Heraldic Significance
The emblem is rendered in the traditional Air Force-style shield, bordered in gold. It features the Puerto Rican flag as the background, a Spanish colonial watchtower (Garita in Spanish) at the center, and the historic Civil Air Patrol roundel to the right. A scroll bearing the inscription "Puerto Rico Wing" anchors the emblem at the base. Each element was chosen with deliberate intent to represent the Wing’s identity, mission, and historical continuity.
The use of the Puerto Rican flag as the emblem’s background serves as an immediate and universally recognized symbol of geographic identity. Known around the world, the flag conveys pride, unity, and the enduring spirit of the Puerto Rican people. Its red stripes represent the blood of patriots, the white stripes signify peace and liberty, the blue triangle stands for the government, and the white star symbolizes the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The flag's inclusion reflects the Wing’s steadfast commitment to serve the communities of Puerto Rico with honor and integrity.
Garita (Watchtower): Dominating the center of the shield is the iconic Garita, a Spanish colonial sentry box that has stood as a symbol of defense and vigilance since the 1500s. These structures, most famously seen along the walls of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristobal, were built to protect the island from invasion and remain enduring symbols of resilience and strength. The Garita in this emblem conveys the Wing’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its communities and supporting civil defense missions through preparedness, leadership, and operational excellence.
Civil Air Patrol Roundel: Positioned to the right of the Garita, the emblem displays the historic Civil Air Patrol roundel - a red three-bladed propeller centered in a blue circle with a white triangle. This design was used by Civil Air Patrol during World War II and continues to represent the organization's legacy of service and patriotism. Importantly, this roundel also appeared on the original Puerto Rico Wing patch, making its inclusion a direct connection to the Wing’s founding history. The placement beside the Garita is symbolic as when the Puerto Rico Wing was chartered the Civil Defense Headquarters was located at Fort San Cristobal in San Juan, reinforcing the historical linkage between Puerto Rico’s coastal defense legacy and CAP’s current mission of emergency services and homeland security.
Information provided by:
Puerto Rico Wing
December 10, 2025
The patch was designed by 1st Lt Jose A Rafols. The "A-10 Shark" was originally conceived by Hermes Crespo and Edgardo Torres for the 1996 ACS Drill Team. It was approved for wear by Squadron Commander, 2d Lt Jasen Romero and Wing Commander, Col Hermany Liboy.
1. General:
May this writing serve as a guide for the use of the ACS patch and as an explanation of the symbols in the Aguadilla Cadet Squadron patch. For readability purposes the letters 'ACS' will hereafter refer to the name of Aguadilla Cadet Squadron. Any changes to this writing must pass the approval of the ACS staff.
2. Terms for using the patch:
The ACS patch will NOT be given to a cadet unless the cadet passes a review board. The Board will consist of the squadron commander, cadet commander, cadet deputy commander, flight commander and the first sergeant. During this review board the cadet will be asked general questions about the CAP and about the squadron patch. The cadet’s performance within the squadron will also be evaluated. The cadet being interviewed must have knowledge on the meanings of all of the items of the ACS patch. The Senior Staff and Cadet Executive Staff of ACS will reserve the right to decide who is and who is not fit to wear the ACS patch. Wearing the ACS patch is a privilege and not a right. The purpose of this is to motivate cadet to better themselves through their efforts to earn the ACS patch.
3. Wear of the Patch:
The ACS patch will be worn centered on the upper-right pocket of the DBU fatigue or the CAP Blue utility uniform. Wear of the ACS patch on any other uniform in not authorized.
4. Meanings of the items in the patch:
a. Six white stars, which stand for the six core values ACS goes by:
i. Integrity first.
ii. Service before self.
iii. Excellence in all we do.
iv. Loyalty to your comrades, unit and country.
v. Pride in your work.
vi. Respect above all else.
b. Blue, has two meanings:
i. The sky is our limit.
ii. Represents CAP’s flight operations.
c. Green: Ground operations, meaning ground team and logistics support.
d. Red line: Search and Rescue
e. A-10 Thunderbolt: Represents Strength, leadership and uniqueness.
f. Shark: The shark is the animal adopted by the town of Aguadilla and our unit.
g. Red Propeller within the Air force symbol: The propeller means CAP
each blade stands for each one of the CAP missions. It is within the
Air Force symbol to symbolize the union between CAP and the USAF.
h. Red CAP: It is between the wings of the Air Force symbol
to symbolize that we are the US Air Force Auxiliary.
i. PR 035: ACS Unit Charter Number.
j. Rise Above the Rest: Squadron Motto.
Information provided by:
1st Lt Jose A Rafols, Squadron Commander
January 17, 2008
Description/Symbolism
Disc (Crest): In dark blue background, the following elements are included:
The emblem was designed by 1st Lt Elias Roman-Rivera, and approved by Col Edgardo Torres, Puerto Rico Wing Commander, on February 11, 2019.
Information provided by:
1st Lt Elias Roman-Rivera, Squadron Commander
2019