To the left is the oil derrick. The derrick is an enduring symbol of Oklahoma and stands as the source of the state's wealth and power. Around the derrick is wrapped a stylized atom, symbolizing the source of Oklahoma City's power - her nuclear power plant. Beneath Oklahoma City lie the submarine dolphins. Dolphins are the traditional attendants to Poseidon, the mythical god of the sea and patron deity of sailors.
Dolphins are the traditional symbols of submariners worldwide.
These dolphins duplicate those in the warfare insignia worn proudly by American submariners. The crest was designed by Ms. Heather Foster of Oklahoma City in 1985 on the occasion of the ship's launching.