The emblem portrays the expeditionary mission. The upper portion of the shield, together with the dart-like air vehicle represents expeditionary airpower capabilities. The lightning flash illustrates the great speed with which the power of the Wing can be unleashed. The lower portion of the shield is symbolic of the historic valor of the Wing's personnel past and present. The atomic symbol commemorates the Wing's operational heritage dating from the atomic era. The stars are grouped to depict the Wing's numerical designation.