DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
901 M STREET SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060
Naval Aviation Insignia
Related Resources:
The U.S. Navy does not issue or provide the funds for squadron or other
aviation unit insignia patches. A naval aviation squadron or aviation command
is not required to have an insignia. If a unit chooses to have an official
insignia, the unit must have the insignia approved by the Office of Chief
of Naval Operations, Director, Air Warfare (N88H). After approval, the individual
unit has the responsibility of ordering the patches from a private company
or organization that makes this type of item. Below is a list of companies
involved in making patches. Individual aviation commands sell their patches
to cover the cost of producing them. Patches of active duty aviation squadrons
or units can only be obtained by writing directly to each squadron. Addresses
for active duty commands may be obtained by writing to the Chief of Naval
Operations, Code N09B22, 2000 Navy Pentagon, Washington, DC 20350-2000.
Insignia approval records, for naval aviation units only, are maintained
by the History Center's Aviation History
Office. The insignia records usually include a drawing or photograph
of the insignia. However, the office does not have custody of the actual
patches. Patches for units that have been disestablished can be obtained
from private collections, from military goods dealers, and by ordering a
patch prepared by a private company or organization, as listed below. The
American Society of Military Insignia Collectors may be able to assist personnel
in obtaining patches on units no longer active. Their address is 1331 Bradley
Avenue, Hummelstown, Pennsylvania 17036.
Many World War II squadrons and Naval Air Reserve Squadrons prior to
1970 did not get their insignia officially approved even though the squadrons
may have used an insignia. The Aviation History Office does not have any
records for commands that did not obtain official approval of their insignia.
The office only maintains insignia for naval aviation commands. It does
not approve or maintain insignia records for any other Navy commands, including
ships that are aviation related, such as aircraft carriers, amphibious assault
ships, seaplane tenders, etc...
12 May 1996