The Big Reveal: A Brand New Emblem

Our new California Wing emblem has been approved by National Headquarters and is ready to use!

California Wing HQ is excited to innovate our famous "Banana Bear" design to fit the recent heraldry regulations. Thanks to the creativity of Captain James Hockel, CAWG can continue to display our unique design and rich history. 

2. Symbolism Explanation: 

a. California State: The State of California is prominently displayed at the center of the emblem, signifying California Wing’s dedication to the communities we serve. 

b. Grizzly Bear: The California grizzly bear is the official state animal of California and is included in the California State flag, representing strength and independence.

c. Wings: The stylized wings represent the flying missions of California Wing. 

d. Gold Color (or): The gold color in the emblem represents the history of the State of California, especially the state’s role as the center of the 1850s Gold Rush, as well as the state’s nickname as the Golden State. Gold is one of the two official colors of the State of California under Section 424 of the California Government Code. The particular shade used, Air Force Yellow, has been selected to match the official CAP colors in accordance with paragraph 7.5.4 of CAPR 110-3 and the most recent version of the Civil Air Patrol Brand Guide.

e. Blue Color (azure): Blue, alongside gold, is the second official color of the State of California under Section 424 of the California Government Code and represents the sky, additionally significant given the nature of our flying missions in California Wing. The particular shade used, Symbol Blue, has been selected to match the official CAP colors in accordance with paragraph 7.5.4 of CAPR 110-3 and the most recent version of the Civil Air Patrol Brand Guide.

As we enter the phase in/out stage, please view the dates below for the expected retirement of the old emblem and use of the new emblem. 

Uniforms and flight suits: 

• Wear of the old patch is expected to cease by Friday, June 21st. 
• Members must remove the old patch off their ABU uniform by this date and either attach the new patch or go without a wing patch. 
  • Wear of the Wing patch on this uniform is optional and not required. 
  • Yes, this means no old patches at Encampment this year.
• Members must replace the old patch on their flight suits by this date. 

Printed Materials: 

• Materials are expected to adorn the new patch as soon as possible, or once current printed materials adorning the old patch are used. 
• More expensive materials, such as banners, posters, and other heavy-duty items, are not expected to be replaced in a specific time period, and will instead be replaced when funds are readily available in every unit. Please manage these replacements within your squadron finance committee. 

Online usage: 

• The use of the new emblem is expected to be used immediately. All unit PAOs and R&ROs will be able to access a copy of the new emblem through the CAWG PAO team and the CAWG Recruiting and Retention team. You will also find a copy of the new emblem attached to this email. 
• Use of this emblem is for official use only, subjected to the approval of Unit, Group, and Wing PAOs. 
• Please note that different sizes of this patch will be released shortly. 

For More Information:

1st Lt Samantha Moat
California Wing Director of Public Affairs
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
GoCivilAirPatrol.com
California Wing