Encyclopedia > Flag of the United States Air Force
The flag of the United States Air Force consists of the coat of arms, 13 white stars and the Air Force Seal, on a blue background. The 13 stars represent the 13 original colonies, the three star grouping at the top portray the three Departments of the National Defense Establishment (Army, Navy, and Air Force). The crest includes the 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. The Roman numerals beneath the shield indicate the year 1947, in which the Air Force was established. Image File history File links File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ... The tricolour flag of France A flag is a piece of coloured cloth flown from a pole or mast, usually for purposes of signalling or identification. ... The United States Air Force (or USAF) is the aerospace branch of the United States armed forces and one of the seven uniformed services. ... A modern coat of arms is derived from the medi val practice of painting designs onto the shield and outer clothing of knights to enable them to be identified in battle, and later in tournaments. ...
The flag was officially adopted by PresidentHarry S. Truman on, March 26, 1951. The presidential seal was used by President Hayes in 1880 and last modified in 1959 by adding the 50th star for Hawaii. ... Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884 â December 26, 1972) was the thirty-fourth Vice President (1945) and the thirty-third President of the United States (1945â1953), succeeding to the office upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt. ... March 26 is the 85th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (86th in leap years). ... 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday; see its calendar. ...
Formerly part of the UnitedStates Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947.
In 1941, the Army Air Corps became a part of the new U.S. Army AirForces (USAAF), and the GHQ AirForce was redesignated the subordinate AirForces Combat Command.
AirForce personnel assigned to honor guard duties wear, for dress occasions, a modified version of the standard service dress uniform, but with silver or white trim on the sleeves and trousers, with the addition of medals, sword belt, wheel cap with silver trim and AF Symbol, and a silver shoulder cord.
The UnitedStatesAirForce Academy (USAFA), located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, (38°59′45″N, 104°51′58″W), is an institution for the undergraduate education of officers for the UnitedStatesAirForce.
There are numerous static air- and spacecraft displays on the Academy grounds, including: an F-4, F-15, F-16 and F-105 on the Terrazzo; a B-52 by the North Gate; a T-38 and A-10 at the airfield; an F-100 by the preparatory school; and a Minuteman III in front of the Fieldhouse.
Former AirForce Secretary James Roche was concerned enough that he ordered a revamp of the curriculum to reduce the workload of engineering majors to encourage more cadets to pursue science or engineering studies.