Namesake:
Commodore John Paul Jones
USS JOHN PAUL JONES 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
fleets' home waters. These acts inspired and transformed the fledgling
Colonial Navy from an upstart band of rebels to a recognized fighting
force, providing critical support for the colonies and their bid for
independence from Great Britain. John Paul Jones is best remembered for
his heroic defeat of the British 50-gun frigate Serapis on 23 September
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. DDG 53's motto reflects
Commodore Jones' belief that victory at sea will always require fast
ships, able to defeat the enemy, and to go… "In Harm's Way!"
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Ship's Crest:
Shield: The dark blue and gold, in
the ships
shield, are the colors traditionally associated with the Navy. The
anchor interlaced with the officer and enlisted swords symbolize sea
prowess and teamwork. The AEGIS system's octagonal shape highlights the
modern weaponry of JOHN PAUL JONES 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. The flags, on either side of the shield, were
displayed by John Paul Jones on his warships. The thirteen star flag
commemorates the most famous Revolutionary War naval combat when John
Paul Jones captured the Serapis. The rattlesnake "Don't Tread on Me"
flag reflects the temperament of the times.
Crest: The portrait, on the crest,
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: The flags were displayed
by John
Paul Jones on his warships. The thirteen star flag commemorates the
most famous Revolutionary War naval battle, during which John Paul
Jones captured the 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 a gold rope and inscribed
USS JOHN PAUL JONES at the top and DDG 53 at the bottom.
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