SHIELD
Azure, an antique musket and cutlass saltirewise, blade and muzzle down Proper, surmounted by an inescutcheon Celeste bearing three mullets Argent within a bordure Or; on a chief crested Or, an alligator Proper.
CREST
On a wreath Or and Azure, a mountain peak Proper viewed between two spruce trees Proper.
MOTTO
A scroll Celeste fimbriated Or and inscribed NOBILITY POWER Argent.
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 RUSHMORE at the top and LSD 47 in base, all in gold.
SHIELD
Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the Navy and represent the sea and excellence. South Dakota, the location of the Mount Rushmore Memorial for which the ship is named, is referred to by the gold and celeste inescutcheon, recalling the colors of the State flag. The three silver stars represent the World War II battle stars awarded to LSD 14, the first ship to bear the name RUSHMORE. The musket and cutlass symbolize traditional Navy values and the first amphibious operation conducted by the Navy and Marine Corps in Nassau in 1776 during the Revolutionary War. They are shown pointing down to denote nobility of purpose and restraint in the use of power, underscoring the motto. The alligator suggests the ultimate in amphibious power.
CREST
LSD 47 takes its name from the Mount Rushmore Memorial in South Dakota, a monument to the nobility and power of the four great Presidents depicted there. The two Black Hill spruce trees stand for the State of South Dakota where the Mount Rushmore monument is located and represent the old and the new ships to bear the name RUSHMORE. The mountain peak and trees, referring to the land, also recall the mission of USS RUSHMORE as a landing ship dock. Light blue suggests devotion and integrity; green represents vigilance and continuing service.