USAF 48th Tactical Fighter Wing TFW Patch F-100D SPS Police 1967 (4 Inch) – Variant C1

USAF 48th TFW Security Police Squadron SPS Patch Tactical Fighter TFW Wing USAFE F-100D Super Sabre RAF Lakenheath 1967 (4 Inch) Variant C1

Validation – Tangible authentic and original

Manufacturer – US Made Schiffli Machined

Manufacture – factory machine fully embroidered with the rear locking threads white synthetic low snow and a cut edge

Visibility – colour

Condition – very good

Size – 98mm by 91mm

Approximate imperial size – three and seven eighth by three and one half inches

Free Shipping

USAF 48th TFW Air Police Squadron

F-100D Super Sabre fighter aircraft

This original 48th Tactical Fighter Wing Air Police Squadron patch is from the famous F-100D Super Sabre period.

Chaumont Semoutiers Air Base France

Activating at Chaumont Semoutiers Air Base France on 10 July 1952 the 48th Fighter Bomber Wing flying element comprised 492nd, 493rd and 494th Fighter Bomber Squadrons. The Wing upgraded from F-84G Thunderjet to F-86F Sabre aircraft during November 1953.

A new insignia design strengthened Franco-American relations during the Cold War period. Chaumont was located near Frederic Bartholdi’s workshops in eastern France. Bartholdi designed the famous Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. The Wing incorporated the Statue of Liberty into its emblem. On 4 July 1954 the mayor of Chaumont granted the Wing its honorary title  Statue de la Liberte subsequently used on its emblem. The Wing became known as “The Statue of Liberty Wing” and “Liberty Wing”.

In late 1956 the Wing converted from F-86F Sabre aircraft to F-100D Super Sabre fighter aircraft. The F-100D became one of USAFE’s principal NATO tactical fighter aircraft. The Wing assumed direct control of combat squadrons on 8 December 1957 when the 48th Fighter Bomber Group was inactivated. The Wing became the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing on 8 July 1958. Flying squadrons were redesignated Tactical Fighter Squadrons following the name change.

RAF Lakenheath United Kingdom

Rising political tensions forced USAFE units to leave France during the late 1950s. Under Project Red Richard the Wing redeployed to RAF Lakenheath, England, during January 1960. RAF Lakenheath became a major NATO fighter base during the Cold War years. The Wing supported NATO exercises and tactical evaluations throughout Europe. Deployments included Turkey, Italy, Spain and bases across the United Kingdom. The Wing earned its first Air Force Outstanding Unit Award between 1961 and 1964.

During 1972 the Wing began conversion to the F-4D Phantom II aircraft. The final F-100D Super Sabre departed RAF Lakenheath during August 1974.

This 3-inch Air Police patch is highly collectible among USAFE and Cold War aviation collectors.

 

 

Timeline

48th Air Police Squadron 1952-1967

• 48th Air Police Squadron was activated with 48th Fighter Bomber Wing at Chaumont Semoutiers AB France on 10 July 1952 assigned to 48th Air Base Group.
• 48th Fighter Bomber Wing was equipped with F-84G Thunderjet aircraft
• The Wing transitioned to F- 86F Sabre aircraft in November 1953 and reequipped with F-100D Super Sabre aircraft in late 1956
• The Wing was redesignated 48th Tactical Fighter Wing on 8 July 1958
• 48th APS relocated with 48th TFW to RAF Lakenheath England on 15 January 1960.

48th Security Police Squadron 1967-1997

• 48th Air Police Squadron was redesignated 48th Security Police Squadron on 1 May 1967 when USAF changed the designation of all Air Police and Combat Defence units.
• The Wing reequipped with F-4D Phantom II in 1972
• The Wing reequipped with F-111F Aardvark fighter bombers in 1977
• 7348th Security Police Group was activated on 1 August 1985 and was assigned 48th Security Police Squadron to manage the increasing Base security requirements with ongoing CND demonstrations at RAF Lakenheath.
• 7348th Security Police Group was inactivated and replaced by 48th Security Police Group on 21 October 1988.
• The Wing was redesignated 48th Fighter Wing on 1 October 1991
• The Wing began its transition to F 15 Eagle aircraft on 15 February 1992
• 48th Security Police Group was inactivated on 31 March 1992 and 48th SPS was reassigned to 48th Support Group.

48th Security Forces Squadron 1997-Present

• 48th Security Police Squadron was redesignated 48th Security Forces Squadron on 1 July 1997.
• The Wing began its transition from F 15 Eagle aircraft to F 35A lightning aircraft on 15 December 2021.

 

Squadron and Group Emblem

The emblem is symbolic of the squadron and its mission. The encircling olive branches depict honor and the red rim valor. The two shades of blue in the background represent 24-hour night and day protection. The armored fist alludes to power and protection, the sword to justice, the lightning bolts as a striking force. The wings depict peace and the 48 stars allude to the number of the unit. The emblem bears the US national colors, red, white and blue, to reflect patriotism and the Air Force colors, ultramarine blue and golden yellow, to indicate the unit is an integral part of the United States Air Force. Approved 23 Apr 1964.

Squadron Motto

Latin – Parati Pro Re Improvisa – Prepared for the Unexpected

 

This USAF Patch 48th TFW Security Police Squadron SPS dates from 1967.