Shoulder Sleeve Insignia.  Description:   A rectangular embroidered device 3 inches (7.62 cm) in height and 2 5/16 inches (5.87 cm) in width overall and bowed at top and bottom edges consisting of an ultramarine blue field charged with a white antique sword point down between two golden orange wings upraised and two white lightning flashes issuing from each side, their points meeting in base below the sword tip, all within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) golden orange border.  

        Symbolism:   Ultramarine blue and golden orange are traditionally associated with the Aviation Branch.  White denotes integrity and purpose.  The wings represent flight; the sword refers to the numeral “one,” recalling the organization’s ties to the birthplace of powered flight in North Carolina and the unit motto, “First In Flight.”  Together, the lightning flashes form an aerial axis of advance and with the sword, represent the bold, dynamic strike capabilities of the Assault Theater Aviation Brigade.  The lightning flashes refer also to the dual nature of the organization, whose focus includes combat capabilities and defense support to the homeland.  The golden orange border signifies strength and unity.  

         Background:   The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 16 June 2009.  (TIOH Dwg. No. A-1-1003) 

 

Distinctive Unit Insignia.  Description:  A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in width overall consisting of a stylized silver rendition of the Wright Brothers' Monument enveloped by the blue elliptical contrail issuing from a silver flight symbol; the contrail inscribed "FIRST" on the left and "IN FLIGHT" on the right in silver; the area between the contrail and the monument is golden orange.

        Symbolism:   Ultramarine blue and golden orange are the colors traditionally associated with Aviation.  The profile of the Wright Brothers' Monument at Kittyhawk commemorates the birth of powered flight in North Carolina and alludes to the unit's location and mission.  The motto exemplifies the continuing dedication to excellence and achievement.

         Background:   The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 449th Aviation Group on 14 April 1988.  It was redesignated for the 449th Aviation Brigade and amended to update the description on 31 July 2008.