Southwest Iowa Composite Squadron (IA-003)

The original squadron was established in 1941 at Red Oak.  Deactivated in 1991, the current IA-003 Squadron was chartered on 2 DEC 2010.  The current squadron patch was approved unilaterally with the recharter of the IA-003 Squadron.  It was designed by 1st Lt Jessa Erickson.

Design

The Southwest Iowa Composite Squadron emblem is a shield design composed of three elements. When the emblem was created, the Civil Air Patrol never officially adopted USAF heraldry rules and thus squadrons could use shield or disc designs. The border of the emblem is white. Within the scroll is the unit’s name, “SOUTHWEST IOWA COMP. SQUADRON”, written in white letters with a maroon background. The background within the shield is USAF blue. The first element, located in the honor point, is a white rising phoenix with a “trinity” knot on its chest. The phoenix is facing sinister. The second element, located at the dexter base, is the unit’s motto written in white letters, “ORTUS SUPREMUS”. The third element, located in the sinister position, is a white outline of the State of Iowa. Inside the outline are the numbers “003” written in white.

Significance and Symbology

The dark blue background represents the connection between the Civil Air Patrol and the US Air Force and the sky. The white border is to represent purity of the mind and body. The red banner is a reminder of the sacrifices for maintaining freedom. The Rising Phoenix represents ability to rise up after falling as the squadron was dechartered in 1991. The trinity knot in the middle represents the three Civil Air Patrol missions (Cadet Programs, Emergency Services, and Aerospace Education). The circle within the knot represents strength through unity, education, and purpose. The Iowa State outline represents the wing. The motto “Ortus Supremus” means “Rising Above” in Latin. It serves as a reminder to those who wear the patch that the squadron’s mission is not to meet expectations, but to exceed them.

Other Patches

There were at least two previous patches that belonged to the unit prior to its deactivation in 1991.  Both patches referenced the Flying Tigers, with one being a direct copy of it.  Both include the charter number "13003" and the full squadron name "RED OAK COMPOSITE SQUADRON."  Neither of these patches have high quality scans available, so they are not provided here.