US Air Force 4404th Composite Wing (Provisional) DCU (1991 – 1998)
The 4404th Composite Wing (Provisional) was a US Air Force squadron stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia just after Gulf War 1 (1991) to enforce sanctions on Iraq, specifically the no fly zone in the south. The unit was inactivated on October 1st, 1998 (source: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usaf/4404wg.htm). US units stationed in Saudi Arabia, such as the 4404th, after Gulf War 1 were a significant part of Bin Laden’s to launch the 1998 Embassy Bombings and 9/11 attacks, leading to the War on Terror (source: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0002716208317599). In fact, the 1996 Khobar Towers bombings, though not directly perpetrated by Bin Laden, targeted members of this unit (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khobar_Towers_bombing).
The DCU jacket on this page features many in-country, likely Saudi-made, insignia patches.
Squadron Patch:
The patch was sewn directly through the left pocket (as worn) so it cannot be opened.
Collar Rank Insignia:
Name and Branch Tapes:
Loose Insignia:
These loose patches were found in the lower pockets. Most appear to be made in-country.
Tags:
1991 contract date. This was one of the first DCU’s made.
US-Afghan Patched:
Chest Insignia:
Cross Flag Patch:
The crossed US-Afghan flags were supposed to symbolize solidarity with Afghans and was intended to be mandatory for wear (source: https://www.stripes.com/news/military-civilians-to-wear-pin-symbolizing-solidarity-with-afghans-1.37963). Although mandatory, it was very rarely issued and largely gone by 2008 (source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1800973036588888/posts/6547801835239294/?comment_id=6547932611892883).
Tag:
1999 date.
Collar Patches:
Pocket Contents:
This Air Mobility Command (AMC) baggage services document was found in the upper left pocket (as worn).
DoD Civilian:
Tapes:
Tapes appear to made in-country on polypropylene webbing material.
Tag:
1996 date.