Visit the official U.S. Navy Information site for DDG-103 for more information:

The symbolism of the blazon above is as follows:
The Shield in colors of dark blue, white, and gold are traditionally used by the US Navy and recal the sean and excellence. Red is emblematic of courage and sacrifice. The vertical white bar alludes to the Vertical Launch System strike warfare capability of the present ship. The trident, symbol of the sea prowess, represents DDG 103's multi mission offensive and defensive capabilities with its three times signifying AAW, ASW, & ASUW. The three modern missles in chief (ASROC, Tomahawk, and Standard) also give emphases to the precision fire, modern weaponry of DDG 103 in the air, sea, and strike arenas.
The Crest containing the silhouette of the USS Constellation recalls Commodore Thomas Truxtun being assigned to that ship in the early naval history of our country. He was one of our nation's premier sea fighters of that time. The stars commemorate the heritage of the five previous ships named Truxtun. The Aegis shield and anchor combined with the USS Constellation highlight the old and new US Navy warships and their long and proud history.
The Motto is derived from the golden medal presented to Captain Thomas Truxtun in March of 1800 by the President. The medal is emblematical of the action between the US frigat Constellation, of thirty-eight guns, and the French ship of war La Vengeance, of fifty-four guns; in testimony of the high sense entertained by Congress of his gallantry and good conduct in the above engagement,, wherein an example was exhibited by the captain, officers, sailors, and marines, honorable to the American name, and instructive to its rising navy. The medal is struck with the passage "U.S. Frigat Constellation of 38 guns Pursues, Attacks, & Vanquishes the French ship La Vengeance of 54 guns, Feb 1800.
The Supporters, the crossed sword and cutlass highlight teamwork and cooperation.

25 April 2009

"Man our ship...give her life," was the command given by sponsors Mrs. Susan Martin and Mrs. Carol Leigh Roelker which spurred the crew members on shore to run up the forward and after brows and man the rails as pictured above.

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