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Naval History and Heritage Command

NH 64766-KN Insignia: USS GATO (SSN-615)

Insignia: USS GATO (SSN-615)
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Title: Insignia: USS GATO (SSN-615)
Caption: This insignia was devised by the Army Institute of Heraldry and adopted in 1966. Symbolism: Shield; red, yellow and blue colors refer to the presidential unit citation awarded to the first GATO (SS-212). The five points in the chief (which simulate sharks' teeth) allude to the five war patrols for which the citation was awarded. The yellow area represents enemy vessels set against the red sky of war. The figure of the shark alludes to the GATO shark, namesake of the ship. Its open jaws, from which an arrow (representing a torpedo) is issuing, symbolizes constant readiness and aggressiveness. Crest; the portcullis symbolizes the operations in which the first GATO blocked the entrance to Bougainville Sound. The determination with which this mission was carried out led Admiral Halsey to nickname the ship "The Goalkeeper." The scallop shell symbolizes the ships' war patrols. The thirteen stars represent the GATO's thirteen patrols, and the battle stars she was awarded for these patrols.
Description:
Catalog #: NH 64766-KN
Copyright Owner: Naval History and Heritage Command
Original Creator:
After this Year: 1960
Before this Year: 1969
Original Medium: Color Photo, BW Photo
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