The entire design used on the shield of the Air Force Seal is taken from a heraldic representation of the Roman mythological God of the Heavens (Jupiter) thunderbolt, also termed “Jupiter's thunderbolt”.

The symbolism incorporated in the Great seal of the Department of the Air Force has the predominant colors, ultramarine blue and gold. These are the colors of the Air Force through transition from the Air Corps. While the 13 stars represent the Thirteen Original Colonies of the United States. The grouping of three stars at the top of the design portrays the three Departments of the National Defense Establishment, Army, Navy, and Air Force. The crest includes the American Bald Eagle, which is the symbol of the United States and air striking power. The cloud formation depicts the creation of a new firmament, and the wreath, composed of six alternate folds of silver and blue, incorporate the colors of the basic shield design. The shield, divided with the nebula line formation, representing clouds, is charged with the heraldic thunderbolt. The thunderbolt portrays striking power through the medium of air. The Roman numerals beneath the shield indicate the year 1947, in which the Department of the Air Force was established. On a band encircling the whole is the inscription "Department of the Air Force" and "United States of America".