Shield: 
The shield is inspired by the coat of arms for County Mayo in Ireland, where Bob is from. The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor represent Bob's service in the United States Marine Corps, and the Navy Cross represents the award he received for his extraordinary heroism in combat. The waves in the center represent Bob's transit across the Atlantic to his new home in the United States. The border symbolizes Bob's Irish heritage with three shamrocks for his sisters Pauline, Rosemarie, and Teresa, who are the ship's sponsors.
Crest:
A naval pennant with the colors of the Irish national flag memorializes all Irish killed in the Vietnam conflict. The caltrops come from the 3rd Marine Division's insignia and represent each of the enemy grenades Bob, in a valiant act of self-sacrifice, removed from his team’s position on July 18th, 1966. The seahorse comes from the insignia of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, in which Bob served, and symbolizes their amphibious nature. The anchor embodies naval tradition, but also hope, as hope is the anchor of the soul. The rampant lion represents the Gallagher family and Bob's courageous spirit.
Supporters:
The Roman gladii, once wielded by brave expeditionary foot soldiers, represent the bravery and warrior spirit of both Bob and this ship that is named for him.
Motto:
From the mantra of Bob and the Gallagher family, "Life is for living, be brave and be bold."