Crest 
Shield
Both blue & gold are colors traditionally associated with the navy, while the former represents the sea and the latter represents excellence. The lettering, lion, anchor, and perimeter are all gold while the crest and background are clue. Representing the invasion of the Normandy beaches during World War II, the caltraps symbolize German fortifications on the beaches while the anchor symbolizes the opposing US naval strength. The broken chevron, thrust forward denotes the successful landing of Allied forces into Nazi occupied France. The broken chevron is composed of white, to symbolize honor and integrity, and red, to symbolize the sacrifice and bloodshed that took place.

Crest
The Pole star signifies the all nations that comprised the Allied Forces during the Normandy Invasion. The star also portrays the four points of the globe, symbolizing the worldwide mission and global impact of the Normandy landings. The gold lion, adopted from the Normandy’s Coat of Arms, represents the location of the assault while also charactering the courage, strength, and determination of the allied invading forces. The lion holds a flaming trident to honor Neptune, but is also the code name for the crucial Naval Gunfire Support along with the delivery of the landing forces.

Motto
“Vanguard of Victory” underscored the Battle of Normandy as the spearhead of the Allied defense which turned the tide for the war in Europe. It also exemplifies the leading role of the AEGIS cruiser in today’s world as a defender of freedom.