101 Squadron is now the designation (since 2002) for what use to be Maritime Squadron. The badge retains the Gannet from the original badge but now also features the map of Europe & Euro Stars (notice one star is actually a Shamrock). The motto "Eyes over the Sea" is now in Irish.

The badge was designed by a Corporal Finbarr Cotter and was first worn by the squadron in March 2003.

104 Squadron, 1 Ops Wing was previously known as the Army Co-op Squadron (ACOS).  Badge diameter 86mm.

105 Squadron, 1 Ops Wing was previously known as Photographic Section, Admin Wing. 
Badge designed by Armn. Patrick Reilly.   Badge diameter 80mm.

	105 Sqn (Jan 2007)

3 Operations Wing is the helicopter wing of the Irish Air Corps.  This badge was first worn in May 2004.  The symbol is the "ANKH" which was the Egyptian Symbol of Life.   This symbol can sometimes be seen on the helmets in photographs of Allouette III  crews. 

	3 Ops Wing (May 2004)

301 Squadron is one of the  Squadrons of 3 Operations Wing.  The badge was first worn in May 2004.   The sail with the Celtic cross represents St. Brendan and the north star shows that both St. Brendan and 301 Squadrons need to navigate at sea.  Badge diameter 70mm.

	301 Sqn (May 2004)

302 Squadron is one of the  Squadrons of 3 Ops Wing.  The badge was designed by Lt. James Brady and was first worn in May 2004.   Badge diameter 80mm.

	302 Sqn (May 2004)

303 Squadron is one of the  Squadrons of 3 Ops Wing.  The badge was introduced in November 2006.  The design represents the technical elements of the wing it was designed by Sgt. D. Cash and Armn. C. O'Callaghan.   Badge diameter  90mm.

	303 Sqn (Nov 2006)

Click here to see the Fouga CM170 Super Magister.  This was the aircraft that was flown by Light Strike Squadron and was in service with the Air Corps from 1975 until 1998.  In addition to being a jet trainer for student pilots it was also the aircraft that the Irish Air Corps display team the Silver Swallows flew.

This particular aircraft (F220) had it's last flight on the 11th June 1999 when it flew a demonstration for that year's "Wings" ceremony. It was removed from service that day. Subsequently it was the last Fouga to fly in the Irish Air Corps.

The reason that there are four Maritime Squadron flashes is quite simple.  Back in 1984 I was involved in the production of the 1st badge,  then at some stage someone in the Squadron decided to reorder and went at it without getting a sample or the original. The results were badges 2 (late 1980's) and 3 (early 1990's).  I was approached in late 1998 by the Squadron and it was agreed that the 1st badge was the standard.  I also had it remade to a much improved quality (notice the text and black border).

I was involved in the production of the first S&R squadron badge and as you can see it was individually named.  At a later stage a number of badges appeared with the Irish Air Corps having replaced the crew name but this version was not widely used within the squadron.  In 1999 I was approached about getting the badge reordered and I made the suggestion of staying with the "Irish Air Corps" because the named crew wings were beginning to be introduced therefore no need for the individuals name to appear on two breast badges. My idea was agreed and so the current badge is the standard.

 Page Updated : Saturday, 29 September 2007