Squadron Emblem
Squadron Emblem
Most will recognize it as the "squadron patch" which it is, but the squadron emblem is actually used in more than just the patch. The squadron emblem is used on official squadron letterhead, official website, squadron social media, and more. The current squadron emblem was designed in early 2023 and was in response to CAP's move towards CAP heraldry standards for squadrons, which is closely aligned with Air Force standards as well.
"The disc design for units may have either one or two scrolls. The unit designation should always appear on the bottom scroll (AFI 84-105, paragraphs 3.4.1 and 3.4.2). Both scrolls are the same size, as outlined in AFI 84-105..."
Below are the details of our current emblem design.
1. Shape. Pursuant to guidance of chapter 6 of CAPR 110-3 for squadron emblems, the new design will comprise of a disc containing design elements detailed below, a top scroll with the squadron’s motto, “TRAINED TO LEAD”, and a bottom scroll with our squadron name, “LOS ALAMITOS CDT SQ 153” [6.2, 6.4] – not exceeding thirty characters per scroll [6.3].
2. Colors. The new design will utilize a total of five colors – black, blue, red, white, and gold as outlined in chapter 7.5 of CAPR 110-3, with the overall color of the patch being that of blue which is in keeping with the tradition of our previous patch design.
a. Blue – the background color of both the disc and scrolls; blue signifies justice, as well as vigilance and perseverance; blue is the chief color of the U.S. Air Force and likewise CAP
b. Red – the main color of the fox; red represents hardiness and valor, as well as courage and readiness to sacrifice
c. White – the color of the Los Alamitos Army Airfield diagram, and secondary color of the fox; white stands for purity and innocence.
d. Gold – the color of the text and the borders of both the disc and scrolls, the eight-pointed star, and the fox’s eyes and lightning bolts; yellow represents honor and wisdom
e. Black – outlines and gives details to the fox; black invokes mystery and represents authority
3. Design elements. Our new squadron emblem will incorporate the following three items [7.3.4]:
a. “Communications Fox” – the fox holding the lightning bolts of communication facing rear [7.3.12] looking at the squadron’s history is a homage to our squadron’s past. Red foxes used to be seen all over Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, so much so that our squadron building monthly clean-ups are called “fox hunts”. The fox was originally added to our squadron patch because foxes remind cadets to be crafty and resilient. Communication was something our squadron was known for at one time, so much so that we played a large roll in area communications during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The fact that there are three lightning bolts is not by coincidence as they can be viewed to remind us of the three missions of Civil Air Patrol.
b. “Los Alamitos Army Airfield / KSLI” – the silhouette of the airfield is prominent design element due to the fact that the squadron does a lot of support work for the base and specifically the airfield, from assisting with parking back during the annual Wings, Wheels, and Rotors and Race on the Base, to working with Base Ops to conduct FOD (Foreign Object Debris) walks during the Pacific Airshow. The airfield is our home, in fact if you look on an FAA airport diagram, Civil Air Patrol is called out.
c. “Star” – the star set high above the airfield and the fox, reminds cadets to set their own sights high by living their lives by our Civil Air Patrol core values and their cadet oath. As the squadron is known for its FTXs (Field Training Exercises) the stars are not only what we sleep under, but they also point the way when navigating at night. In keeping with the spirit of land navigation, the star is an eight-pointed star which represents the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west) as well as the four ordinal directions (NE, SE, SW, and NW).
Our History
The previous squadron emblem was designed in the early part of 1991, by the cadet members of Squadron 153. The art work was done at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. The purpose of this emblem was to create a graphic image which makes a specific representation of the Squadron.
The emblem was a shield that contained four pictorial representations of characteristics which are special to this squadron. It was also bordered by two identifying scrolls.
UPPER CENTER: California Wing Cadet Program Emblem. Squadron 153 is an important part of that program.
LOWER Left: Red Fox. Smart and skillful, also found living at the Squadron Headquarters.
LOWER RIGHT: Armored Fist. Strength that comes from teamwork (five fingers closed together).
CENTER: Three Lightning Bolts. The three missions of Civil Air Patrol. Also the Squadron specialty of communications.
UPPER SCROLL: Squadron Motto "TRAINED TO LEAD"
LOWER SCROLL: Squadron Name: "CADET SQ 153"
