The Ship's Crest Explained

In the words of: Peter M. Hekman, VADM USN Ret

Commissioning Chief Engineer, USS HOEL (DDG-13), Com1962 - July 1963 

All the elements in the crest have heraldic meaning. The Motto, "Prima Inter Optimas" translated to "First Among the Best". 

I got this from my High School Latin, and had it verified by the Latin Teachers in the Bay City, MI School System during Pre-Com.

There was argument among them over the words "Best" and "Finest", but they voted for "Best", although either word is a valid

translation to English. They also argued over whether the first word should be "Prima" or "Primo". I settled this argument by insisting

on "Prima", with an "a", as this is the feminine ending, whereas "o" is the masculine, and a ship is referred to in the feminine context.

With respect to the other items, all come from rules of heraldry. The shape of a shield, and the inverted "V" signify defensive purpose. 

The Trident signifies sea power, and the battle ax signifies strength. 

The crescent signifies the second of the line (used on family crests), as DDG-13 was the second Destroyer named in honor of the

Civil War hero, the first USS HOEL being lost in the famous battle off Leyte in WWII.

<Copy of email from Peter Hekman>