Distinctive emblems worn on naval aviation outerwear represent squadrons, accomplishments, and other affiliations. These cloth insignia, affixed by sewing or adhesive backing, offer a visual shorthand for a wearer’s service and experience.
These symbols play a significant role in naval aviation culture. They foster esprit de corps within units and provide a means of quickly identifying personnel. Historically, they have also served as a record of an aviator’s career progression and deployments. Their presence on a jacket transforms a standard-issue garment into a personalized, meaningful item, reflecting pride in service and accomplishment. Moreover, the practice contributes to a rich visual history of naval aviation.