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USS Mobile Bay (CG 53)
Shield
The shield, located in the center of the crest, contains a ship's wheel and crossed cutlass and sword. The wheel represents naval leadership on the oceans of the world. The modern ship, crossed swords, and cutlass signify professional expertise and the spirit of the Surface Warfare community from which the ship's officers and crew are drawn. A naval cannon, typical of armaments used in the Battle of Mobile Bay, supports the shield and symbolizes ancient and modern weaponry.
Crest
The Battle of Mobile Bay is recalled by the silhouettes of the steam sloop USS HARTFORD and CSS TENNESSEE. The former was the flagship of Admiral David Farrugut's Federal Fleet and the later a ram of the Confederate Navy. The four stars reflect Admiral Farragut's commission as the Navy's first four-star admiral.
Border
A continuous anchor chain signifies a unity of purpose and teamwork; the elongated octagonal band suggests the unique, primary radar associated with the AEGIS system.
Motto
The ship's motto, "FULL SPEED AHEAD," is based on Admiral Farrugut's famous command issued during the battle and typifies the Admiral's key to success in war -- straight thinking and determined action.
The purpose of the ship is to detect, classify and track hundreds of potential targets simultaneously in the air, on the surface, and under the sea. It can destroy targets using a variety of weapons: ship and helicopter launched torpedoes, deck guns, surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, rapid-fire close-in weapons, and electronic jammers and decoys.
UNIT 100515 BOX 1 FPO AP 96672 619-556-4509