SHIELD
Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally
associated with the Navy. The anchor interlaced
with the officer’s and enlisted swords symbolize
sea prowess and teamwork. The AEGIS system’s
octagonal shape highlights the modern weaponry of
DDG 53 with its anti-air, surface, sub-surface,
and strike warfare capabilities. The white border
with the thirteen black rivets represents day and
night vigilance, solidity, and determination.
The number of rivets, resembling cannon balls,
also recalls the thirteen colonies and the naval
guns used by John Paul Jones in battle.
CREST
The portrait is of John Paul Jones, father of
the American Navy. His heroism against larger and
better-equipped forces established a naval tradition
that has never been forgotten. The naval gun
represents weaponry of that period.
SUPPORTERS
John Paul Jones displayed the flags on his warships.
The thirteen star flag commemorates the most famous
Revolutionary War naval combat when John Paul Jones
captured Serapis. The rattlesnake “Don’t Tread On Me”
flag reflects the temperament of the times.
SEAL
The coat of arms as blazoned in full color upon a
white oval edged on the outside with gold rope and
inscribed USS JOHN PAUL JONES at top and DDG 53 at
bottom in blue.
USS JOHN PAUL JONES (DDG 53) honors the Father of the American Navy. Born in Scotland, Commodore John Paul Jones earned the undying respect and admiration of his countrymen by his extraordinary courage, tactical genius and audacity during the American War for Independence. Without hesitation, he single-handedly took the war at sea to the British, attacking their coastlines and capturing their ships in the British fleet’s home waters. These acts inspired and transformed the fledgling Colonial Navy from an upstart band of rebels to a recognized fighting force, providing critical justification for recognition of the colonies and their right to independence from Great Britain.
John Paul Jones is best remembered for his heroic defeat of the British 50-gun frigate SERAPIS on September 23, 1779. The three-hour battle off Flamborough Head, in which John Paul Jones, in command of BONHOMME RICHARD, was victorious over a vastly superior British foe, established the spirit from which has grown the greatest Navy the world has ever known. Today, USS JOHN PAUL JONES proudly displays the flag of the captured SERAPIS as her Battle Ensign. DDG 53’s motto, “In Harm’s Way” reflects Commodore Jones’ understanding that victory at sea will always require fast ships which are prepared to close and defeat the enemy.
