Ship's Crest:
 The Shield:
Dark blue and gold are the colors
traditionally used by the Navy to reflect the sea and excellence. Black
is indicative of strength and stability. Blue denotes loyalty and
devotion. White is emblematic of integrity and is symbolic of sea foam
and breakers. The two mines recall the two previous ships of the same
name and underscore the Black Hawk's mine hunting capabilities. The
stylized paddlewheel is reminiscent of the First Black Hawk (a
sidewheel steamer which served as flag ship for Rear Admiral D.D.
Porter and S.P. Lee, successive commander of the Mississippi Squadron).
The paddle wheel further simulates a maritime compass suggesting
leadership, guidance and alludes to navigation and the far reaching
scope and mission of the past and present USS Black Hawk. The annulets
incorporated into the paddle wheel suggest continual efforts. The
paddle wheel, together with the two mines, symbolize the three ships
bearing the name Black Hawk.
The Crest: The waves of the sea
denote the
coastal waters, harbors, waterways and Navy theater of operations. The
stylized black hawk reflects the continuous aggressiveness of the Black
Hawk and its crew in carrying out their mission of minehunting,
fueling, repairing and keeping combatant vessels in fighting trim. The
name Black Hawk was derived from Indian Chief Black Hawk mentioned in
history as the leader of the Sac & Fox tribes during the Black
Hawk
war. The star on the hawk's wing is commemorative of the battle star
received by the Second Black Hawk for her service in World War II.
Motto: "Fortune Favors the Bold"
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