Our Unit Emblem

Introduction

On January 21, 2020, Squadron 156 revived approval to use our squadron emblem. The following is the heraldry and symbolism represented by our emblem.

Heraldic Blazon

On a standard roundel (USAF squadron level organization) of a SKY BLUE background, edged in AIR FORCE BLUE, in the base third of the roundel, GOLDEN BROWN Three Hills edged in MEDIUM BROWN, the central hill slightly higher than the hills on either side; behind the hills, a GOLDEN YELLOW Setting Sun, with eleven Rays of the same color visible; emblazoned over all, in the center of the roundel, a RED Hawk’s Head in silhouette with beak open. Surrounding the roundel are two arcs with the same color background and edging as the roundel; top arc reads in BLACK block lettering, all capital letters, “TRI-VALLEY COMPOSITE” and the bottom arc reads with the same style lettering, “SQUADRON 156”.

Symbolism

The round organizational emblem is the standard style for use by USAF squadron level organizations and below. The sky blue background is symbolic of the squadron being a component of an aerospace organization. The Air Force blue edging of the roundel represents the Civil Air Patrol, as the USAF Auxiliary, is part of the USAF “Total Force.” The three brown hills represent the geography of the Tri-Valley Area where the squadron is physically located, the surrounding hills of this area being brown in color for most of the year. The setting sun is symbolic of the State of California and being a subordinate unit of San Francisco Bay Group 2, which is located primarily in the area known as the “Golden Gate.” The red hawk’s head is symbolic of the red tailed hawk, the largest raptor that inhabits and can be frequently seen flying vigilantly in the skies of the Tri-Valley Area. The “red tail” of this species of hawk is reminiscent of the pioneering African-American airmen know as the “Tuskegee Airmen”, who struggled for equal rights for African-Americans while heroically serving their country during World War II, serving about the same time Civil Air Patrol was founded. The tails of the aircraft flown by the “Tuskegee Airmen” were painted a distinctive red color and these pilots became know by friend and foe as the “Red Tails.” Also of note is the Civil Air Patrol’s livery on its aircraft provides for the vertical stabilizer to be painted red, reminiscent of the red tails of the Tuskegee Airmen’s aircraft. The arcs above and below the roundel identify the name and number of the unit, “Tri-Valley Composite Squadron 156.”