Black Hawk Composite Squadron (IA-004)

In 1992, Cadet Jason Dolf designed the first patch for the Black Hawk Composite Squadron.  The squadron had operated with no known patch from 1942 to the time it was adopted between 1992 and 1996.  The patch was redesigned in 2022 and approved in 2023.

Design

The Black Hawk Composite Squadron emblem is a “modified” 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 emblem border is USAF blue. The scroll contains a white background with the unit’s name “BLACK HAWK” in black letters. The background of the shield is yellow. The first element is the Civil Air Patrol emblem located at the fess point. This emblem contains a white triangle with a red-tri prop. A blue disc circumscribes the white triangle. The CAP emblem is superimposed onto the second element, a white hawk feather with black veins. The feather’s shaft starts at the dexter base with the rachis ending in the sinister chief position. The third element, “SQUADRON 4”, is written in black letters at the chief position.

Significance and Symbology

The blue border represents the connection to the USAF and the sky. The name “Black Hawk” represents the Iowa County that the squadron resided in. This was a memorial to Chief Black Hawk whose tribal land was in eastern Iowa and died in what is now Iowa. The white and black feather, which is supposed to be a hawk feather, is also to represent Chief Black Hawk. The yellow in the background was chosen for its brightness and holds no heraldic significance. The blue disc, white triangle, and red propeller represent the historical CAP emblem. Squadron 4 is due to the charter number 13004.

In February 2023, the Black Hawk Composite Squadron updated their patch to a disc with a top and bottom rocker.

Significance and Symbology

"Leadership Forged by Adversity" references the challenges that we have faced building this new unit.  Creating a squadron from the ground up during the strictest times of the COVID-19 pandemic, chartering, and continuing to grow.  Our new senior members and cadets have learned and grown in challenging times.​
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The patch design depicts the Eastern Region of Iowa.  We represent the Cedar Valley area and the Eastern half of the state.  The blue represents our connection to the big Air Force.  Waterloo resides in Black Hawk County, Iowa which serves as the catalyst for the design.  The namesake comes from a Sauk warrior and leader, Black Hawk.

Legacy

On 1 OCT 1978, the name was changed from Waterloo Composite Squadron to Black Hawk Composite Squadron. ​