Ship's Crest:
 Description of Coat of
Arms: In
ancient times warriors used the Coat of Arms as a method of unit
identity and as a means of showing the history of their family and
battles that they have fought. GLADIATOR's crest has followed in the
same traditions of yesteryear in the design of its crest. The crest was
designed in stages, first of which is the outer blue ring with gold
rope. This has two meanings, first the blue and gold are the colors of
standard Naval tradition and the gold continuous loop rope which
signifies perfection in continuity and teamwork. This is followed by a
bold red ring bearing the ships name, class and two stars. The color
red is a symbol of committment and power and the two gold stars
exemplify past battles of other U.S. Naval vessels which bore the name
GLADIATOR. The center of the crest uses symbols and wording to explain
to others how things were in the past and how we feel about the future.
The latin words "Momentum Consultum," meaning "Deliberate Urgency," is
the way we will act in an actual minefield and "Victoria Indubitata,"
meaning "Certain Victory," is a metaphor for the ship's conviction to
emerge triumphant from combat. The tridents and the net are symbols of
both past and present, in the past the trident and net were used as
weapons of ancient gladiators. Today the trident is a symbol of Naval
education and sea power and the net is used to symbolize the sqeepgear
used by GLADIATOR when sweeping for mines. The wooden sword is a Rudis,
an ancient icon awarded to gladiators who continuously demonstrated
feats of bravery and strength and no longer had to compete in the
arena. The rudis is also raised in victory over a shattered mine,
recognizing certain victory. The center shield depicts the colors on
our American flag, and denotes American patriotism and pride. The three
red stripes recognize that we are the third U.S. ship to bear the name
GLADIATOR. Finally the helmet, symbolizes a strong defense and the
classic valor and courage displayed by gladiators in the arenas of old.
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