USS North Dakota

Since the news has already released this information I feel its a good time to post this.

This design of mine was recently chosen as one of five to be considered by the US Navy to become the official crest of the new nuclear submarine the USS North Dakota. You can read the official statement on this here: [link]

This was my original artist statement submitted with my design:

"My design draws inspiration from the history and symbols of North Dakota. The crest in in the shape of an arrow head, drawing attention to the Native AMerican roots of the state (it is also a shape similar to the one used in the state coat of arms). The submarine is seen sailing on a sea of fields. Farmland is very important in North Dakota, and I wanted to show that even though the submarine is a sea faring vessel, it still has ties to the soil, and to the people of the land. Behind the submarine there is a sun rising, with the state of North Dakota inside. The major bodies of water have been included because as North Dakota is of the soil, it is also very much tied to water as well. In the blue background there are arrow shapes, also hearkening back to Native American roots. THe three stars are from the coat of arms of Merwether Lewis, and from Lord Selkirk, the head of the first permanent settlement in this state. The arrow and dot shapes outside of the crest represent the various crops grown in North Dakota. My design says that while this submarine is of the sea, land and water will always be connected, and no place is that more true than in North Dakota."

Even if I don't win, I fell highly honored to have my design even considered for use on a nuclear sub. As soon as I know news about these turn of events you can bet I'll pass them on to you.