55th ISS celebrates its beginnings with a new coat of arms

  • Published
  • By David R. Hopper
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Intelligence Support Squadron recently celebrated its beginnings with the introduction of a new coat of arms at the headquarters of the 55th Operations Group.

Activated on July 22, 2010, the 55th ISS is the newest squadron within the 55th Wing and with more than 230 Airmen across 30 Air Force Specialty Codes, their mission is very diverse.

"The art work by Master Sgt. Shane Beaulieu displayed here represents the emergence of the newest squadron in the largest operations group in our service," said Lt. Col. Ty Gilbert, 55th ISS commander. "Years down the road, we hope to still see this amazing artwork in the halls of the 55th and reflect proudly on the achievements of the Griffon men and women who work so hard each day to fulfill their duty in supporting global ISR operations."

The new coat of arms features two Griffons, symbolizing valor and vigilance, grasping a shield. The shield is divided into three distinct parts.

The left side is blue and symbolizes peace, stability, unity, order, loyalty and the sky, all in one physical domain. Within the blue are five stars in the sky, that symbolizes the aircraft associated with the 55th ISS -- the Rivet Joint, Cobra Ball, Combat Sent, Open Skies and Constant Phoenix.

The top right portion of the shield is red and represents speed, strength, power and war. The 55 represents the 55th Wing, 55th OG and 55th ISS. The yellow is the color of the sun, a constant celestial presence, day or night, never at rest. The Roman numeral MMX details the inception year of their unit, 2010.

The lower right side of the shield is white and signifies purity, precision, simplicity and humility. The claw marks represent the Griffons within their ranks, executing the wing's mission by digging deep into all endeavors.

"Along the steel chief, silver dexter and gold sinister are bolts representing the workhorses of the unit - the logisticians and maintainers," said retired Air Force Master Sgt. Shane Beaulieu. "They keep our airframes sky-worthy and for enabling countless sorties to execute their mission and ensuring their safe return, they are given prominence on the shield."

While the crown is a traditional mainstay in a coat of arms, the crown above the shield holds a metaphorical meaning to how 55th ISS Airmen serve the Air Force he said. We defend our country with our lives, and we do so in the service of the greatest Air Force in history.

Positioned behind the shield are the lightning bolt and the halberd. The bolt of lightning is emblematic of communications and information. With both, knowledge is gained to weaken the adversary while empowering ourselves and our allies. Knowledge is the battlefield of choice. Historically, the halberd was responsible for ending the Burgundian Wars in a single stroke. It was extremely effective at unhorsing cavalrymen, pushing back spearmen and keeping the enemy at bay. The 55th ISS employment of intelligence is similar to the halberd in that their efforts keep the adversaries at a safe distance and on the defensive, giving our forces more time to employ our tactics to gain the advantage.

Finally, the banner capitalizes the unit's motto; Carpe Fulgores...Seize the Lightning.

"I wanted to create something that would stand the test of time for a fledgling squadron," Beaulieu said.

Much like the Griffon, Beaulieu said, the 55th ISS has already accomplished great things and is destined to become legendary. What better way to honor them than by devising a coat of arms.

The 55th ISS Coat of Arms can be seen on display in the hall of the 55th OG.