Ship Crest

SHIELD: The battle axe is adapted from the Stout family coat of arms. Its upright position underscores Stout's massive firepower and high survivability while the double axe head, facing both ways, alludes to the all-encompassing offensive and defensive power of the integrated AEGIS combat system.  

The star highlights Adm. Stout's combat awards, including the Navy Cross and Silver Star. 

With resolute courage and daring aggressiveness, Stout, as Commanding Officer of the destroyer USS Claxton, aided his task force in sinking five heavily armed enemy warships to establish our beachhead on Bougainville Island. This naval battle is symbolized by the wedge piercing the field of the shield; the wedge represents Stout and the U.S. Naval force disabling and destroying a surface force of superior fire power, signified by the field of the shield. 

CREST: The cross suggests the Navy Cross, one of many decorations awarded to Stout, and exemplifies the strong devotion to God and country that characterized Stout's Naval career and now reminds us that no Stout Sailor stands alone. 

The cross is inflamed to recall the fierce bombardment of the naval battle in the Solomon Islands. 

The hunting skills commemorates Stout and the men and officers who served under his leadership, as well as the men, women, and officers who now continue that tradition serving aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55).