Embedded Files
My Token to the NAVAIR EMALS / AAG Team 2017-2023
N.B. The following is slightly different version than presented to each member, basically because I spent a bit more time cleaning it up (boy who proof read that other version). Also I apologize for some of the picture I am not a professional photographer :)
A Little Something About the Item in Front of You
1. A Token of Gratitude
Please accept this small token as a sincere expression of my gratitude for allowing me to be part of your team and, at times, to lead it. This plaque represents my deepest respect for your dedication, loyalty, and fortitude in executing a mission that is truly unique in the world.
It is with immense pride that I can say I was once part of a team whose legacy may outlast not just me, but perhaps even my children. You have given me the honor of contributing to something extraordinary.
2. The Design and Meaning
Countless hours went into designing and crafting these plaques, each element chosen to reflect what I believe best represents you all. You’ll have to tell me if I got it right.
3. The Patches
The patches, while simple in appearance, have a deeper story behind them.
The Aircraft
The F/A-18 is featured because both systems were designed around it.
The line drawing is an original Boeing blueprint, publicly available but still authentic.
Lettering
"EMALS" is slanted upward, symbolizing the lift generated by electromagnetic forces—illustrated by a lightning bolt, nature’s most powerful concentrated energy source.
The “A” in "AAG" is stretched, representing the force of an arrestment. The hatched pattern signifies the purchase cable.
Font Choice
"AAG" is in bold block letters to reflect the system’s strength.
"EMALS" is in a more fluid font to represent its “gentler” application of force.
Mottos
A team isn’t complete without a motto. I believe our core responsibility is to always be swift and always be strong—hence, Semper Volex and Semper Fortis.
Someone once suggested Semper Paratus, but thankfully, the Coast Guard had already claimed it—I’d hate to lie.
"Unum et Indivisum" (One and Undivided)
Initially, I wanted to depict hands gripping both the cable and aircraft to symbolize the team, but it felt too corny. Instead, I found a more meaningful representation in Unum et Indivisum:
Launch and recovery are inseparable—you can’t have one without the other.
These systems will always be tied to the Ford Aircraft Launch and Recovery System.
EMALS and AAG share resources and will remain interconnected for generations.
Those who receive these plaques will forever be bound by the time and place we shared.
Traditional Elements
Navy blue background (as close as I could find).
A rope ring around the edge for a classic naval touch.
4. The Front Inscriptions
Your name.
Your title (which may not match an org chart perfectly, but then again, those change too often).
A personal impression you left on me, within the context of the team.
5. The Back Inscription
A simple note from me to you. Since I may not have the chance to write a standard farewell, let this serve as my parting words.
6. The Wood: A Hidden Meaning
The wood was crafted by me, chosen not just because I dabble in woodworking, but because wood has been an indivisible part of shaping the world we live in.
Without wood, the Industrial Revolution wouldn’t have happened, railroads wouldn’t have run, and Amazon boxes—so essential today—wouldn’t exist.
This often-overlooked yet essential resource reminds me of my team—always vital, yet sometimes underestimated.
A Special Origin
The wood comes from a 150-year-old White Oak that fell during Hurricane Irene.
It was on hallowed ground—St. Andrews Church in St. Mary’s County, home to NAVAIR HQ at the time of our service.
White Oak has a 229-year legacy with the U.S. Navy:
Joshua Humphreys selected it for the first six U.S. frigates due to its strength, resilience, and water resistance.
The USS Constitution—the Navy’s oldest commissioned warship—was built from White Oak.
During the War of 1812, it earned the name Old Ironsides when British cannonballs bounced off its hull.
To this day, the U.S. Navy maintains a grove of White Oaks in Crane, Indiana, solely for repairs to USS Constitution.
I wonder if NAVSUP will ever do the same for Ford.
7. The Fc Logo
Like any good product, this one has a maker’s mark. My Francino Craftsman (Fc) logo dates back 30 years to my woodworking business on Long Island—before the internet and the madness of today’s world.
8. The QA Mark
Each plaque bears the "MIC Mark", used on critical components where failure would result in catastrophic damage. I chose to mark these plaques because each of you is a critical part of this team, and that deserves recognition.
9. Closing Thoughts
Though the inscriptions on each plaque reflect my personal impression of each of you, I realized something during this process: every characteristic I attributed to one of you applies to all of you.
You are not just teammates—you are a family. You carry a part of each other, the best and sometimes the worst, but through it all, you lift each other up.
Over the years, you have taught me more than I can count. You have helped me grow into a better person—still complaining, of course, but always working toward solutions, even when others didn’t recognize the effort.
I leave this team with greater patience, a deeper appreciation for compromise, and an immense admiration for the most unique group of people I have ever known, entrusted with the most singular mission in the world.
One of my life axioms is to learn something and teach something wherever I go. If I’ve done that, then I can call this journey a success. I can only hope I’ve made as much of an impression on you as you have on me.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of this journey for the past five years.
With greatest respect and admiration,
Chris (the three-year-old) Francino
Call me anytime
Special Thanks to Susan Francino, Latin scholar who help me choose the correct Latin phrases
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