USS Arlington Crest

In keeping with military tradition, each ship of the United States Navy has a unique identifying logo, called a crest. The crest is created by the Navy, taking into consideration the ship’s namesake in addition to our naval and national history.

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 bearing 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 September 11, 2001.

Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally used by the Navy. The pentagon-shaped shield, representing the Department of Defense, has a border the color of limestone buff except the red section of the southwest wall, which symbolizes the area of the Pentagon where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building on September 11, 2001. The laurel wreath is symbolic of honor and high achievement, and commemorates the heroism of the first responders to the Pentagon. The trident, representing sea prowess, underscores USS Arlington’s mission to support the 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.

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 lost at the Pentagon site. 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 Pentagon Memorial Benches.

Learn more about the USS Arlington.