Ship's Crest:
 The Shield:
Dark blue and white are emblematic
of the U.S. Navy and the integrity and resolve of the three previous
vessels which bore the name "CHAMPION." The pine tree reflects the
continental service of the first Champion during the Revolutionary War
and the resistance of the thirteen states against England. The pine
appeared during that time as a symbol on early American flags. The
bouget, or water-carrier, refers the water transport service of the
second CHAMPION patrolling the Mississippi, Tennessee and Red Rivers
between 1863 and 1865. The third Champion participated in World War II
in the Pacific and is commemorated by the firebomb, referring to the
kamikaze attack, which damaged her. The components of the chevron
represent each of the previous CHAMPIONs and together symbolize the act
of raising or retrieving floating weapons, or munitions, the mission of
the new ship as mine countermeasures. Red, white, and blue also recall
the markings of the British flag of the revolutionary war period and
the flag of the emerging American Union.
The
Crest: The upraised gauntlet
grasping the
dagger epitomized the ideals and capabilities of the USS CHAMPION. The
wreath of laurel, a traditional emblem of achievement and honor,
together with the gauntlet and dagger captures the spirit of the ship's
designation and commemorates the previous ships' proud heritage and
service. The stars indicate the battle honors of the three previous
CHAMPIONs.
Motto:
"We accept the Challenge."
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