SHIELD
Azure, a barrulet wavy argent, issuing from base a stylized demi-mine sable
enflamed gules and or; overall a pile of the like bearing a trident head of
the first charged on the shaft with a lightning flash of the second.
CREST
Rising from a wreath of the colors (argent and azure),a dragon's head
breathing flames proper, gorged with a collar azure rimmed or and charged with
five mullets argent; overall at base two crossed swords, a sabre point to
dexter base and a cutlass point to sinister base proper.
MOTTO
On a scroll azure edged or the words" IRON MEN NO GREATER HEROES" in letters
of the second.
SEAL
The coat of arms emblazoned upon a white oval enclosed by a blue collar on the
outside with a gold rope and inscribed with the words USS DEVASTATOR above and
MCM 6 below in gold letters.
Symbolism
SHIELD
Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally used by the United States
Navy. Sea waves are symbolized by the white wavy bar. A trident is the symbol
of sea power; it is charged with a lightning flash to highlight MCM 6's modern
electronic warfare capabilities. The pile, or "V" shape, pointing down toward
the mine, emphasizes the ship's minesweeping mission: to search, detect and
detonate mines. The pile also simulates a ship's bow cutting through the sea
to clear critical sea lanes of enemy mines. The stylized detonated mine
highlights the previous ship's service during the dangerous preinvasion
minesweeps of Japanese and Korean waters.
CREST
The name of the ship is characterized by the dragon, symbolizing invincibility
and power. The dragon breathing fire also dramatizes the action to remove the
enemy threat. The cutlass together with the sabre reflects the team spirit of
the enlisted and officers. The five stars on his collar honor and commemorate
the previous USS Devastator's three battle stars for World War II service and
two for Korean War service.