America (CV 66) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 22 text:

AMERICA’S Seal The design of the coat-of-arms of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) has its origin in heraldry. The theme is based on the Revolutionary War and the honors intended for the Captain of the first USS AMERICA, the father of the U.S. Navy, John Paul Jones. The upper portion of the coat-of-arms consists of a crest with an American flag of the Revolutionary War, flying above the most glorious event of Jones’ naval career, the battle of BON HOMME RICHARD, which he commanded, with HMS SERAPIS. He defeated SERAPIS in a desperate fight and. as his own ship was mortally wounded, Jones raised the Amerian flag over SERAPIS and sailed her into the Dutch harbor of Texal. Below this is a shield supported by two stags, adapted from the stags which appear on the coat-of-arms of John Paul Jones. These sea stags wear medallions around their necks representing the many honors accorded to Jones by France and the United States. The shield supported by the two stags bear two pheons. or arrowheads, symbolic of the force or power in heraldic design. The lower third of the shield features a coiled rattlesnake, which was a popular symbol of many Revolutionary War flags. The shield of white alludes to the ships sent to America’s aid under the Bourbon flag of France. At the base of the coat-of-arms is AMERICA’S motto: “Don't Tread On Me”. These words were common on battle standards during the Revolutionary War as the colonies fought for their freedom and are today characteristic of the spirit and traditions of this great nation. 18

Page 21 text:

t t' J UNITED STATES SHIP AMERICA

Page 23 text:

AMERICA’S Mission Traditionally, it has been the Navy's mission to control the seas. Without this control. U.S. forces abroad would soon wither for lack of support, and industry at home would decline, even halt, for lack of raw materials that must be delivered via the sea routes of the world. The coming of the nuclear age has not changed this concept. In fact, it has been broadened to include maintaining control of the air over the seas. This is the mission of aircraft carriers like AMERICA, ships that embody two key advantages of our Navy: mobility and versatility. AMERICA is, in effect, a completely equipped air base. However, instead of being a stationary point on the map. a point that can be singled out by ballistic missiles. AMERICA can range the oceans of the world, changing her position hundreds of miles in a single day. AMERICA and her sister carriers of the fleet allow the U.S. to quickly assemble great concentrations of firepower and to deploy it rapidly and skillfully, exerting continuous pressure on the enemy. Unlike bases overseas, these carriers are not dependent on the political temperament of any foreign government. Versatile as well as mobile. AMERICA can be used alternately or simultaneously against submarines and their bases, surface ships and their yards, aircraft and their fields, and for the support of amphibious land and air operations. In brush fire conflicts. AMERICA can move quickly to apply the exact amount of offensive firepower required by the situation. In the event of total war. AMERICA represents a mobile, hard to find base from which retaliatory strikes can be launched against enemy targets. Most importantly, the recognized offensive and defensive capabilities of AMERICA give support to our foreign policy and strength to the Free World, a powerful deterrent to conflict and a force for peace around the world.