36th Squadron          Activated 1969

1970

1970          "Pink Panthers"

Description: The patch is a gray circular emblem with a black border. A “Pink Panther,” outlined in black, is centered on the patch. He wears a blue flight jacket with Second Lieutenant’s rank and holds a white helmet. He is leaning against the yellow and black number “36.”

Significance: The Pink Panther depicts the cunning and sophistication every cadet strives for during his cadet career. The flight jacket, helmet, and gold bars are symbolic of the cadet’s two most immediate goals, which are a commission as a Second Lieutenant and a flying career. The fact that the Panther is leaning against the “36” signifies that the cadet is dependent on the other members of the squadron.

History: This is the squadron’s original patch.

Nickname: "Pink Panthers"

  1970 –

 

The Pink Panther depicts the cunning and sophistication derived from a cadet’s career. The flight jacket and gold bars are symbolic of the cadet’s immediate goals. The 36th originated in the fall of 1969 with the expansion of the Cadet wing and is sponsored by the 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing, England AFB, Louisiana.  – C3C Paul Prange, Class of 1976, Falconews, 29 March 1974

Thirty-Sixth Squadron found the right “cat” to epitomize the poise, grace, and of course, coolness, of our graduating 2nd Lieutenants. Who else but the Pink Panther befits the true professional he represents. Calm and collected when the going gets tough and the job too big for any mere mortal man, the Panther is there and ready to see that the job gets done…right!  – 1975 Polaris