An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Crest
Welcome to the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) official webpage.
Menu


Crest

SHIELD: Celeste, two cannons in saltire muzzles upward, surmounted by a missile in pale erect, all between three mullets in chief and as many in base, that in base point reversed, Argent detailed Gris. All within a diminished bordure of the second.

REST: Issuant from a wreath of the colors Argent and Celeste, a representation of the Naval Aviator Badge surmounted by a F4U Corsair all Proper, at the apex, between the folded wings, a starburst Or.

SUPPORTERS: Two lions rampant Or, each gorged with a collar Azure, on the dexter side the collar inscribed “211,” and on the sinister side, a collar inscribed “205,” both numerals of the first.

Gules, the inscription: “ABOVE ALL OTHERS” in Gold letters.

SHIELD: The colors light blue and white are representative of the Medal of Honor ribbon and also allude to the sky and clouds, the field of action of a fighter pilot. The six mullets (stars) are representative of the six aircraft flight squadron of which Thomas Hudner was a member. The inverted star in base symbolizes his element leader and friend, Ensign Jesse L. Brown, the Navy's first African-American carrier pilot, who then-LTJG Hudner valiantly attempted to save in 1950. The cannons and missile represent the ammunition of the advanced weapons systems and the naval surface combatant technology aboard USS THOMAS HUDNER, a restart Technical

Insertion ship with elements of the next generation of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, called “Flight IIA.” The ship’s mission includes anti-aircraft, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

CREST: The torse takes the first metal and color from the shield and here, also, symbolizes the sky and the snowy frozen terrain on which Thomas Hudner landed his plane during the battle of Chosin (the “Frozen Chosin”) in Korea. Captain Hudner is the only Naval Aviator to receive the Medal of Honor which these colors also represent. The wings and shield are from the Naval Aviator Badge and reflect Thomas Hudner’s service in Naval Aviation. The star-burst is modeled after the symbol of the “Chosin Few.” The wings of the Corsair are raised in salute.

SUPPORTERS: Lions traditionally represent strength, courage and fortitude. They are also known for protecting their own and thrive as group hunters. Here, they also allude to Captain Hudner’s valiant actions that earned him the Medal of Honor, as he risked his life attempting to rescue and protect a fellow squadron mate whose plane was forced down by enemy anti-aircraft fire. The lion on the left wears a dark blue collar with the tail number of Jessie Brown’s plane, “211.” The lion on the right has a dark blue collar with Thomas Hudner’s tail number, “205,” in gold, also symbolizing his distinguished Navy career.

SEAL: The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oblong disc within a dark blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name “USS THOMAS HUDNER” at the top and “DDG 116” at the base.

 
Navy.mil  |  Navy.com  |  Navy FOIA  |  DoD Accessibility/Section 508  |  No Fear Act   |  Open Government  |  Plain Writing Act  USA.gov  |  Veterans Crisis Line  |  VA Vet Center  |  FVAP  |  DoD Safe Helpline  |  Navy SAPR  |  NCIS Tips  |  Privacy Policy  |  Site Map  |  Contact Us   |  988 Helpline
 
Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic  |  1751 Morris Street  |  Norfolk, Virginia 23511-2808
Official U.S. Navy Website
Veteran's Crisis Line