The logo of the U.S. Air Force consists of two parts: a wordmark and an image, which represents either an eagle or a medal, depending on how you see it.
It was in the late 1990s that the need for a universal symbol reflecting the values of the Air Force became obvious. In 1998, the organization commissioned a corporate branding agency, which was to carry out research, surveys, and organize focus groups.
The U.S. Air Force logo was designed in 1999 and revealed in January 2000 by Eric Livingston. It appeared on gates and water towers seven months later, and that was the start of the period of tests, which lasted until 2002. Eventually, in 2004, the logo was announced the Official Symbol of the U.S. Air Force.
If you take a quick glance at the emblem, you’ll see one of the two things: either an eagle or a medal. Both the interpretations are essential for understanding the logo. For one, the eagle is a symbol of the American nation and also represents freedom. The medal, in its turn, is used as a symbol of valor in service to the U.S.
The logo is built up of two parts. To begin with, there’re stylized wings symbolizing men and women in the Air Force. The sharp angles stand for swiftness and power. The upper part of the emblem consists of six sections, each having a meaning of its own and representing one of the organization’s capabilities, like global attack and information superiority.
Below, there’s a sphere, which symbolizes the globe – all the territory, where the Air Force actually can reach. As the official explanation puts it, it reflects its mission to “provide decisive aerospace power, worldwide.” This part of the U.S. Air Force logo also comprises a five-pointed star representing the groups of people that belong to the organization (from active duty to retirees). Each of the three diamonds seen in the lower half of the emblem symbolizes one of the core values, including integrity, service before self, and excellence.
According to information from the official Air Force Branding & Trademark Licensing Office, the typeface used for the wordmark “U.S. Air Force” is Berthold Akzidenz Grotesk bold extended. In case it can’t be used, it’s possible to replace it with the Arial Black bold uppercase.
The emblem can be given in blue (Pantone 287), black, grey (Pantone Cool Grey 7), chrome-silver (Pantone Silver 877c), chrome-blue, and white.