Crest

The moon and sun at the top on each side of the Victory statue symbolize being vigilant night and day and the defense the Navy provides.
 
The Victory statue is a combination of the classical Greek Victory image, a sense of action and triumph and the American image, the torch symbolizes the light of civilization and the sword is a symbol of justice and is shown at top in a placement of prominence. A major icon for the city of Indianapolis.

The checkered flags symbolize it’s competing spirit of racing and heritage.
 
The horizontal and vertical intersecting lines with the center circle are from the capital city symbolic “Circle City” and the States "Crossroads of America".
 
The red circle with the star in the middle located in the center of the shield commemorates the capitol city namesake.
 
 The three stars on the shield, including the red circle symbolize the three previous ships with the Indianapolis name.
 
The ten stars in the surrounding border symbolize the ten battle stars awarded to the USS Indianapolis, CA 35.

The crossed swords pointing down symbolize the search for peace and the end of conflict. The shield behind them is a symbol of protection.
 
The motto “Legacy of War,” reflects that ships named INDIANAPOLIS have served in WWI, WWII, and the Cold War, and we continue that legacy.

The riband symbolizes maritime heritage and is in blue and gold, the United States Navy's colors.