U.S. Air Force Flags
Prior to 1947 the US Army operated various air squadrons. Only after 1947, by act of congress, was the United States Air Force formed as a separate military branch. Ever since, the United States Air Force has always kept a watchful eye on our airspace to ensure that we are safe as a country. Internationally, the US Air Force provides support and air power to many conflicts and are widely recognized as the finest air force in the entire world.
What is the Design of the US Air Force Flag?
Designed in the late 1940’s, proposed drawings of the Air Force Seal were first exhibited in the office of the Secretary of the Air Force. The flag consists of the coat of arms of the Air Force, which is composed of 13 white stars and the Department of the Air Force seal, on a blue background. The crest includes the North American bald eagle, the cloud formation depicts the creation of a new firmament, and the wreath, composed of six alternate folds of silver and blue, incorporate the colors of the basic shield design. On a band encircling the whole is the inscription "Department of the Air Force" and "United States of America". The Roman numerals beneath the shield indicate the year 1947, in which the Department of the Air Force was established.
The field of the flag is ultramarine blue; this is the Air Force's "branch color." The flag is specified in a 3:5 ratio. The Indoor/Parade version is bordered by a gold fringe while the Outdoor version is plain.
What do the Symbols on the US Air Force Flag Represent?
The 13 stars represent the 13 original colonies, the three star grouping at the top portray the three Departments of the Department of Defense (Army, Navy, and Air Force). The entire design used on the shield of the Air Force Seal is taken from an heraldic representation of the mythological thunderbolt, also termed Jupiter's thunderbolt - Jupiter was the Roman mythological God of the Heavens. The design on the crest is suggestive of the ability to strike like lightning.
The crest includes the American Bald Eagle, which is the symbol of the United States and air striking power. The eagle's head is turned to the right and symbolizes facing the enemy, looking toward the future and not dwelling on past deeds.
The predominant colors, ultramarine blue and gold, are the colors of the Air Force through transition from the Air Corps.
When was the US Air Force Flag Adopted?
The final drawing of the Department of the Air Force Seal was completed in the Office of the Quartermaster General, Department of the Army, and approved by Harry S. Truman, President of the United States, on 1 November 1947. The US Air Force flag was officially adopted on 26 March 1951, remains the same today.
US Air Force Flag Protocol?
Flags play an important role in every military ceremony, and there are very formal rules of etiquette with regard to their use and display. The USAF has a guide that lists proper flag protocol, and below are some of the key points:
Restrictions. The following limitations and prohibitions are applicable to flags, guidons and streamers.
Carrying of non-military organizational flags. United States military personnel in uniform or in civilian clothing, acting in an official capacity, will not carry flags of veterans groups or other non-military organizations. Commanders may authorize military personnel to carry state, territorial or national flags during military ceremonies. United States military personnel in uniform are authorized to carry all Department of Defense recognized flags.
Unserviceable flags. Unserviceable flags will not be used as banners or for any other purpose. When a flag is no longer suitable for display, it will not be cast aside or used in any way viewed as disrespectful. Unserviceable flags should be destroyed in a dignified manor, preferably by burning, that does not show irreverence or disrespect to the flag.
Serviceable flags. Serviceable flags purchased with appropriated funds are not to be sold, loaned or donated to non-military persons or organizations. This restriction does not prohibit the presentation of flags to families upon the death of a military member at a funeral or other appropriate setting (consult with your comptroller and staff judge advocate).
As is the case with several other branches of the military, battle streamers commemorating achievements in Air Force encounters may be flown with the flag.
How to dispose of Worn US Air Force Flags?
The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning. Flags determined to not have historical value will be destroyed by the parent organization, privately by burning, with no suggestion of irreverence to its military or national significance, unless its retention as a display memento is desired by the organization. "Privately" would imply that the destruction should not be a public ceremony. Obviously, the burning should be conducted with dignity. Basically it is doing what you would find to be a respectful end to the flags duties.
For individual citizens this should be done discreetly so that the act of destruction is not perceived as a protest or desecration. Many American Legion posts conduct Disposal of Unserviceable Flag Ceremonies on June 14, Flag Day, each year. This ceremony creates a particularly dignified and solemn occasion for the disposal of unserviceable flags.
