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USS SAN DIEGO (LPD22) History and Crest Fundamentals

Ship Crest:

1. The Shield:
   • The dark blue represents the traditional mission of a deep-water Navy while the lighter blue represents the near shore environments where USS SAN DIEGO will carry out her mission.
   • The Spanish sailing caravel and stylized dolphins are adapted from the City of San Diego’s coat of arms. The caravel is an artistic representation of the SAN SALVADOR, flagship of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who landed at San Diego Bay in 1542. The caravel carries a blue and gold pennant, the City of San Diego flag, and a flag with six lightning bolts alluding to USS SAN DIEGO being the sixth ship of the SAN ANTONIO class of Landing Platform Dock (LPD) ships.
   • The demi-trident indicates naval dominance and the ship’s ability to conduct expeditionary operations utilizing the Marine Corps’ mobility triad - Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV), landing craft air cushion (LCAC), and the Marine Corps’ tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey - in support of the U.S. maritime strategy.
   • The four stars represent ships to bear the name San Diego.
   • The red is representative of the U.S. Marine Corps.
   • The eighteen (18) gold stars pay tribute to the battle stars awarded to USS SAN DIEGO (CL 53) for her combat service during World War II.

• The Crest:
  • The belfry, also adapted from the City of San Diego’s coat of arms, recalls the city’s origin as a mission settlement. The mission bell has been replaced with a ship’s bell acknowledging the city’s long standing connection to maritime industry and the U.S. Navy. The palm wreath signifies honor and victory.

3. The Supporters:
   • The U.S. Navy Officer sword, U.S. Marine Corps Mameluke, and U.S. Navy and Marine Corps enlisted swords symbolize the synergy between the two services. Furthermore, the placement of the swords symbolizes the leadership and direction provided by commissioned officers combined with the strength and support of the senior enlisted cadre forging the foundation of USS SAN DIEGO’s crew and the Navy-Marine Corps Team.

Basic History: