Ship Crest

SEAL

The coat of arms emblazoned upon a white oval enclosed by a blue collar edged on the outside with gold rope and inscribed "USS IWO JIMA" above and "LHD 7" below in gold.

SHIELD
Iwo Jima was the site of one of the most important and bitterly fought amphibious operations of World War II. The United States Marine Corps War Memorial is based on the immortal photograph of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi on Feb. 23, 1945, and has become a symbol of strength, courage and valor. The three spearheads represent the amphibious triad: the landing craft, air cushion (LCAC), the amphibious assault vehicle (AAV), and the V-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft. The light blue reflects the seas of the world. The USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), one of the last ships propelled by steam boilers, is reflected by the white disc with the hero's boiler.

CREST
The USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) is configured to deploy with the V-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft. This is symbolized by the attacking Osprey. The previous USS Iwo Jima (LPH 2) was a helo-carrier during the Vietnam Era. The palm fronds commemorate the previous ship and its service in Vietnam.

MOTTO
The motto is based on Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz's words when he spoke of the Sailors and Marines who fought at the battle of Iwo Jima: "Among the Americans who fought at Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue." The red is emblematic of valor and sacrifice.

SUPPORTERS
The crossed swords highlight cooperation and unity that typify the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps "Blue-Green" Team.