USCGC Oak (WLB-211)

USCGC OAK (WLB-211)

Official blazon

SHIELD: Argent, a naval sword point downward Proper and a lightning flash Gules saltirewise, on a mount in base Vert an oak tree Proper fructed of five acorns Or, bearing a compass rose of the like.
CREST: From a wreath Argent and Gules, a demi lighthouse silhouette Sable radiating three rays on either side of the lantern Or, superimposed by a hand holding an enflamed torch (as on the Statue of Liberty) of the first.
MOTTO: A tripartite scroll Azure doubled and inscribed with DECORA FIDES ROBUR (Honor Devotion Strength) Argent.
SUPPORTERS: On either side of the shield a buoy, Gules on dexter, Vert on sinister.
SEAL: The coat of arms as blazoned upon a white disc enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outside with a gold rope and inscribe “USCGC OAK” above and “WLB 211” below in gold

Origin/meaning

SHIELD: The oak tree embodies the cutter’s namesake and is symbolic of strength and resiliency. The five acorns represent the following USCGC Oak’s missions: Aids to Navigation, Search and Rescue, National Defense, Law Enforcement and Environmental Protection. The compass rose implies guidance and also highlights the Search and Rescue mission. Gold is emblematic of excellence and high achievement. The sword represents our national defense and the enforcement of U.S. Maritime and environmental protection laws. The lightning flash signifies the cutter’s state of the art technology and quick response capabilities. Red is the color for zeal and action.
CREST: The lighthouse and the Statue of Liberty’s torch and hand commemorate the previous USCGC Oak and its home port in New York Harbor. It was a lighthouse tender that delivered coal to lighthouses in the third Coast Guard district.
SUPPORTERS: The buoys, vital guideposts for mariners, highlight the USCGC Oak’s primary mission to service Aids to Navigation and having the largest number of floating aids for any sea going buoy tender. Red and green are two of the primary colors to mark the edges of safe water areas.

Literature: image from Wikimedia Commons, Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army