United States Air Force Symbol
The United States Air Force Symbol is the symbol of the United States Air Force. It was introduced in January 2000 by Eric Livingston. Guidelines that outlined appropriate uses for the new Air Force symbol were released March 23. The symbol was first tested on gates and water towers in August.
History
In the late 1990s, Air Force senior leadership recognized the need to design an official symbol and develop a centralized theme to encourage young people to join, encourage airmen to stay, and to build understanding, appreciation, and support for America's Air Force. They directed a commercial company, specializing in corporate branding, to research and develop a unique symbol. Company representatives traveled throughout the Air Force and to major U.S. cities to conduct research and become intimately familiar with the Air Force and its culture, environment, and heritage.
The new Air Force symbol is based on the familiar World War II "Hap" Arnold wings and represents the service's heritage. The symbol’s modern design represents the Air Force’s present and future leading edge capabilities defending the United States.
- 1998: Research, surveys and focus groups commissioned
- 1999: Symbol designed
- May 2000: Trademark registration filed
- 2001: Symbol tested throughout Air Force
- 2002: Survey of internal Air Force audience revealed 90% identify the new symbol as the official Air Force symbol
- September 2003: Trademark registration date. Serial #76040432[1] and Registration #2767190
- May 2004: USAF Chief of Staff designates Symbol as the Official Symbol of the Air Force [2]