Military

DDG 53 John Paul Jones

USS John Paul Jones is the third ship in the Arleigh Burke-class of destroyers to be built and the first assigned to the Pacific Fleet. John Paul Jones is designed to conduct simultaneous operations against land, air, surface, and subsurface targets.

The dark blue and gold, in the ships shield, are the colors traditionally associated with the Navy. The anchor interlaced with the officer and enlisted swords symbolize sea prowess and teamwork. The AEGIS system's octagonal shape highlights the modern weaponry of JOHN PAUL JONES with its anti-air, surface, sub-surface and strike warfare capabilities. The white border with the thirteen black rivets represents day and night vigilance, solidity and determination. The number of rivets, resembling cannon balls, also recalls the thirteen colonies and the naval guns used by John Paul Jones in battle.

The portrait, on the crest, is of John Paul Jones, father of the American Navy. His heroism against larger and better equipped forces established a naval tradition that has never been forgotten. The naval gun represents weaponry of that period.

The flags, on either side of the shield, were displayed by John Paul Jones on his warships. The thirteen star flag commemorates the most famous Revolutionary War naval combat when John Paul Jones captured the Serapis. The rattlesnake "Don't Tread on Me" flag reflects the temperament of the times.

John Paul Jones

John Paul Jones is the Father of the American Navy. Born in Scotland, Commodore John Paul Jones earned the undying respect and admiration of his countrymen by his extraordinary courage, tactical genius and audacity during the American War for Independence. Without hesitation, he single-handedly took the war at sea to the British, attacking their coastlines and capturing their ships in the British fleets' home waters.

These acts inspired and transformed the fledgling Colonial Navy from an upstart band of rebels to a recognized fighting force, providing critical support for the colonies and their bid for independence from Great Britain. John Paul Jones is best remembered for his heroic defeat of the British 50-gun frigate Serapis on 23 September 1779. The three hour battle off Flamborough Head, in which John Paul Jones, in command of Bonhomme Richard, was victorious over a vastly superior British foe, established the spirit from which has grown the greatest navy the world has ever known.