New Ship’s Crest Honors Navy Lineage of John Basilone Namesake Ships

During the precommissioning period, a new ship’s crest is often the image the public will see most often. But have you ever considered how much thought the Navy gives to every design element in a crest? From shape to symbols to colors, there are many stories behind each new crest. According to Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT), here are some of the key elements of the future USS John Basilone’s crest.

The shape of the shield at the center of the crest is the same as the one used on the seal of the predecessor namesake ship, USS BASILONE (DD 824). This honors the history and lineage of John Basilone’s namesake in the Navy.

In terms of colors and design elements within the shield, obviously red, white, and blue are our National colors. The Blue Diamond shape in the center and Southern Cross configuration of the stars is a reference to the insignia for the 1st Marine Division, the division in which Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone gallantly served during World War II. The crossed water-cooled Browning M1917s denote Basilone’s role as a machine gunner. Behind the diamond, a faint starburst can be seen, alluding to an explosion. Surrounding the blast is a red border consisting of many small ridges, which are reminiscent of machine gun belt-fed ammunition, further alluding to his service as a machine gunner.

The wreath above the shield is cradled by the blue and white of the ribbon colors of the Navy Cross, which was awarded posthumously to Gunnery Sergeant Basilone for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima.  Emerging from the wreath is a body of water characterizing the area of battle for USS JOHN BASILONE. The two palm branches refer to the vegetation of Guadalcanal and GySgt Basilone’s heroic service in defense of Henderson Field. The World War II-era USMC emblem sits between the palms, emphasizing his proud service as a Marine.  Above the wreath, the Medal of Honor ribbon denotes GySgt Basilone’s exceptional valor in action against enemy forces during the Battle of Guadalcanal, which resulted in him receiving America’s most prestigious military decoration.

The Navy officer sword and enlisted cutlass supporting the shield symbolize the cooperation and teamwork between the leadership and crew of the USS JOHN BASILONE. The laurel sprigs in the scroll around the shield refer to excellence and achievement, two concepts that readily apply to the legacy of GySgt Basilone and serve as inspiration to the crew of the future USS JOHN BASILONE. The scroll bears the inscription “HONOR LOYALTY SACRIFICE,” the ship’s motto.  These words characterize the life and service of John Basilone, honor his legacy and charge future generations of Selfless Warriors to sharpen their spears, take a stand and move forward.