The flag of the United States Air Force was introduced in 1951 and consists of the U.S. Air Force's crest and shield, which itself comprises 13 white stars and the Department of the Air Force's coat of arms on a field of blue. The 13 stars represent the 13 original British American colonies, the grouping of three stars at the top portray the three Departments of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The crest includes the North American bald eagle, the cloud formation depicts the creation of a new firmament, and the wreath, which is composed of six alternate folds of silver and blue, incorporates the colors of the basic shield design.

Courtesy of VA.gov