Maine Wing

Pine Tree with Civil Air Patrol Triblade

Pine trees have been a part of Maine’s symbolic imagery since statehood in 1820 and a central part of the region’s economic development since the colonial era. Maine is the most forested state in the nation (89%) and has been known as the "Pine Tree State" since the mid-19th century. The Great Seal of the State of Maine, adopted within 3 months of statehood, features a large pine tree as a central element. The first official state flag, adopted in 1901, features a green pine tree in the center with a single star positioned in the dexter chief position on a buff (cream) field. The pine tree is also a historical tie to the original Maine Wing emblem which features the pine tree in the center of the field.

The Civil Air Patrol original insignia, derived from the Civil Defense logo, consisted of a red triblade propeller inside of a white triangle, surrounded by a blue circle. The original insignia has been a part of the Maine Wing emblem since our inception. The modernized version of the triblade is included in the Maine Wing shield as a historical tie to the original emblem and in recognition of Maine Wing’s history as home to 2 of the 21 coastal patrol bases operational in 1942, Base 19 in Portland and Base 20 in Bar Harbor.

The tribade symbol combines with the pine tree as its roots and trunk. This combination represents Maine Wing’s growth from Civil Air Patrol’s WWII origins into the diverse and multifaceted organization we are today. The position as the roots and trunk of the tree also shows the strength of the core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect as the guiding principles behind all we do as Maine Wing members.

Astronomical Bodies

A single star and the sun anchor the shield in the dexter chief and sinister chief positions, respectively. The single star represents Polaris, the north star. Polaris is the visual representation of the Maine motto Dirigo, meaning "I lead", and is a key element in The Great State of Maine Seal. Dirigo not only represents Maine, it also represents the Civil Air Patrol aerospace mission and the development of the next generation of leaders throughout the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. The star also represents Maine's Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, one of only 18 International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world and the only one in the northeastern United States of America. As the easternmost state in the contiguous U.S., Maine is the first place the sun rises in the country each day. The sun represents brilliance and Maine Wing’s commitment to dedicate ourselves each day to advancing our education and training.

Coloration

The shield is composed of six colors, Ultramarine Blue (Pantone Reflex Blue), Air Force Yellow (Pantone 116), Pimento red (Pantone 200), Green (C 90, M 31, Y 98, K 22), White, and Black. Their meanings on the emblem are: