Shield has historic past Published Feb. 7, 2007 By 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing History Office BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFNEWS) -- The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group share the same emblem. The only difference between the two is the designation in the scroll.The blue and yellow colors represent the Air Force. 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 panther symbolizes the unit's strength, dedication and devotion to duty. The flames emitting from its mouth represent the unit's capability to accomplish the Air Force mission worldwide. The blue and yellow nebule, or the heraldic line formed by short curves to resemble a cloud, connotes day and night operations.The Tuskegee Airmen from the 332nd Fighter Group in World War II are the lineal ancestors of the current 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group. The emblem for the 332nd Fighter Group was approved Jan. 15, 1943, and has remained unchanged except for unit designations.