USS MONTPELIER

Emblem History

The outline of the body of land with an ornate building superimposed signifies the State of Vermont, and its Capital City, Montpelier. The mountains symbolize the Green Mountain Range and the Winooski River Valley in which the City of Montpelier rests.

The three prominent peaks symbolize the three ships which have borne the name Montpelier. They also symbolize the three prongs of the Trident, the ancient symbol of sea power.

Thirteen of the stars recognize the thirteen battle stars that were awarded to the U.S.S. Montpelier CL-57 during World War 2. The fourteenth star commorates Vermont, the fourteenth State of the Union.

The leaping catamount, native to Montpelier region, signifies the fierce independence and strength of the People of Vermont. The two raised periscopes symbolize looking into the past to draw upon our proud traditions while looking forward to the future of our nation.

The hawser outlining the crest recognizes the Naval Heritage of the ships named Montpelier.

The motto, Audaces Fortuna Juvat, meaning Fortune Favors the Bold, is the traditional motto of the Hayes family, in honor of the ship's sponsor, Mrs. Nancy Hayes Sununu and is representative of the great seafarers of history.

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