Air Force Symbol — Designation and Stylized Wings
Designation Date
5 May 2004
The Air Force Symbol was designated the official symbol of the USAF on 5 May 2004.
Symbol Composition
The Symbol contains:
- Upper half — stylized wings
- Lower half — a sphere, a star, and three diamonds
What the Stylized Wings Represent
Wings = Enlisted
The upper half includes the stylized wings, which represent the stripes of our strength — our enlisted men and women.
Honoring Past and Future
Symbol Honors Past, Future
The Air Force Symbol honors the heritage of our past and represents the promise of our future.
Air Corps Heritage Connection
Air Corps Connection
Furthermore, it retains the core elements of our Air Corps heritage with respect to:
- The bent up, rather than straight "Arnold" wings
- A star with the circle
Modernization
Symbol Modernizes
The current Symbol modernizes these core elements to reflect our Air Force of today and tomorrow.
Two Powerful Images
Two Images Together
All of the elements come together to form one symbol that presents two powerful images:
- An eagle — the emblem of our nation
- A medal — representing valor in service to our nation
Stylized Wings Detail
Wings Drawing Style
The wings are drawn with great angularity to emphasize our swiftness and power.
Six Distinctive Capabilities
Six Sections = Six Capabilities
The six sections of the wings represent our distinctive capabilities:
- Air and space superiority
- Global attack
- Rapid global mobility
- Precision engagement
- Information superiority
- Agile combat support