Ship's Crest:
 Seal:The
coat of arms in full color as in the blazon, all upon a white
background and enclosed within a dark blue oval border edged on the
outside with a gold rope and bearing the inscription "USS RAVEN" at the
top and "MHC 61" in base all gold.
The
Shield: Purpure, a stylized
horned mine Or,
overall a raven close regardant to dexter upon a Naval officer's sword
and cutlass saltirewise points up Proper. Purpure refers to use of that
color in the poem The Raven and other works of the late American author
Edgar Alan Poe, now buried in Baltimore, Maryland. Gold is emblematic
of honor and high achievement. The stylized mine highlights USS RAVEN's
mine warfare mission past and present. Crossed sword and cutlass
emphasize teamwork and reflect the contribution to readiness made by
everyone assigned. The ship's namesake, the raven, underscores the
ship's commitment to mission.
The
Crest: From a wreath Or and
Purpure, a
demi-sun insplendor superimposed by a stockless anchor Sable bearing on
the shaft an ancient spearhead Proper, overall an arc of three mullets
Azure. The sunburst highlights the U.S. Navy's worldwide deployed
presence under a sun in the sky by a clever raven according to native
American lore. The stockless anchor, used by the previous USS RAVEN,
symbolizes the present USS RAVEN's firm hold on the finest traditions
of the Navy. The spearhead symbolizes the mine warfare force's mission
to be the first to enter dangerous waters. Three blue stars commemorate
battle stars earned by the previous USS RAVEN during World War II for
conducting mine clearance at the approaches to Utah Beach at Normandy,
and before other engagements in the Mediterranean Sea.
Motto: A scroll Or doubled, and
inscribed "HERE
AM I, SEND ME", Azure. A biblical character's answer to a call of
service taken from Isaiah chapter six, verse eight. It highlights USS
RAVEN's willingness to serve without hesitation in whatever capacity
she is called.
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