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AV8 ACE
AV8 Ace "Defenders"
AV8 Ace "Defenders"
Regular price
$32.00 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$32.00 USD
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Defensor Fortis—Latin for “Defenders of the Force”—is the official motto of the United States Air Force Security Forces and reflects a heritage that dates back to World War II. The origins of this mission can be traced to lessons learned from German airborne assaults early in the war, particularly the capture of key airfields during the Battle of Crete in 1941. Recognizing that air bases were prime targets for enemy attack, the U.S. Army Air Forces established specialized air base defense units, military police companies, and air base security battalions tasked with protecting airfields, aircraft, and personnel from ground assaults. These units became the foundation of today's Security Forces.
During World War II, Air Base Security Battalions served as the Army Air Forces’ dedicated ground combat force, defending installations across Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. Armed with machine guns, mortars, armored vehicles, and other infantry weapons, they protected critical airfields from sabotage, infiltration, and attack while ensuring uninterrupted air operations. Following the creation of the independent United States Air Force in 1947, these organizations evolved into the Air Police, whose responsibilities expanded to include law enforcement, installation security, and the defense of strategic air assets during the early years of the Cold War.
The Vietnam War further demonstrated the importance of dedicated air base defense forces, leading to the creation of highly trained Security Police combat units capable of defending airfields against ground attacks. Programs such as “Safe Side” and the Combat Security Police Squadrons established modern air base defense doctrine, culminating in the evolution of today's Security Forces. Adopting the motto Defensor Fortis, Security Forces personnel became responsible for protecting aircraft, nuclear weapons, air bases, and Airmen around the globe. Today, they continue a proud lineage of combat readiness, law enforcement, and force protection that began with the airfield defenders of World War II.
The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz/yd² (115.3 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk for extra durability
• 40 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.
During World War II, Air Base Security Battalions served as the Army Air Forces’ dedicated ground combat force, defending installations across Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. Armed with machine guns, mortars, armored vehicles, and other infantry weapons, they protected critical airfields from sabotage, infiltration, and attack while ensuring uninterrupted air operations. Following the creation of the independent United States Air Force in 1947, these organizations evolved into the Air Police, whose responsibilities expanded to include law enforcement, installation security, and the defense of strategic air assets during the early years of the Cold War.
The Vietnam War further demonstrated the importance of dedicated air base defense forces, leading to the creation of highly trained Security Police combat units capable of defending airfields against ground attacks. Programs such as “Safe Side” and the Combat Security Police Squadrons established modern air base defense doctrine, culminating in the evolution of today's Security Forces. Adopting the motto Defensor Fortis, Security Forces personnel became responsible for protecting aircraft, nuclear weapons, air bases, and Airmen around the globe. Today, they continue a proud lineage of combat readiness, law enforcement, and force protection that began with the airfield defenders of World War II.
The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look. And extreme durability makes this t-shirt withstand repeated washings and still remain super comfortable.
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Fabric weight: 3.4 oz/yd² (115.3 g/m²)
• Pre-shrunk for extra durability
• 40 singles
• Regular fit
• Side-seamed construction
• Blank product sourced from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US
Disclaimer: The fabric is slightly sheer and may appear see-through, especially in lighter colors or under certain lighting conditions.
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