label also represents MONTFORD POINT's function as a "pier at sea." The trident is a symbol of authority and mastery at sea and is colored silver to symbolize excellence.
MOTTO
Red is the color signifying strength and boldness, reflective of the motto, "STRENGTH SOLIDARITY SACRIFICE."
SUPPORTERS
The crossed swords honor those enlisted Marines who trained at Montford Point.