9th Squadron          Activated 1958

1962

1973

1973

1980

1962          "Nooky Niners"

Description: The patch is a blue triangular, red-bordered emblem resting on its vertex. A white cloud is immediately below the top of the patch. A Maltese Cross and white sabre on a red modified triangle is in the center. Golden lightning bolts, ending on the Roman numeral “IX” spring from the cloud. A coiled rattlesnake is between the cross and the “IX.” The total patch depicts a Viking ship. The “IX” is the hull and the red triangle is the sail.

Significance: The triangle represents both strength and tradition. Military heritage is symbolized by the Roman “IX” and the Maltese Cross. The rattlesnake and the lightning bolts signify the alertness of the Air Force, and its lethal power and speed with which is trikes when threatened. The sabre signifies the cadet way of life, the chivalrous nature of an officer, and the willingness to take up arms to defend our country. The red sail indicates valor. The Viking ship was chosen to represent the spirit of courage, exploration, and the military tradition.

History: This is the original squadron patch and was worn, except for the spring of 1973, until 1980.

Nickname: "Nooky Niners"

  1965 – 1980

 

The “Niners” won the Wing Intramural wrestling and were runner-ups for 1962-1963. The 9th was also the home of Steve Ritchie, the first air Ace in the Vietnam War. The 9th is sponsored by the 82nd Fighter Wing, Williams AFB, Arizona.   – C3C Kerry Keithcart, Class of 1976, Falconews, 29 March 1974.

The patch’s eternal triangle represents both strength and tradition. Our military heritage is shown by the Roman “IX” and the Maltese Cross. The rattlesnake and the lightning bolts signify the alertness of the United States Air Force, its lethal power, and the speed with which it strikes when threatened. The sabre signifies the cadet way of life, the chivalrous nature of an officer, and a willingness to take up arms to defend our country.  – 1975 Polaris

1973          "Starship Nine"

Description: The patch is a gold-bordered circular emblem with a drawing of the “USS Enterprise” from Star Trek superimposed on a blue field. The starship is silver with red and blue accents, and is leaving a golden trail. The gold Roman numeral “IX” is above the starship.

Significance: The colors red, gold, silver, and blue signify the unity among all four classes. The starship is symbolic of the future adventures that await cadets as officers in the United States Air Force. The overall theme ties the cadets of Ninth Squadron to the adventures of the crew of the “Enterprise.”

History: This patch was submitted for approval to Mr. Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, in 1971. Mr. Roddenberry’s office was destroyed by an earthquake at that time, and approval was not given to use the Star Trek theme until May of 1972. The patch was only worn for a few weeks in the Spring of 1973, and then discontinued. The original patch was then reinstated.

Nickname: "Starship Nine"

 

1980         "Viking Nine"

Description: The patch is an octagonal-shaped emblem. Within the patch is a Viking ship sailing away from a bright orange-rayed sun in the background. A royal blue flag flies from a mast stretching upward from the deck of the ship. The word “VIKING” printed in royal blue is to the left of the flag. A large, white sail bordered in black billows from the mast. The Roman numeral “IX” is centered on the sail. The keel of the ship is in the design of a green dragon. The ship is sailing on a royal blue ocean.

Significance: The Roman numeral “IX” represents the Ninth Cadet Squadron. The dragon symbolizes the power and tenacity that characterized the Vikings who were early explorers of the vast seas. The Vikings often sought adventure and were courageous in their exploration of uncharted lands around the globe.

History: This is the third patch in Ninth Squadron’s history and was adopted in the 1980-1981 academic year.

Nickname: "Viking Nine"

  1981 –