Namesake:
Pharmacist Mate Jack Williams
Jack Williams, a U.S. Navy Pharmacist Mate, who served with the Marine
Corps during World War II, carried forward this tradition. He
participated in the Battle for Iwo Jima with the Fifth Marine Division,
and died of multiple wounds, which he received while attempting to give
medical aid to his fellow Marines. He gained his place on the honor
roll of American battle heroes by going forward under intense enemy
fire to assist a Marine who had been wounded in a grenade battle. He
dragged the Marine to a shallow depression and, using his own body as a
shield, administered first aid. Even though he was struck three times
by enemy fire, he temporarily recovered and completed the task of
administering aid to his fallen comrade before applying battle
dressings to his own wounds.
Still, he remained in the fire-swept area to care for yet another
Marine casualty. Only then did he attempt to make it back to the rear
area where he could have found more adequate aid for his own wounds.
His efforts, however, were hampered by pain and profuse bleeding,
making him an easy target for enemy sniper fire.
For his courage under enemy fire, he was posthumously awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor for "his courageous determination,
unwavering fortitude and valiant performance of duty." He also was
cited for being an "inspiring example of heroism in keeping with the
highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."
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Ship's Crest:
 The Shield:
The light blue, the gold star, and
white chevron allude to Pharmacist Mate Third Class Jack Williams who
was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. The ship's mission is
symbolized by the light and dark shades of blue, referring to day and
night, sea and sky, and around-the-clock vigilance. The arrows are
emblematic of the ship's weapons, and the piles represent the guidance
systems. Together, they connote task force readiness.
The Crest: The trident, "V," and
demi-globe on
the wavy bar, refer to the Navy, the 5th Marine Division, and the
assault on Iwo Jima during World War II. The shield emblazons the
conspicuous gallantry of the non- combatant Pharmacist Mate Third Class
Jack Williams, who gave his life for his country.
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