The Squadron Patch

The most prominent figure on the Emblem is our mascot, Chandler. Chandler is a Testudo. The Testudo is also the mascot of the University of Maryland College Park, whose campus is neighbored by the Squadron.

Chandler is named after Captain Charles DeForest Chandler, a US Army Signal Corps Officer who was the first head of the Signal Corps Aeronautical Division, which was the first ever heavier-than-air military aviation organization, and a direct ancestor to the US Air Force.

In his right hand, Chandler holds a Lewis Gun. This is an homage to the many "firsts" at our home base, College Park Airport, however nods to one specifically. Captain Chandler was also the first person to fire a machine gun from an airplane, effectively introducing the airplane as a practical weapon of war.

Chandler's pilot uniform, as well as the wings found on the patch, serve as nods to the Squadron's proud history and tradition of aviation.

The motto found on the lower scroll, "Pelle Finem," translates to "Pushing the Limits." This motto refers to the squadron's goal of serving as an example throughout the organization, and expanding the supposed envelope of what a unit can accomplish.

The patch has been with our squadron as far back as anybody can remember, and the designer is unknown.