The ship's badge above was designed in 1961 by the Bluemantle Pursuivant of Arms at the London College of Arms after a request by the then Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Daneil J. Costello, USN.
After nearly a year of study and negotiation, the final design by the College of Arms was accepted.
The eyes symbolize the "eyes of the fleet," which is an important mission for a radar picket destroyer that takes station in the direction of the enemy to detect the enemy's position and to forewarn the fleet.
The low flames that surround the eyes indicate our ability to use our weapons in our defense or in pursuit of our missions. This particular symbol also "commemorates the time when the ship was attacked by the Luftwaffe employing flares..."
The lion rampant is a symbol of courage and wears the cross that recalls the Navy Cross earned by Ensign Hissem. The lion is also a symbol of endurance.
Thus, the eyes with flames, and the courageous lion with symbolism of our namesake's heroism are placed "...on wavy bars alternately silver and blue to illustrate the fact that it is endurance at sea for which your ship (a DER) is noted."