USS Douglas (PG-100)

USS Douglas PG-100
Narrative and photos provided by Dave Donaldson

First US Navy ship to bear the name. The welcome aboard pamphlet states that DOUGLAS was named for eight towns and cities.  A check for ZIP codes establishes 10 towns and cities named DOUGLAS; they are located in: Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Wyoming

• Commissioned 6 February 1971 at Tacoma WA

• Decommissioned 1 October 1977 at Little Creek VA

• Stricken from the US Naval Vessel Register 1 October 1977

• Transferred to the David Taylor Naval Research and Development Center Annapolis MD. Renamed RV (Research Vessel) LAUREN. Presently in custody of Carderock Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, US Navy at Panama City Beach FL

Each command within the U.S. Navy is authorized to display an emblem and motto symbolic of its mission. mission. The dragon, which dominates the DOUGLAS’ insignia, is the heraldic symbol for vigilance; it is superimposed on a shield, symbolizing defense.

On the shield over the dragon is inscribed the ship’s motto, "VIGILANS ET CONFIDENS," the Latin words meaning "VIGILANT AND BOLD." Surrounding the shield is a helm, the traditional symbol of a seagoing vessel. The eight spokes of the helm symbolize the eight cities and towns in the United States named Douglas.  The ship’s motto challenges the men of the USS DOUGLAS to exercise constant vigilance in defense of the United States, and to strike boldly at any enemy who dares to threaten the freedom of our country.

Narrative and photos provided by Dave Donaldson.