Official patch for the NROL-44 Mission. The mission is scheduled to be launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida Launch Complex 37 aboard a Delta IV Heavy lift vehicle in September 2020.
Size: 3.25 x 4 inches. Velcro backing. High quality Embroidered
The patch design is based off of the insignia of the American Volunteer Group (re-designated as the 14th Air Force upon the US entry into World War II) popularly known as the Flying Tigers. Prior to being rebranded as the SpOC, the 14th Air Force saw, and continues to oversee, the day to day activities of U.S. military space operations, to include lift operations off the Eastern Range. At the top left hand corner is a winged tiger, riding a lightning bolt, reaching towards the insignia for the mercury program, which successfully put the first American Astronaut into space. Until 2018, when the unit was retired, both of these symbols were adopted by the 45th Operations Support Squadron who shared mission responsibility with the 1st Range Operations Squadron, which reverted back to its original designation as the 45th Range Squadron when the two units were consolidated into one.
