SHIELD
Azure (Dark Blue), on a pile reversed Gules fimbriated Argent an anchor Or between in dexter a stylized Civil War underwater mine enflamed Proper and in sinister a cannon, muzzle to dexter fesswise of the third; on a chief embattled Argent, three fleur-de-lis in fess Or.
CREST
From a wreath Argent and Azure (Dark Blue) an arc of four mullets of the first above a bald eagle wings displayed bearing on its breast a shield of the United States arms Proper.
MOTTO
A scroll Azure (Dark Blue) doubled Or inscribed PREPARED FOR BATTLE of the last.
SUPPORTERS
Crossed behind the shield, two Union Civil War Officers swords, points up Proper.
SHIELD
Dark Blue and Gold, the colors traditionally associated with the Navy, represent the sea and excellence. Red highlights Admiral Farraguts valor, loyalty and fearless leadership while commanding the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron during the Civil War. The pile symbolizes the prow of a ship, suggesting the USS Hartford, Admiral Farraguts flagship. The anchor refers to naval strength and maritime tradition. The enflamed barrel mine signifies the powder-filled kegs anchored in the approaches to Mobile Bay, whose presence prompted Admiral Farraguts famous phrase, Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! The cannon suggests the land-based batteries that fought with naval forces as they pressed past to control maritime paths of communication and supply. The pile between the enflamed barrel mine and cannon alludes to Admiral Farraguts bold leadership of his fleet through all obstacles to enter Mobile Bay and defeat enemy naval forces therein. Earlier, Admiral Farragut opened the Battle of New Orleans by steaming up the Mississippi River past Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip and positioning his forces near the city of New Orleans to force its surrender. The victory tightened the stranglehold on Confederate logistics and commerce. On the ships shield, the chief embattled denotes the strong defenses of the Mississippi River; and the three fleurs-de-lis are adapted from the flag of New Orleans.
CREST
The four stars represent the naval rank of Admiral, first authorized by Congress for Admiral Farragut in recognition of his service and achievements. David Glasgow Farragut was the first officer in the United States Navy to hold the ranks of Rear Admiral, Vice Admiral and Admiral. The four stars also commemorate the four previous ships named Farragut. The bald eagle with shield signifies Admiral Farraguts patriotism and loyalty to the Union during the Civil War and lifelong fidelity to the naval profession.
SUPPORTERS
The crossed Union Civil War officers swords recall Admiral Farraguts perpetual readiness, devotion to duty, audacity in combat, and support the motto, Prepared for Battle.''