SHIELD
Gules, a pile Azure fimbriated Argent bearing a demi-battle axe Or charged with a mullet of the third.
CREST
On a wreath Argent and Gules, a cross pate convex Azure enflamed Proper charged with a lions face Or.
MOTTO
On a tripartite scroll Azure doubled Gules, the motto, COURAGE VALOR INTEGRITY, in White letters.
SEAL
The coat of arms emblazoned in full color upon a white oval enclosed by a dark blue collar edged on the outside with gold rope and inscribed USS STOUT above and DDG 55 below in gold.
SHIELD
Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the Navy and recall the sea and excellence. Red is emblematic of valor and courage; white represents integrity. The battle axe is adapted from the Stout familys coat of arms. Its upright position underscores USS STOUTs massive firepower and high survivability while the double axe head, facing both ways, alludes to the all-encompassing offensive and defensive power of the integrated Aegis combat system. The star highlights Admiral Stouts many awards, as well as references the Silver Star. With resolute courage and daring aggressiveness, Admiral Stout, as Commanding Officer of the destroyer USS CLAXTON, aided his task force in sinking five heavily armed enemy warships to establish an Allied beachhead on Bougainville Island. This naval battle is symbolized by the blue wedge piercing the red field, the blue wedge representing Admiral Stout and United States Naval forces disabling and destroying a surface force of superior fire power, signified by the red field.
CREST
The cross suggests the Navy Cross, one of many decorations awarded to Admiral Stout, and exemplifies the strong devotion to God and country that characterized Stouts Naval career and now reminds us that no STOUT sailor stands alone. It is enflamed to recall the fierce bombardment of the naval battle in the Solomon Islands. The lion, a symbol of courage, strength and tactical hunting skills, commemorates Rear Admiral Stout and the men and officers who served under his leadership and to those who now continue that tradition serving on the Guided Missile Destroyer STOUT (DDG 55).