Ship's Crest:
 Supporters:The
Naval officer's sword and the cutlass represent past and present Naval
service and readiness to defend the nation through command of the
waters.
The Shield:
Dark blue represents the
Navy. The
ship's namesake, the CARDINAL, represents the mission by removing an
enemy contact mine from the sea. The mines in chief recall the three
previous ships CARDINAL, the star on the center mine alluding to the
battle star awarded YMS 179 for World War II service during which she
swept a record number of mines. Red, white and blue refer to the colors
of the National flag. Ultramarine blue refers to duties performed in
coastal waterways. Red denotes courage, white signifies integrity.
The Crest: The annulet
reflects
the continuing
tradition of distinguished service by all the ships which have borne
the name CARDINAL. Red symbolizes courage and sacrifice. The gold
hexagons refer to the number of ships in the class and denote strength
and endurance. The wreath indicates honor and achievement. The trident
refers to the Navy, the three tines alluding again to the three
previous ships CARDINAL. Gold signifies excellence.
Motto: A doubled scroll, edged and
inscribed "COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE" Azure (dark blue).
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