KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Even though the 403rd Security Forces Squadron has been around for decades in one form or another, they’ve never had a symbol that represents who they are and what they stand for – until now.
The squadron designed their new patch and recently had it approved for use by the Air Force Historical Research Agency at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
“We wanted to build a sense of identity in the unit,” said Master Sgt. Lucas Applewhite, 403rd SFS action officer. “We wanted to have something unique to the unit that instilled a sense of pride and represented our mission and leave a legacy long after we’re gone.”
“To have a unit-level patch shows that we are one of the elite organizations within Air Force Reserve Command,” said Tech. Sgt. Richard Potter, 403rd SFS assistant action officer.
According to the official significance statement, each aspect of the unit emblem holds a meaning for the squadron.
Ultramarine blue and yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow represents the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel.
The shield on the globe symbolizes that the 403rd SFS is willing to carry out any defense mission globally.
A red stripe across the shield signifies the blood of all of the fallen defenders who have given their lives in the ultimate sacrifice.
Three stars denote the Air Force core values – integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.
A flintlock pistol indicates upholding tradition and the tools of the trade that security forces members rely upon.
The Latin phrase, “defendere ad mortem” translates to English as “defend unto death” and represents the squadron’s commitment to the defense of resources and personnel vital to national security.
“I wanted to create something that embodied the culture of the Air Force, the security forces career field, and the 403rd SFS,” said Master Sgt. Bradford Hanberry, former 403rd SFS member and designer of the emblem. “That's what helped me generate the pieces that make up the emblem. I hope the emblem acts as a beacon to guide every defender who wears it to live up to the Air Force core values and to honor all fallen defenders as well.”