Shield: Per fess nebuly abased Azure and Argent, in chief a thunderbolt Or inflamed proper. Crest: On a wreath Argent and Azure an American bald eagle wings displayed and partially elevated proper in front of a cloud Argent. Seal: On a blue disk and encircling the shield and crest, an arc of thirteen stars and below the shield the inscription "MCMXLVII". On a band encircling the whole, the inscriptions "DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA".
Colors of the Air Force. The nebuly division of the shield represents clouds. The thunderbolt signifies the striking power through the use of aerospace. The eagle symbolizes the United States and its airpower. The white clouds behind the eagle reflect the start of a new sky. The thirteen stars represent the original thirteen colonies. The Roman Numeral MXMXLVII (1947) is the year the Air Force was established as a separate Service. The design was approved by the President of the United States on November 1, 1947.
Request for use of the Air Force emblem in commercial items or information concerning the use of the Air Force Seal should be submitted to Headquarters, USAFHRC/RI, Maxwell AFB, Alabama 36112-6678.