24th Squadron          Activated 1961

1962

1962          "Phantoms"

Description: The patch depicts an eagle on a blue, inverted triangle with black borders. The black and white eagle, clutching a gold lightning bolt, soars above a white globe. A Polaris star, surrounded by two atomic rings, shines above the eagle, and the gold numeral “24” is directly below.

Significance: The eagle symbolizes the virtues of strength, courage, and character each cadet strives to attain. The lightning bolt represents the global responsiveness of the Air Force. The North Star, Polaris, acts as a guiding light to cadets in their pursuit of knowledge. The atom symbolizes the predominant role of knowledge and technology in the modern Air Force.

History: This is the squadron’s original patch.

Nickname: "Phantoms"

  1965 –

Request for Approval

HQ Suggested
Modifications

Modified Request
for Approval

The Polaris is a guide to the squadron as they study atomic energy and related subjects. The eagle holding a bolt of lightning above the world provides strength, courage, and power in the quest for knowledge. The phantoms began their history in 1961 as a new squadron. They boast All-America fencer, Warren Manchess, Class of 1963, and champion parachutist, Alan Dillman, Class of 1968. The squadron won the Malanaphy Trophy for 1971-1972. The squadron is sponsored by the 317 Tactical Fighter Wing, Pope AFB, North Carolina.  – C3C Jon Tensfeldt, Class of 1976, Falconews, 29 March 1974

The Polaris star is a guide to the “Phantoms” of 24th Squadron as they study atomic energy and related subjects. The black, spread eagle holding a bolt of lightning above the world provides strength, courage, and power in the quest for knowledge. This knowledge will allow us to fulfill our destiny as Air Force officers.  – 1975 Polaris