Ship's Crest

BLAZON

Shield: On a Pentagon azure, a laurel wreath superimposed in base by a demi trident erect Or, overall the Arlington House Proper; a bordure in the traditional buff of Indiana limestone proper with dexter base section gules.

Crest: On a wreath Or and Azure, an arc of thirteen stars with alternating rays of the first, a bald eagle volant descending with gaze to base, overall in base is a 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Bench with open end to dexter superimposed by another at the ground anchor point with open end to sinister, all in front of two 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Trees all Proper.

Motto: A tripartite scroll Azure doubled and inscribed "STRENGTH" "HONOR" "FORTITUDE" Or.

Supporters: Four swords, two and two saltirewise points down proper. On dexter side a USN chief petty officer cutlass and USN officer sword: on sinister side USMC officer and non-commissioned officer swords.

Seal: The coat of arms as blazoned in full color upon a white oval enclosed by a blue collar edged on the outside with a gold rope baring the inscription "USS ARLINGTON" at top and in base LPD 24" in gold letters. The rope has 184 twists, one for each of the lives lost at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.

SYMBOLISM

Shield: Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally used by the Navy. The pentagon shaped shield, representing the Department of Defense, has a border or façade the color of limestone buff except the red section of the southwest wall. The red section symbolizes the area of the Pentagon where American Airlines Flight 77, commandeered by terrorists, was targeted and crashed into the building on Sept. 11, 2001. The laurel wreath is symbolic of honor and high achievement, and commemorates the heroism of the first responders at the Pentagon. The trident, representing sea prowess, underscores USS Arlington's mission to support the embarkation, transportation, and deployment of the Marine Corps landing force to conduct amphibious warfare missions. The Pentagon's location in Arlington County is highlighted by the Arlington House adapted from the Arlington County seal.

Crest: The thirteen stars between the rays are from the Department of Defense seal. The two benches with the trees represent two of the 184 illuminated benches of the Pentagon Memorial, a permanent outdoor memorial to the lives taken in the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77. The bald eagle, embodiment of strength, vigilance, and resolve, is long associated with the United States of America and our armed forces. It is soaring above, bowing its head in respect for the fallen. The eagle's wings echo the shape of the Memorial Benches.

Supporters: The crossed Navy officer sword and chief petty officer cutlass, and Marine Corps officer and non-commissioned officer swords symbolize the teamwork of the Navy-Marine Corps war fighting team for the amphibious assault warship, USS Arlington.