Northwest Iowa Composite Squadron (IA-007)

The Northwest Composite Squadron's patch was approved unilaterally with the charter of the squadron on 21 MAY 2004 and was used through its deactivation.  It was designed by Cadet Aisha Grieme, Capt Gary Colvin, and Capt Ann Colvin.

Design

The Northwest Iowa Composite Squadron emblem is a shield design composed of five 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 scroll contains a grey background with black lettering “NORTHWEST IOWA COMPOSITE”. The border of the emblem is black. The background of the shield is USAF blue. The first element is the bald eagle located at the fess point. The eagle is forward facing with its wing tips at the dexter chief and sinister chief positions. The bald eagle holds the second element, a grey scepter with a white tip, in its talons. The grey scepter is located at the nombril point and is facing sinister. Both the eagle and the scepter are superimposed on the third element, a red tri propeller located at the fess point. The blades are oriented in the middle chief, dexter base, and sinister base positions. On the middle chief blade rests the fourth element, a gold crown with a diamond in the middle. The fifth element is the white lettering “Noble Eagle” located at the middle base position.

Significance and Symbology

The blue background symbolizes the sky and the Civil Air Patrol’s connections with the US Air Force. The red propeller symbolizes that Northwest Iowa is an integral part of the CAP Program. The blades represent the three missions of the Civil Air Patrol. The eagle symbolizes both the “Noble Eagle” and the US. The crown and scepter symbolize the nobility that Northwest Iowa upholds. The white tip of the scepter symbolizes the purity of the members of this unit. The small, single diamond on the crown symbolizes that though small and currently geographically isolated, the unit is a valuable element to the Iowa Wing.

Legacy

The squadron was officially chartered in 2004. However, the unit was a flight under the Central Iowa Composite Squadron previously from 2002. The founding members were inspired by the horrific acts on 11 SEP 2001 and wanted to serve their community. The name Noble Eagle was chosen from the 14 SEP 2001 Operation NOBLE EAGLE, which was a military homeland security mission. Originally chartered as Northwest Iowa Composite Flight, the name was official changed on 9 JAN 2006.