The Oak Leaves on a Navy Captain's Hat: Symbolism of Live Oak in U.S. Shipbuilding History

Q: A U.S. Navy captain's hat has gold oak leaves on the bill. What kind of oak leaves?

I think the oak leaves for Navy insignia are stylized live oak (Quercus virginiana) leaves. Live oak was invaluable in U.S. warship construction (1700s-1800s). Wood is very dense and damage-resistant. USS Constitution was "Old Ironsides" due to live oak strength. The U.S. government bought large live oak plantations to ensure wood for shipbuilding. The tree keeps green leaves most of the year—some call it evergreen but it drops older leaves as new ones appear. Old live oaks in Savannah are beautiful examples.