The Naval Aviator embroidered insignia is an original badge manufactured in the U.S.A. in accordance with applicable U.S. Government specifications. The Naval Aviator badge is certified by the U.S. Navy and mandatory for wear on uniforms in NWU Type-II Desert camouflage as of October 1, 2019. Background material for an embroidered badge must match the uniform on which the badge is worn.

The Naval Aviator insignia is a warfare qualification of the United States military. It is awarded to aviators of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard who have qualified as Naval Aviators. The Naval Aviator insignia is identical for all three branches.

To qualify for the Naval Aviator insignia, a service member must complete flight training and be designated a qualified pilot of a military aircraft. Traditionally, student naval aviators are awarded their "soft patch" wings immediately after the completion of their final training flight. These soft wings are typically gold-leaf impressions on leather patches that attach to the flight suit with Velcro. The official Naval Aviator insignia are later awarded at a "winging" ceremony. 

The badge consists of a single fouled anchor surmounted by a shield with 13 stripes (representing the 13 original states) centered on a pair of spread wings.