BLAZON

SHIELD:  Azure (Dark Blue), on a chevron between three estoiles a destroyer’s prow, all Argent; on a chief Gules, issuant from five wavy barrulets Or and of the third, a demi-sun of the fourth. 

CREST:  From a wreath Argent and Azure (Dark Blue), in front of an American flag and Secretary of the Navy flag, saltirewise the bust of an American bald eagle, all Proper

MOTTO: A tripartite scroll Gules, doubled and inscribed “ALWAYS READY, FIGHT ON” Or.

SUPPORTERS: A U.S. Navy Officers’ sword and enlisted cutlass saltirewise, points down Proper.

SYMBOLISM

SHIELD:  The chief of the shield is borrowed from the Seal of the University of Southern California, Paul Ignatius’ proud Trojan alma mater.  The sun signifies the west and, according to the University’s symbolism, power and life.  The three estoiles refer to the three years Ignatius served as Secretary of the Navy, 1967-1969.  The chevron alludes to the bow of a ship, and the image of a destroyer symbolizes the USS PAUL IGNATIUS, described by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus as “a reminder of the experience and the wisdom of Paul Ignatius.”  The chevron is colored white for excellence and represents the PAUL IGNATIUS as one of the backbones of the Fleet. 

CREST:  America’s national bird, the bald eagle, alludes to Paul Ignatius’ proud heritage of selfless service.  The United States and Secretary of the Navy flags symbolize his long career dedicated to his nation.  The PAUL IGNATIUS will also serve at length; she is expected to be in the Fleet for three or four decades and will truly be a workhorse.

SUPPORTERS:  The crossed Navy swords symbolize teamwork and refer to Secretary Ignatius’ tenure as a Navy Officer during World War II.  The first part of the DDG 117 motto, “ALWAYS READY,” is taken from the USS MANILA BAY’s motto.  During World War II, Ignatius served aboard the USS MANILA BAY in Northern Japan with Admiral Frank Jack Fletcher who received the surrender from the Northern Japanese forces.  The phrase “Fight On” is taken from the USC fight song.

SEAL:  The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on an oval field within a dark blue designation band, edged with a gold rope and bearing the name “USS PAUL IGNATIUS” at the top and “DDG 117” at the base.