US Air Force F-16 Patches

jjrod@cox.net

In the late 90's, the USAF mandated that all unit patches must be rounded with a lower banner proving unit indentification. The previous 13th FS patch was a shield shape. Lt. Col P. K. White, then commander of the 13th FS (1998), asked SSgt Joe Rodriguez to redesign the patch. SSgt Joe Rodriguez had finished the design with Lt Col. P. K White's inputs on the variations of the patch as requested. The rest is now squadron history.

TSgt Joe Rodriguez, USAF (Ret.)

SMSRET@YAHOO.COM

JOE, THE PANTHER IS FACING THE WRONG WAY. BILL CORMIER

jjrod@cox.net

Bill, hence the word VARIATIONS of the patch. Lt. Col White wanted to use a image from a vietman era patch in 13FS history. Whether the patch was ever official or a variation of the pilot's party patch from that era, after looking at several different versions, Lt. Col White chose this version for use. Congress, or whoever deems what patches a USAF unit wears was a patch with a yellow background and the panther facing right. (and many at the 13FS considered that panther, LAME) When the 13th was a Macdill AFB during the F-4 years and then again in Misawa Japan with F-16 Wild Weasals, the white background shield shape with several different panther head variotions were used, to include the head from the offical patch during the F-4 years. These unauthorized white shield patches were used as 13FS squadron patches on everyone's uniform until the USAF deemed around 1996/97 that all squadrons go back to the circle and banner design that all units are supposed to wear today. Well this patch, although the panther is facing to the LEFT, is basically another twist on the official patch, and is probably is also an UNAUTHORIZED patch just like the white shield patch was for years. From what I recalled, I do beleive that the patch was supposed to be the same officially since 1974. This patch, maybe in the pilot's minds at Misawa was another way to comply with the circle and banner, yet have there way since many were in protest of losing the white shield patch. It resembeled the correct patch and was used instead.

Another twist on the story is when the 13FS Life Support person took the design to the local Japanese contractor to make the patch, he hade the vendor make the patch LARGER than that of the 14FS. So when a 14FS pilot stood next to a 13FS pilot. the patch was much larger. The story goes on that it was months before the 14FS realized it. Supposed the next batch of 14FS patches were made the same size and the 13FS also. The original ploy by the 13FS Life Support person was another boo-hoo'ing of the fact we had to get rid of the white shield patch. Not many wanted to go back to the yellow patch and not many like the 1974 version of the panther either. Again HENCE the VARIATIONS; sort of a squadron protest to USAF compliance.