Cadet Squadron 09

The patch is an octagonal-shaped emblem. Within it, a Viking ship sails away on a bright orange-rayed sun in the background. A royal blue flag flies from a mast stretching upward from the deck of the ship. "VIKING," printed in royal blue, is to the left of the flag. A large white sail, bordered in black, billows from the mast. The Roman numeral "IX" is centered on the sail. The keep of the ship has the design of a green dragon. The "IX" represents the Ninth Cadet Squadron. The dragon symbolizes the power and tenacity that characterized the Vikings, early explorers of the vast seas. The Vikings often sought adventure and were courageous in their exploration of uncharted lands around the globe. This third patch in the squadron?s history was approved for wear in January 1978.

Cadet Squadron 08

The patch, a large white circle bordered in dark blue, shows a multicolored F-15 Eagle in its center. "EAGLE" is printed in dark blue across the top of the aircraft. A dark blue "8" is at the bottom. Four stars?colored gold, blue, silver, and red?sit on the right-hand side of the emblem. The Eighth Squadron chose the F-15 for its emblem for two reasons: The F-15 was the newest interceptor in the Air Force inventory, and the words eagle and eight begin with the same letter. The ghost gray color, along with the plane?s leading edge, is the color used by the Air Force Aggressor squadrons. The four colored stars represent the four classes at the academy. The patch symbolizes Eighth Squadron?s aggressiveness in intercepting and destroying its enemies. This fourth patch worn by the squadron was approved in July 1975.

Cadet Squadron 05

The patch is a white circle bordered in blue. A blue semicircular field, placed at an angle on the upper half of the patch, shows a camouflaged F-4 Phantom jet. A snarling gray wolf?s head rests on the cockpit of the aircraft, and a red numeral "5" is located on the fuselage to the right of the wolf. "Wolfpack" is written on the white field below the aircraft. The patch signifies the squadron?s association with the famous "Wolfpack" Fighter wing, led in Southeast Asia by Brigadier General Robin Olds; the fierceness, professionalism and dedication to duty demonstrated by the wing is emulated the Fifth Squadron Cadets. The F-4 and the wolf indicate the cunning and tenacity used by Gen Olds? forces and the high degree of spirit they demonstrated. This is the second patch in the squadron?s history. Design by James Bisher, class of 1978, it was approved in January 1976.

Cadet Squadron 04

The patch, a basic circle, has large red "4" on its right side with white, three-dimensional backing. A white contrail, originating from infinity, passes through the center of the "4" and emanates from a pair of silver prop and wings. A light blue starburst sits behind the prop and wings, and a white rectangle with the words "Fightin' Fourth" in black curves across the top of the patch. "Fightin' Fourth" is the motto of the Fourth Cadet Squadron. The bold printing symbolizes the pride and polished attitude of each squadron member. The prop and wings sysmbolize an upperclass cadet. Gold, blue, silver, and red represent the four class colors at the Air Force Academy. This original patch is a symbol to all Fourth Squadron graduates of the squadron's winning tradition. The motto "Fightin' Fourth" was given to the squadron in recognition of the squadron's defense of the falcons against mascot thieves at Lowry Air Force Base, Colo.

Cadet Squadron 01

The emblem in the shape of a spearhead and bordered in black, has two colored fields, the upper green and the lower black. A black diagonal strip edged in white separates the fields. A black Maltese cross trimmed in white is on the green field and a gold griffin is on the black field. "First Takes Care of its Own" is written in black letters on a gold scroll beneath the black field. The griffin, a creature in Greek mythology, seeks hidden treasure while protecting its own treasure from intruders. The griffin symbolizes the search for the treasure from intruders. The griffin symbolizes the search for the treasure of knowledge in areas yet unknown and unexplored. The Maltese Cross, awarded to the bravest and most courageous military men, indicates a devotion to duty and a dedication to success. The cross, positioned above the black diagonal strip, indicates a higher ideal in life to which one should strive. The emblem is fashioned after the famous 1st Fighter Wing, the original squadron sponsor. The colors green, gold and black, the Maltese Cross and the diagonal strip are similar to the 1st Fighter Wing emblem. This is the original Cadet Squadron One patch.

2009 Class Ring

The Class of 2009 ring crest represents class unity and class pride. The class crest decorates the right side of the wing, and the Academy crest is placed on the ring's left. (U.S. Air Force image)