She is named for Senator John Lester Hubbard Chafee (1922–1999), a Marine veteran of Guadalcanal who also served as the Secretary of the Navy.

[1] Chafee left her homeport of Pearl Harbor 20 May 2005 for her maiden deployment with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

[2] Chafee departed Pearl Harbor 9 April 2007, as part of the San Diego–based Nimitz CSG and deployed to the U.S 5th Fleet (C5F) area of operations.

[3] Chafee returned home to Pearl Harbor on 22 September 2007, marking the end a successful 167-day Western Pacific and Middle East deployment.

The base of the crest is a blue and white decorative rope.The two swords signify Chafee's military service in two wars, specifically the mameluke symbolizes his time in the Marine Corps.

The laurel wreath is a symbol Chafee's honor and achievement during his time as a marine, Secretary of the Navy, senator and governor.