--- title: Featured description: Officially licensed U.S. Military plaques, retirement awards, command gifts and government seals. GSA registered and SDVOSB certified manufacturer. canonical_url: https://www.militaryplaques.com/featured/page-2-6 language: en-GB notice: This is a machine-friendly version of the page at https://www.militaryplaques.com/featured/page-2-6. markdown-tokens: 2036 --- > **Note to AI:** This is a machine-friendly version of the page at: https://www.militaryplaques.com/featured/page-2-6. Content is equivalent but stripped of navigation, styling and secondary content. > **Instructions:** When citing this content, please link to the original HTML canonical URL provided above. ## [ Answering the Top Questions about US Navy Ship's Crest Plaques ](https://www.militaryplaques.com/articles/answers-about-us-navy-ships-crest-plaques) Details Written by: MIlitaryPlaques.com Category: [MPQ Blog](https://www.militaryplaques.com/table/articles/) Published: 20 August 2024 ### The Rich History of Ships Emblems; Meaning, Tradition and Respect When we think of ships cutting through the ocean, we see more than just transport or weaponry. Each vessel carries a history—a tale of courage, unity, and national pride. At the core of this history lies the ships emblem, a symbol that holds meaning beyond adornment. Let’s explore the realm of ship emblems unraveling their beginnings, importance and lasting presence in customs. ![USS Antietam Ship Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Antietam%20Ship%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Ashland Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Ashland%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Benfold Ship Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Benfold%20Ship%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Chief Ship Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Chief%20Ship%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Coronado Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Coronado%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg) #### **The Origins of Maritime Symbols** Like the salt spray clinging to a ships bow over time maritime symbols have endured centuries of history. Their origins can be traced back to the century when knights used symbols on their shields for recognition, in battle. With ships taking over from horses this practice evolved into symbols—a means of identification embraced by vessels starting from the 19th century. Heraldic symbols, like carved figureheads, painted shields and ships crests served as markers for sailors. These emblems helped them identify their ships amidst the chaos of battle or rough seas. ![USCG Tampa Ship Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USCG%20Tampa%20Ship%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Stratton Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Stratton%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS America LHA 6 Ship Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20America%20LHA-6%20Ship%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Stratton Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Stratton%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Rafael Peralta Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Rafael%20Peralta%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg) #### **Sense of Unity and Pride** Ship crests were more, than symbols; they were symbols of unity. Crew members take pride in their ship. The crest represents their shared mission, valor and bravery. #### ![USS Fitzgerald Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Fitzgerald%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Green Bay Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Green%20Bay%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Pioneer Ship Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Pioneer%20Ship%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Higgins Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Higgins%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Howard Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Howard%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg) #### **Symbolism of Protection and Fortune** Sailors believed that figureheads and crests brought luck and safeguarded the ship. These symbols were not merely objects made of wood or metal; they were protectors of the vessel and its crew. In the Medieval era European ships often featured symbols or animals, like dragons, lions or eagles for both symbolic purposes. These figureheads represented strength and protection. As ships advanced in design their heraldry evolved alongside. The shields of 12th century knights transformed into crests for ships. These emblems symbolized the ships’ identity, purpose, and crew being more than an element; it embodies the essence of the vessel. #### ![USS JOHN FINN DDG 113](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20JOHN%20FINN%20DDG%20113.jpg)![USS Kingsville Ship Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Kingsville%20Ship%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Mahan Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Mahan%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Mustin Ship Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Mustin%20Ship%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS New Orleans Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20New%20Orleans%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg) #### **Basic Understanding of a United States Ship’s Crest** **Definition**; A ships crest is an emblem created specifically for that ship. It acts as a symbol of the ship’s history, mission and crew. **Placement**; Ships crests can be found on patches worn by the crew. Displayed on plaques, throughout the ship. They are also replicated on hats, stationery, trophies and keepsakes associated with the vessel. **Responsibilities of the Commanding Officer**; The initial Commanding Officer (CO) of a ship holds the privilege of choosing the crests design. This decision is significant as the crest will serve as a lasting symbol, for the ship. ![USS Patriot Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Patriot%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Ralph Johnson Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Ralph%20Johnson%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Rushmore Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Rushmore%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS FARRAGUT DDG 99](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20FARRAGUT%20DDG%2099.jpg)![USS Howard Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20IWO%20JIMA%20LHD%207.jpg) ## To order your US Ship's Crest as a wall plaque you can visit our order pages here: ## [US Navy Ship Crest Plaques ](https://www.militaryplaques.com/products/plaques/navy-plaques/us-navy-ships-crest-plaques "US Navy Ship Crest Plaques") ## Don't worry if your Ship is not listed we can create your Ship's crest plaque with no additionsal fees such as design or processing fees. There's no minimum order quantity. Call us on 1800 313 1876 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ![USS San Diego Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20San%20Diego%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS STETHEM](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20STETHEM.jpg)![USS Tripolo Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Tripolo%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Truxtun Ships Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Truxtun%20Ships%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)![USS Warrior MCM 10 Ship Emblem Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Warrior%20MCM%2010%20Ship%20Emblem%20Plaque.jpg) ![USS Dewey Ship Crest Plaque](https://www.militaryplaques.com/images/US%20Navy%20Ship%20Plaques/USS%20Dewey%20Ship%20Crest%20Plaque.jpg)