File:USS America LHA-6 Crest.png

Azure (Dark Blue), a chevron Gules, edged Or, in base issuant a hand holding a torch Argent (Silver Gray), enflamed Proper all below five mullets in chevron Argent; on two cantons of the third, in dexter a coiled snake of the second and canton sinister, a demi-trident of the first.

From a wreath Or and Azure (Dark Blue), an American eagle wings elevated, grasping in its dexter claw an olive branch all Proper, in its sinister claw six arrows Argent (Silver Gray), bearing on its breast the Coat of Arms of the United States.

A scroll Or doubled Azure (Dark Blue) and inscribed in Latin “BELLO VEL PACE PARATUS” which translates to “Prepared in War or in Peace” of the second.

Behind the shield a United States Navy officer sword and a Marine Corps officer mameluke in saltire, points downward, Proper.

Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the Navy, representing the sea and excellence. Red conveys patriotism. The red chevron edged yellow further symbolizes the Marine Corps enlisted rank insignia and signifies the loyalty, dedication and fighting spirit the Marines bring in support of USS AMERICA’s amphibious mission. The five stars represent the battle stars earned by USS AMERICA (CVA-66) during the Vietnam War. The hand and torch, adapted from the Statue of Liberty, symbolize enlightenment and America’s role as the “Beacon of Liberty.” The gold cantons indicate achievement and honor USS AMERICA’S rich naval heritage. On the left, the coiled snake is reminiscent of the Gadsden flag, the first flag carried into battle by the Continental Marine Corps; on the right, the trident denotes sea power and symbolizes the three previous warships named AMERICA.

The eagle with red, white and blue shield reflects the Coat of Arms of the United States of America with its wings elevated to signify the aviation capability and heritage of USS AMERICA. The eagle further symbolizes the image of the Navy enlisted rank insignia and represents their service to USS AMERICA with honor, courage and commitment. The olive branch and arrows symbolize USS AMERICA’s readiness to conduct either wartime or peacetime operations. The six arrows indicate USS AMERICA’s hull number, first in the America class.

The crossed Navy officer sword and Marine Corps officer mameluke represent leadership and attest to the unity and teamwork between the two Sea Services, the foundation for success of USS AMERICA’s amphibious warfare missions.

The phrase “BELLO VEL PACE PARATUS” (Prepared in War or in Peace), derived from the Second Committee’s recommendation for a motto for the Great Seal of the United States in 1780.

The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oval surmounting a red oval edged white, superimposed by a white oval voided and bearing 50 dark blue stars representing the Military Service Flag in tribute to the unwavering support and sacrifice of military families across the nation. The top star is gold, edged with a thin blue border in honor of those who have sacrificed all in defense of America’s freedom, all within a dark blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name USS AMERICA at top and LHA 6 at base, in gold letters.

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