SHIELD
Sable, in front of a terrestrial globe Azure (Dark Blue) landmasses, gridlined and fimbriated Argent, a demi-trident Or issuant from base, emitting from the centre tine a burst Azure (Blue Violet), edged of the third; a chief Gules, on a pale of the third, the letter Z of the first, all within a bordure per bend sinister of the second and of the third charged with four mullets counterchanged.
CREST
Issuant from a wreath Argent and Sable, a demi-sun in splendor Proper, overall an eagle displayed wings inverted Proper, grasping in its dexter talon three arrows Argent (Silver Gray), points upward and in sinister talon an olive branch Vert.
SUPPORTERS
Behind the shield four swords -- a U.S. Navy Officers sword, U.S. Marine Corps Officers mameluke, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officers cutlass and a U.S. Marine Corps Non-Commissioned Officers sword, all in saltire, points downward Proper.
MOTTO
A tripartite scroll Azure (Dark Blue) and inscribed "PAX PROPTER VIM in Latin, which translates to Peace through Power Or.
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oval within a dark blue designation band, bearing the name USS ZUMWALT at top and DDG 1000 at base, in gold letters; with a gold roped border of 66 twists, alluding to one of Admiral Zumwalts most important policy directives, Z-gram #66--Equal Opportunity within the Navy.
SHIELD
Black denotes fidelity, conveying to Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalts commitment to country, the Navy and Sailors. The terrestrial globe represents the global mission of USS ZUMWALT. The trident symbolizes naval authority manifest in DDG 1000s cutting edge technology and firepower. The three tines denote the ships missile systems--Standard Missile 2, Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile and Tomahawk. The blue violet burst emitting from the center tine alludes to St. Elmos fire, a weather phenomenon that sometimes appeared atop the masts of ships at sea during thunderstorms and was viewed by sailors to have religious significance. St. Erasmus of Formiae, also known as St. Elmo, was the patron saint of sailors. Red refers to zeal and leadership. The chief denotes the Admirals superior performance throughout his distinguished Naval service. White conveys agreement. The letter Z is a modernized house mark, used in heraldry as an emblem of a family or clan member, and honors Admiral Zumwalts use of Z-NavOp messages, commonly referred to as Z-grams, to issue policy directives to reform his beloved Navy. The border honors the Admiral being the youngest man to serve in the position of Chief of Naval Operations. The four stars commemorate the highest rank he achieved.
CREST
The demi-sun represents enlightenment and truth to which he devoted his life. The sun radiates 32 rays, symbolizing his years of service. The eagle embodies Admiral Zumwalt as a man of action and courage. The arrows denote readiness, illustrating the three major conflicts in which Admiral Zumwalt served -- World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. The olive branch symbolizes peace.
SUPPORTERS
The Navy Officers sword, Marine Corps Officers mameluke, Navy Chief Petty Officers cutlass and a Marine Corps Non-Commissioned Officers sword attest to unity and teamwork between the Navy and Marine Corps, signifying DDG 1000s mission of land attack warfare in support of forces ashore.
MOTTO
Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the U.S. Navy, representing the sea and excellence. The motto, PAX PROPTER VIM (Peace through Power) reflects DDG 1000s operational capabilities and is a tribute to the motto of USS DEWEY (DLG 14), later reclassified and designated DDG 45, in which Admiral Zumwalt served as commissioning Commanding Officer.