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18TH AVIATION BATTALION
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in height overall consisting of a pair of silver wings conjoined and elevated containing between the wings upon a blue field arched at the top a sheaf of five silver star-tipped arrows bound by a silver ribbon, the stars forming an arc and the bottom of the arrows extending over the base of the wings; upon a silver scroll encircling the base the inscription "SWIFT MOBILITY" in black letters.

Symbolism
The raised wings and the arched blue area representing the sky indicate the Battalion's readiness to provide swift air transportation.  The five star-tipped arrows allude to the five campaign honors awarded the organization for service in World War II.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 19 September 1966.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Per pale Azure and Tenn a pair of wings conjoined and elevated surmounted by a bundle of five star-tipped arrows arced at top bound by a ribbon Argent.   
    Crest:   On a wreath of the colors Or and Azure in front of two spears saltirewise Proper, issuing from the battlements of a tower Gules (Brick Red) masoned Buff a fleur-de-lis per pale Buff and Azure.

Motto

SWIFT MOBILITY.

Symbolism

Shield

Ultramarine blue and golden orange are the colors associated with the Aviation branch.  The raised wings represent the Battalion's combat aviation mission.  The five star-tipped arrows allude to the five campaign honors awarded the organization for service in World War II.

Crest

The castle tower and fleur-de-lis represent the locations of the Battalion's World War II campaign participation in Central Europe, France and the Rhineland.  The crossed spears symbolize combat readiness.  The unit's history as a Quartermaster Battalion and then a Transportation Battalion overlaps the World War II time frame.  The two former branches are symbolized by the use of buff and blue for Quartermaster and brick red for Transportation.

Background
The coat of arms was approved on 4 February 1986.





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