The various crests, emblems, and other distinguishing insignia displayed by ships, like the coat of arms that originated in ancient days, add a touch of color and a lot of esprit de corps to the unit to which they belong. Some insignia describe the jobs or services performed by the ships which they represent. Others are symbolic of a high point in a ship’s career. Many are drawn up with some specific location in mind. For example, the city or state after which a ship is named.
All of these insignia, however, are symbolic of the pride Sailors feel in their own unit. These crests, or emblems, have for many years been one way of providing the men and women in the Fleet with something that truly belongs just to their ship. A beneficial effect on morale has long been attributed to the adoption by a ship’s company of a crest or emblem, and its use in connection with recreational and social activities.
It wasn't until World War II that unit crest insignia came into popular use throughout the Navy. (Relatively few ships had them during World War I and the 1920s and 30s.) While on extended World War II patrols, crews designed their own ship crests and upon returning to home port proudly flew them on battle flags. Many shipboard personnel wrote to leading artists to have their unit immortalized with a personal coat of arms. Others held contests among themselves and came up with works of art that were indeed their own.
Today a good many ships, aircraft, squadrons and divisions have their emblems pictured on stationery, plaques, patches, coins, hats, shirts, uniforms, and many other items.
The moon and sun at the top on each side of the Victory statue symbolize being vigilant night and day and the defense the Navy provides.
The Victory statue is a combination of the classical Greek Victory image, a sense of action and triumph and the American image, the torch symbolizes the light of civilization and the sword is a symbol of justice and is shown at top in a placement of prominence. A major icon for the city of Indianapolis.
The checkered flags symbolize the winning spirit of Indianapolis and it’s racing heritage.
The horizontal and vertical white lines intersecting with the center circle are taken from the flag of the namesake capitol city and are symbolic of its moniker "Circle City" and the States "Crossroads of America".
The red circle with the star in the middle located in the center of the shield commemorates the capitol city namesake.
The three stars on the shield, including the red circle symbolize the three previous ships with the Indianapolis name.
The ten stars in the surrounding border symbolize the ten battle stars awarded to the USS Indianapolis, CA 35.
The crossed swords pointing down symbolize the search for peace and the end of conflict. The shield behind them is a symbol of protection.
The motto reflects that ships named INDIANAPOLIS have served in WWI, WWII, and the Cold War, and we continue that legacy.
The riband symbolizes maritime heritage and is in blue and gold, the United States Navy's colors.
Scott Arvin grew up in Lafayette, Indiana. His interest in art and design began at a young age, and he has turned this into a successful career. Mr. Arvin has worked as a Senior Art Director in Indianapolis for over 20 years, doing a variety of illustration and award-winning design work for various clients. He attended Indiana State University, where he met his wife, Karen, of 22 years, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art. Scott lives in Indianapolis with his wife and their three children, Scarlett, Cypress, and Severin. An avid birder, Mr. Arvin is a member of the Indiana Audubon Society. In his limited leisure time, he loves to spend time outdoors, travel, and work on his own illustrations and cartoons.
From July 1, 2016 to November 30, 2017 the USS Indianapolis Commissioning Committee held a crest design competition to develop a crest for
possible official use by USS Indianapolis (LCS 17). The competition helped raise awareness of the new ship and the Commissioning Committees
efforts to support the Crew and Commissioning events. The top five selections were submitted to the Commanding Officer for consideration. The
Commanding Officer selects the crest and moto from various sources and submits his selection through various Navy commands for final approval.
The Commissioning Committee does not select the official Crest.
Contest starts.
Deadline to submit Design for the crest.
Top 5 designs selected.
Winner Announced.
The winner will receive two tickets for the Commissioning Ceremony, Round-trip Airfare for two and Two night’s lodging at the site of the Commissioning, which site is to be determined at a later date.
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