The U.S. Naval Aviator Wings—the legendary “Wings of Gold”—are one of the Navy’s most recognized symbols of earned trust, capability, and accountability in the air. Worn by qualified Naval Aviators, the insignia is a gold winged device centered on a fouled anchor with a shield—a visual reminder that every naval flight mission is built on sea service roots, disciplined airmanship, and the obligation to bring combat power (or lifesaving capability) wherever the Fleet is called. The wings trace back to the Navy’s earliest aviation era. Uniform regulation changes in 1917–1918 established the “Naval Aviator’s Device” as a winged fouled anchor to be worn on the left breast by those who qualified, and early versions were issued to aviators in early 1918. The design was formally described in detail in the 1922 Uniform Regulations, and it has remained essentially consistent ever since. Naval Aviator Wings (“Wings of Gold”) are worn by qualified aviators in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard.
