UFO Huntin’ Since 2023
In the domain of aerospace defense, military patches such as the “UFO Huntin’ Since 2023” worn by the 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit encapsulate the essence of their operational identity and their crucial role in maintaining the readiness of F-22 aircraft for national security incidents.
The patch with the design “UFO Huntin’ Since 2023” is an official custom patch made for the 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU), which is part of the U.S. Air Force. Patches like this one are commonly used in the military to signify unit identity and often include symbolic elements that reflect the spirit or inside information of the unit. These patches are part of their official merchandise for the U.S. Air Force, suggesting that the patch is an officially sanctioned item for members of the 90th AMU or collectors.
Military patches are often designed with a mix of traditional symbolism and unit-specific mottos or imagery. While the reference to UFO Huntin’ may be playful, it’s not uncommon for military insignia to include elements that build unit cohesion and morale. Such items are typically worn on uniforms during certain assignments or displayed as part of a collection to showcase one’s service and affiliations.
The 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) is located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska. This particular unit is responsible for all maintenance efforts directed towards the F-22 aircraft and associated equipment. They play a critical role in analyzing maintenance performance to pinpoint any negative trends and suggest corrective measures to the leadership of the 3rd Wing. Furthermore, they collaborate closely with the 90th Fighter Squadron to ensure optimal pilot training, aircraft fleet health, and to fulfill the annual flying hour program. The 90th AMU is also in charge of overseeing the training of its personnel to be prepared for both peacetime and contingency operations.
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) in Alaska was involved in a response to a high-altitude object over Alaska in February 2023. The Alaska UFO incident concerned national security and involved U.S. Air Force aircraft, including F-22s from JBER, intercepting and downing the object. This engagement is possibly reflected in the “UFO Huntin’ Since 2023” patch of the 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, suggesting an accurate take on the unit’s readiness and involvement in protecting U.S. airspace, which includes unidentified aerial phenomena or objects.
This was international news. President Biden, on February 16, 2023, addressed the nation regarding the United States’ response to unidentified aerial objects. The speech detailed measures enhancing radar systems to identify slow-moving objects, resulting in the interception of three objects across Alaska, Canada, and Lake Huron. Actions were taken swiftly in collaboration with international partners, such as Canada, to ensure civilian airspace safety and explore these incidents further.
The patch itself is 4 inches in diameter, fully embroidered, and comes with Velcro backing, which is commonly used for military patches. The design elements such as the aircraft, dice, and the mention of “UFO Huntin’ Since 2023” add a unique and spirited identity to the patch, reflecting a sense of camaraderie and tradition within the unit. These patches are customizable and can be ordered from specialized military gear suppliers, which offers these patches for sale to service members of the unit or those who collect military memorabilia.
Another example of a patch is, the “Measure Analyze Protect” patch which is associated with a research unit dedicated to reverse engineering UFO and UAP phenomena. It symbolizes a meticulous approach to understanding unknown aerial objects, involving precise measurement, detailed analysis, and protective measures for both the technology and information uncovered. This aligns with the broader efforts to comprehend and manage the implications of such phenomena on national security and scientific knowledge.
The patches symbolize a deep-seated commitment to defense readiness, exemplified by the proactive stance following President Biden’s address on unidentified aerial phenomena, and they serve as a testament to the continuous vigilance and expertise of units like the 90th AMU.
