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U.S. Air Force Academy Falconry
The Air Force Academy's Class of 1959, the first to graduate from the Academy, chose the falcon as its mascot Sept. 25, 1955, feeling that it best characterized the combat role of the United States Air Force. Falcons tour the United States with members of the Cadet Wing's falconry program, attending airshows and college sports events. (Original U.S. Air Force photo/David R. Armer)
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Posted: 8/27/2009
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Academy to participate in Red, White and Brave Parade
The U.S. Air Force Academy's Cadet Squadron 38 will march in the Red, White and Brave Parade, scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 29. "The Bird," the Academy's mascot, will also participate, and cadet athletes will act as escorts for dignitaries. (courtesy illustration/Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group)
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Posted: 8/27/2009
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Center for Character and Leadership Development (Artist's Rendering)
The new Center for Character Leadership and Development is shown adjacent to Arnold Hall and Harmon Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy in this artist's rendering. Construction on the new facility, designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, is scheduled to begin in March 2011 and be complete late summer 2012. (courtesy illustration)
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Posted: 8/27/2009
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Academy joins social media scene
This screenshot displays the Air Force Academy's Facebook page, "US Air Force Academy (Official)." Fans of the Academy will be able to post comments related to wall postings on the page. (Courtesy illustration/Facebook.com)
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Posted: 8/27/2009
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Academy joins social media scene
The Air Force Academy embraced social media technology with the launch of "US Air Force Academy (Official)" on Facebook and "AF_Academy" on Twitter Aug. 28. Social networking allows Academy officials to interact with the public in a direct and informal setting. (U.S. Air Force illustration / Jessica Jones)
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Posted: 8/27/2009
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USAFA Cadet Rank Insignia
Under changes to cadet uniforms, metal ranks on shoulder boards have been replaced with embroidered ranks, and cadet rank insignias were updated to match cadet squadron organizational structures. (U.S. Air Force illustration)
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Posted: 8/21/2009
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Character Corner
Character Corner is an ongoing series of commentaries furnished weekly by the U.S. Air Force Academy's Center for Character Development during the academic year. (U.S. Air Force illustration)
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Posted: 8/21/2009
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Cadet Squadron 40
The sky blue patch is an odd diamond shape edged in black. Along the bottom edge, against a gray background, are the black words "CLOSING FOR THE KILL." In the top corner, a red sun has four red sunbeams protruding outward. Inside the sun is the Roman numeral "XL." A camouflaged P-40 Warhawk with a tigershark mouth dominates. The aircraft fires six .50 caliber machine guns, and in the background a black enemy aircraft falls out of the sky, leaving a trail of black smoke.
The patch's four colors represent the Air Force Academy classes. The red sun and the "XL" link the present and future members of the 40th Squadron when it was called "ALI BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES." The Warhawk links the squadron with the heritage and glory of the Air Force and the men who fought and died in the early years of air combat. Men who fought in P-40 were quick-thinking, fun-loving, dedicated, and courageous.
This second squadron patch replaced the "ALI BABA" one near the end of the '86-'87 academic year.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 39
The patch consists of a red "39" within the nucleus of a yellow atom. The atom is set on a dark blue circle, ringed by a silver border. At the bottom is the squadron motto, "Potentia Vincere", which is Latin for "The power to conquer". The atom represents the unlimited abilities in each squadron member, and the unity of the squadron as a whole. The colors represent the four classes, and the unified design represents the cooperation necessary among the classes to insure an effective squadron. This was the squadron's original patch, which was discontinued in 1980, but revived in 1991.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 38
The patch, shaped like a shield and outlined in black, has five white stars on a blue background in its upper portion. The nickname "ALL STARS" leaves blue contrails as it flares from the red and white vertical stripes of the lower portion. The blue numeral "38" sits to the upper left of the nickname.
The patch resembles the American flag and the Air Force shield and symbolizes the qualities of patriotism, courage and devotion to duty. "ALL STARS" is testimony to the excellence with which each squadron member performs his duties and responsibilities. The five stars stand for the five ideals of the squadron: character, discipline, devotion to duty, excellence and pride.
This second patch of the squadron was approved in 1972.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 37
The current patch is yet another in the evolution of the squadron's emblem and, technically, another color variation of the original. Its predominant color is royal blue, with gold bordering the circle. In the center, a gray knight with a blue shield, a red and white coronet, and a winged helmet is mounted on a large, gray and white stallion. The knight holds a silver, white and gray lance. A large, cratered, sliver moon and the red numeral "37" are in the upper right hand area. Gold is used for the knight's spur, the saddle girth and the horse's front hoof.
This variation, the third major color change, has been used since 1976.
It is possible to find examples of this patch without the red on the knight's coronet or headban.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 36
The patch, a gray circle with a black border, has in its center the "Pink Panther" outlined in black. He wears a blue flight jacket with a second lieutenant's insignia and holds a white helmet. He leans against the yellow and black numeral "36."
The Pink Panther depicts the cunning and sophistication every cadet strives for during his cadet career. The flight jacket, helmet and gold bars symbolize the cadet's two most immediate goals: a commission as a second lieutenant and a flying career. The fact that the panther is leaning against the "36" signifies that a cadet depends on the other members of the Squadron.
This is the squadron's original patch. The Pink Panther was chosen to adorn the squadron patch because of his popularity as a Saturday morning cartoon character.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 35
The patch is royal blue circle with a black border. A white, brown and black weasel flies two white and black missiles. The weasel's eyes, mouth and gloves are bright red as is the Arabic numeral "35" on the left central position of the emblem. Groups of three and five gold stars are at the top left of the patch. The aggressive weasel holds a gold thunderbolt in the one gloved hand and a flight control stick in the other.
This patch continues the theme of its forerunner a tribute to the F-105 pilots who flew Wild Weasel on surface-to-air suppression missions in Vietnam. The lightning bolt signifies the speed of the Air Force strike capability. The weasel depicts the determination and skill of the Air Force aviator.
This third patch for the 35th Squadron was authorized on Sept. 29, 1983, after approval by General Dynamics Corporation, the manufacturer of the missiles.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 34
The patch is a circle with a gold border. The top half of the background is blue with a white "34" in the upper tight. The lower half of the filed has alternating red and white stripes converging at the center of the patch. A gray A-10 Thunderbolt II with a P-47 Thunderbolt immediately below it dominates the center. A bolt of lightning, gold with a white border, extends from the upper left to the lower right. A gray and purple armored hand holds the bolt, and Polaris lies immediately below the hand.
The dominate colors represent the four classes at the Air Force Academy. Though both aircraft are nicknamed "Thunderbolt," the A-10 symbolizes the modern American Air Force while the P-47 serves as a reminder of its rich heritage. The thunderbolt shows the strength and power of the Air Force, and the arm poised to throw the thunderbolt serves as a warning to potential aggressors that America is ready and willing to use military might to maintain its freedom and society.
The thunderbolt patch, the squadron's third, was designed by Tracy M. Murakami, and approved for use in September 1981.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 33
The patch is a white circle outlined in gold. Two black falcons, diving in formation, leave blue contrails. The black numeral "33" is located in the patch's upper right portion.
The two spacecraft-like falcons represent the mascot of the Air Force Academy, the bird of prey noted for its speed, keen eyesight and fierce fighting spirit. They fly in formation to show the teamwork of the members of the cadet wing and the Air Force.
This is the squadron's original patch.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 32
The patch, bordered in dark green and white, is an emerald green with an aircraft and its contrails are in the center. The dark red inscription "Roadrunners" is at the top. The Roadrunners, a cartoon character, and the bright orange numeral "32" dominate the field. The squadron motto, "Catch Us If You Can," is on the bottom of the patch.
The Roadrunner represents the speed and craftiness, as he always cleverly evades numerous encounters with the infamous coyote. Consistent with the idea of speed and craft is the jet plane soaring to the top of the patch, symbolizing flight and the aspirations of new careers.
This is the squadron's original patch.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 31
The patch, a turquoise circle bordered in black, dominantly portrays the "Grim Reaper." He has a gray and white skull and hands and wears a black cloak. He holds the gold Roman numeral "XXXI" by a chain in his right hand and a scythe in his left.
The "Grim Reaper" represents the reality of death and serves to remind cadets they have, as members of the Armed Forces, devoted their lives to their country. This dedication distinguishes the military profession from all others.
This second patch of the squadron was approved in 1972.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 30
The patch is a circle with a knight's helmet, topped with a four-color plume, in the center. A stylized black and white aircraft leaves a contrail on a blue field to the helmet's left. To its right, the red numeral "30" sits amid red-highlighted yellow flames on a black field.
The knight's helmet represents the military profession--cadet's heritage. The four-colored plume symbolizes the four classes. The flames stand fro war, to which the helmet is impervious. The ascending aircraft on the left suggests freedom of the skies and a peaceful contrast to the flames of war.
This is the squadron's original patch. It may be found with variations in the blue colors.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 29
The patch is a white circle with a gold border. The central figure, a black panther, crouches on the top horizontal bar of the red Roman numeral "XXIX."
The black panther represents the quick strength and cunning of the Air Force; its crouched stance is a reminder that the Air Force is always ready. The white background symbolizes the virtue and nobility of humankind. The red Roman numeral symbolizes the fact that war has existed since antiquity, and the mission of the Air Force is to defend the country.
This is the squadron's original patch.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 28
The patch has an irregular gold pentagon on a yellow-edged blue circle. A stylized SR-71, with a white "28" on it, is centered on the pentagon. Two black lines emanate from the nose of the aircraft and extend to the edges of the pentagon.
The pentagon represents the future Air Force leadership being developed at the Air Force Academy. The stylized SR-71 signifies the search for knowledge and the dedication to the pursuit of national goals. From this aircraft the 28th Squadron once derived its nickname, "Blackbirds." The color gold symbolizes the excellence demanded of Air Force officers.
This is the squadron's original patch. A variation may exist with a white scroll at the bottom of the patch.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 27
The central item of the patch is a fierce representation of a thunderbird on a black bordered triangular field of silver. The triangle sits on a blue, white-bordered, circular field. The thunderbird, bright yellow and outlined in royal blue, has three black concentric triangles superimposed on his chest. The numeral "27" is emblazoned on the bird's tail feathers, directly below the triangles.
The thunderbird, a symbol to the early native Americans inhabiting Colorado, ruled the skies. Since it could produce thunder, lightning and rain, the thunderbird represents the Air Force's dominance of the skies. The silver triangle is a stylized aircraft and the three concentric triangles represent three cubed, or twenty-seven. The patch contains the four academy colors to represent the unity of the wing.
This original patch of the squadron was designed by Donald S. Bowers, Jr., class of 1970.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 26
The patch depicts Snoopy wearing a gold World War I flying helmet and sitting on his sliver dog house atop a bright green hill. The large red numeral "26" is displayed on a blue sky above Snoopy. White clouds form above the numerals. "BARONS" is written in red letters at the bottom of the patch.
Charles Schulz' familiar comic strip character was chosen because of his doggedness in getting the job done--despite constant setback in his pursuit of the Red Baron. Snoopy continually comes back for more, setting a fine example for the cadets of the 26th. The patch also represents the Air Force's air power heritage and contains the four class colors.
This is the squadron's original patch. A variation may exist without the "BARONS" tab.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 25
The patch is a circle containing a blue field bordered in gold. At the base of the circle is the squadron's number expressed in a red Roman numeral accented with black. A black cat with one red eye stands atop the numeral. Two fighters, flying in formation from right to left across the patch, execute a climbing turn and leave gold contrails.
The 25th Squadron is nicknamed after the Redeye missile; the black cat with a single red eye symbolizes this. "Redeye" typifies the unerring accuracy of the squadron in reaching its goals. The blue background symbolizes the sky. The two fighters in formation signify comradeship. The gold contrails left by the fighters indicate that this comradeship is long-lasting and follows cadets into the Air Force.
This is the squadron's original patch.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 24
The patch depicts an eagle on a blue, inverted triangle with black borders. The black and white eagle, clutching a gold lightning bolt, soars above a white globe. A Polaris star, surrounded by two atomic rings, shines above the eagle. The gold numeral "24" is directly below.
The eagle symbolizes the virtues of strength, courage, and character each cadet strives to attain. The lightning bolt represents the global responsiveness of the Air Force. Polaris acts as a guiding light to cadets in their pursuit of knowledge. The atom symbolizes the predominant role of knowledge and technology in the modern Air Force.
This is the squadron's original patch.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 23
The patch is a circular emblem with a World War I aviator soaring through white clouds in the middle of a sky blue background. The word "BARNSTORMIN'" written in blue, sits at the top of the patch, and the red numeral "23" is at the bottom.
Red, white and blue symbolizes the colors of the American flag. The barnstormer represents the spirit and daring of the men who pioneered American commercial and military aviation.
This, the squadron's third patch, was designed by Ron Lowe, class of 1979.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 22
The patch is a triangle with a three-dimensional "22" in the upper part of its red field. A saber with navigator wings on its center and globe on the end of its hilt points toward the center of the field. Eight red, gold, blue and silver rays emanate from the center of the patch.
The emblem's triangle shape compares the squadron's strength and solidarity to one of the sturdiest geometrical shapes--the triangle. The dominate red color symbolizes courage. The saber, with the navigator's badge and globe, represents strength and readiness. The colored light rays, converging to a point on the horizon, signify unity among the four classes of the cadet wing.
This is the squadron's original patch.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 21
The circular patch shows two playing cards, the ace of spades on top of the jack of spades, centered on a green field. The white numerals "21" sit beneath the cards. The patch has a black boarder.
The ace and jack of spades form the winning combination of twenty-one in the card game, Black Jack, thus they note both the squadron's number and nickname. This winning hand symbolizes the ingredients of character necessary to attain success: skill, spirit, ability, and fellowship. The green background represents the combined colors of gold and blue, the colors of the two classes that were involved in the patch's design. This mixture provides the incentive for cooperation between classes.
Grant D. Callin, class of 1963, was the principal designer of the emblem.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 20
The patch is a royal blue circle bordered in black. An aggressive, strong troll stands in the middle. The green troll wears black trousers highlighted in violet. He is striding forward, stepping over the bright red three-dimensional Roman numeral "XX." "TROLLS" is inscribed behind the troll.
In Scandinavian folklore trolls were supernatural giants who lived in the mountains. The 20th Squadron?s troll, a robust character, symbolizes the aggressiveness and confidence of the squadron. It also symbolizes the desire to succeed while simultaneously maintaining a good attitude and sense of humor. The three- dimensional nature of the Roman numeral and the word "TROLLS" signify enduring spirit. The areas of the patch surrounding the troll contains the four class colors.
This patch (20th Squadron's second) was adopted in 1972.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 18
The patch is a light blue circle bordered in red, superimposed on a black and white equilateral triangle. A large black unicorn with a white mane, red horn and green eye is within the circle. A green Arabic numeral "18" highlighted in red sits to the unicorn?s left. A red rook is below the numeral and "ATTENDEZ LES ETALONS" is emblazoned in green across the bottom half of the circle. A large white cumulus cloud stretching across the horizon is located above the line.
The unicorn symbolizes strength, endurance and matchless spirit. The rook represents the academy as a fortress of knowledge. The three points on the triangle signify the three aspects of academy life: Military, academic, and athletic. The clouds show the military and aerospace careers open to graduates of the academy. "Watch for the stallions" is the English translation of the French "ATTENDEZ LES ETALONS."
This is the original squadron patch.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 17
The patch, a blue diamond-shaped emblem bordered in red, has a banner at its vertex. In the diamond, a clenched silver fist holds a silver torch with a bright orange and red flame. An emerald green wreath encircles both the torch and fist. The solid banner at the bottom contains the inscription "17th Squadron."
The clenched fist signifies power and tenacity. The flaming torch represents the drive for knowledge and truth. The emerald green wreath encircling the fist exemplifies the laurels of athletic achievement. Each of the four class colors is represented to signify the importance of unity of all the classes at the academy.
This is the original squadron patch.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 16
The patch, in the shape of a keystone edged in dark blue, consists of a silver and white hawk on a blue background. A gold lightning bolt is clutched in the bird's talons. The hawk's chest bears a small deep blue keystone with the squadron numeral "16" on it.
The hawk, with its outstretched wings, expresses the freedom of flight. The bared talons clutching the lightning bolt exemplify the power that one must possess to maintain one's freedom. This serves as a constant reminder that the Air Force must maintain a high degree of readiness to use force, if necessary, to protect freedom. The blue keystone signifies the knowledge one must possess to remain free.
This original squadron patch was designed in 1963 by David M. Connaughton, class of 1965.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 15
The emblem depicts a black Prussian eagle against a white circle bordered in blue and black. The bird wears a five-pointed black crown with blue highlights and holds a blue sword in its right claw and five blue arrows in its left claw. A diamond-shaped aircraft aimed at the crown is centered on the eagle's chest. A blue ribbon trimmed in black has white letters spelling "PLUS OULTRE" at the bottom.
The eagle symbolizes the tradition of professionalism and excellence exemplified by the Prussian military. The five-pointed crown signifies victory and superiority. The sword and arrows represent the number fifteen and indicate preparedness. The aircraft airmed at the crown speaks of air power. The squadron's motto is "PLUS OULTRE", French for "to the utmost."
The original squadron patch was designed by Joe Hans Robert Wilson, class of 1963.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 14
The patch, a rounded white trapezoid with a light blue border, shows the upper body and head of an aroused cobra rising from the lower left to the upper right corner. The snake?s head and prominent features, such as the scales on the head, body, tongue and eyes, are outlines in black. Its head is rust and gold; the body and border on the small head flanges are gold; the eyes and tongue are dark red. A simulates advanced manned strategic aircraft circles from right to left behind the cobra?s head, crossing in front of the left hood flange and middle of the planed outlines in black. The Arabic numeral "14," in light blue with white shading, sits against the right flange of the cobra.
The cobra was chosen for its lightning speed and ability. The colors represent the four classes. The ever-increasing effectiveness of the Air Force is depicted by showing the aircraft eluding the blinding speed of the cobra. It serves as a reminder to beware of the speed and abilities of one?s opponents.
This third patch was adopted by the squadron in August 1971.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 13
The patch has a bulldog emblazoned in the foreground of a sky blue circle outlined in black. A lightning bolt shoots across the sky behind the silver bulldog, outlined in black and wearing a spiked collar. On a white scroll at the bottom of the patch is written "13th SQ AFCW."
The bulldog represents the full circle of qualities that make up an Air Force officer. It epitomizes the moral resolve and dogged pursuit of duty typical to the cadets of the 13th Squadron. The lightning bolt demonstrates the courage and dedication that characterizes all bulldog graduates.
This is the original squadron patch. Early versions of this patch may have a darker blue background. Another possibility is a lighter blue background with a brown bulldog.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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Cadet Squadron 12
The patch, an isosceles triangle of sky blue bordered in blue, is dominated by a black and white Polaris star. Behind the star, a jet plane takes off into the blue skies. The airfield below is a checkered design with black and silver squares in the foreground, blue and black squares in the second row, gold and black squares in the third row, and red and black going on into the distance. Printed in blue across the bottom of the triangle on a silver back is "12th Squadron."
The Polaris provides a never-failing light to guide cadets on their flight through life. It also serves as a reminder that no goal in life is too high to attain. The aircraft in the background signifies the profession cadets have chosen; its position in flight symbolizes the beginning of their mission to defend and protect their country. The four colors represent the four classes. The checkerboard pattern is the traditional symbol of the original squadron sponsors, the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing.
This, the original patch, was designed by William R. Povilus, class of 1963. Color variations of the patch may exist.
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Posted: 8/16/2009
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