420th Air Base Group
On 14 January 2004, the 420th Air Base Group (420 ABG) was established at RAF Fairford
Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the
primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of
Air Force personnel. The red cross denotes the Cross of St. Michael, symbolic of England, host
to the units under this command. The Air Force roundel is a reminder of the group’s Second
World War roots and its long, proud history of mission accomplishments. The polestar
represents the single true course followed by the unit, the vital role it plays in the success of
NATO.
Coins
A Fox became the RAF Fairford mascot during the time of the 420th ABG, as they were seen running around the base. Since then coins and patches have been produced with the Fairford Fox
The 420th Air Base Group was officially de-activated on Tues 6th Oct 2009
420th Air Base Squadron
Activated 12th May 2005 – Assigned to 420th ABG.
2010 – Assigned to the 422nd ABG located at RAF Croughton
Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the
primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of
Air Force personnel. The globe and flight line supported by the armored hands represent the
squadron’s mission: to support flight operations as part of Air Force global reach. The motto
“Animis Opibusque Parati” in Latin translates to English “Ready for Anything.”
Coins
Stickers
420th Civil Engineer Squadron
Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the
primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of
Air Force personnel. The knight signifies the unyielding determination of squadron personnel,
their will to fight and their might to make it happen. The runway alludes to the unit’s forward
operating location and its ties to NATO.
Coins
420th Munitions Squadron
Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the
primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of
Air Force personnel. The Anglo-Saxon battle axe alludes to the geographical location of the
RAF Welford relative to the nearby town of Wantage, which stands in isolation amid the English
countryside. The Anglo-Saxon Thorn Rune on the battle axe signifies “Silent Strength Waiting
to be Unleashed”. The MK 84 JDAM missile signifies the explosive power and the era of
Precision Engagement. The enflamed bomb shell represents the squadron’s unyielding
determination and might for mission successes.
The 420th Munitions Squadron, realigned under the 422 ABG July 1 2009.
It remains in place at RAF Welford
420th Security Forces Squadron
Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the
primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of
Air Force personnel. The rampant griffin symbolizes security forces guarding Air Force
personnel and resources. The unit’s Latin motto “IN OMINA PARATUS” in English means
“Prepared for all Things.”
Coins
420th Logistics Readiness Squadron
Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the
primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of
Air Force personnel. The lightning bolt represents the speed of Combat Agile Support being
displayed on the Supply, Vehicle Maintenance, Transportation and Logistics Plans duty badges.
The wrench symbolizes the largest mission of maintaining War Reserve Material assets in
support of NATO’s only Global Power Forward Operating Location. Collectively, all elements
combined represent the motto, “Global Support.”
Coins
420th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron
The 420th Air Base Squadron have had to bring more crews from elsewhere to support the current 99th ERS deployment – designated as the 420th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron.
The patch is designed by a guy in the Fairford Air Traffic Control it contains the 420th patch on the bottom with Fairfords runway. The top is a torch and dragon representing the 501st wing holding the torch for the dragons.
Coins
420th Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE)
The 420th (AGE) is responsible for mission essential ground equipment also taxiway assist “follow me” and marshalling
501st Combat Support Wing
Unknown Squadron Coins
