USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) - Ship's Coat of Arms

Ship's Coat of Arms

The sea dragon is an awesome beast that is both vigilant and fierce. Grasping a flaming sword, the sea dragon symbolizes the naval prowess and attack capability of today's USS Bunker Hill. The flaming sword also represents the revolutionary capability of the vertical launching system first introduced in Bunker Hill. The stars commemorate the eleven battle stars the former USS Bunker Hill (CV 17) earned in the Pacific theater during World War II. Blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the Navy and are symbolic of the sea and excellence. The two white bars in the chief represent American courage and purpose as displayed at the Battle of Bunker Hill on 17 June 1775. The red bars symbolize the British assaults on the colonists' entrenchment and the curve below alludes to the hill that the British took at great cost. Battle of Bunker Hill proved to be a rallying point for the Americans, since afterwards the British faced full scale war. The colonists were formidable opponents at Bunker Hill. The entrenchments or redoubts they built are symbolized by the scarlet hill and battlements. The muskets with bayonets recall the weapons of that battle and the powder horn refers to the New Englander's stand until their ammunition supply was exhausted. The anchor is symbolic of maritime traditions and excellence of achievement.