Navy Supply Corps, US Navy
NAVY SUPPLY CORPS, US NAVY
| English | SHIELD: Per fess navy ermine and azure. CREST: On a wreath argent and azure two United States Navy swords with sword knots, in saltire proper, surmounted by an escallop shell azure. MOTTO: Ready for Sea. SUPPORTERS: On the dexter side a griffin sergeant and on the sinister side a sea lion sejant erect argent armed and langued gules. |
Origin/meaning
The Coat of Arms of the Supply Corps is a pictorial representation of some of the functions of the Corps. The supply of clothing is represented by the fur of the shield, for man resorted to the use of fur as one of the first means of covering his body. The ermine fur is also emblematic of unstained purity and honor on the high seas, which is symbolized by the blue and wavy partition of the shield. The escallop is considered a delicacy as a food, and is thus used to signify the supply of food. Other functions of the Corps could not be added without marring the beauty and effectiveness of the whole. The Navy swords crossed in saltire indicate the seagoing requirements of the Corps.
The griffin, a symbol of perseverance, courage, vigilance, watchfulness and strength was sacred to the sun, combined the bodily attributes of the cloud-cleaving eagle and the king of beasts, that is, it has the head, neck, wings and talons of an eagle enjoined to the hinder parts of a lion. He is thus a fit emblem of valiance. The sea lion has been used in heraldic design as a reward for bold action achieved within recognized limitations in service at sea.
The motto, “Ready for Sea,” is a recognized naval phrase, and is an expression of everlasting readiness for duty in seagoing service.
Literature: Information from Navy Supply Corps News Letter (September 1982) via Lieutenant Commander Alexander F. Harper
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