Shield: The colors of the shield and star are adapted from the Texas state flag. The star also commemorates the first ship to bear the name San Antonio. Red is the color of valor and sacrifice, blue is for loyalty and white is for purity of purpose. The Alamo honors the heroes who offered their lives to ensure the freedom of Texas. The bluebonnets refer to Texas, and the olive branch highlights the ship’s peacekeeping mission.
Crest: The trident and cannon represent the old and new weaponry. The cannon balls and nineteenth century cannon were similar weapons used by the Alamo defenders. The trident, symbol of sea prowess, represents the “mobility triad” of Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles, Landing Craft Air Cushions, and MV-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft that USS San Antonio is built around.
Motto: “Never Retreat, Never Surrender” Refers to Alamo’s commander, Lt. Col. William Barrett Travis writing to the People of Texas, “I shall never surrender or retreat…Victory or death!”