Air Force Birthday
The U.S. Air Force was officially established on September 18, 1947, and has since proven itself as an unrivaled force in aviation. However, its roots extend back to the early 20th century, reflecting a rich history and heritage.
Related: Air Force News and Info
Between 1909 -- when that the US military purchased its first aircraft -- and 1947, the U.S. Air Force did not exist as a separate and independent military service organization. It went through a series of designations: Aeronautical Section, Signal Corps (1909); Aviation Section, Signal Corps (1914); United States Army Air Service (1918); United States Army Air Corps (1926), and United States Army Air Forces (1941).
Related: Learn about the Space Force
World War II highlighted the crucial role of airpower and underscored the need for a fundamental reorganization of the U.S. armed forces. In response to these lessons, the U.S. government undertook a significant restructuring to improve coordination and efficiency. This transformation led to the creation of the Department of Defense, which consolidated the military branches under a unified command structure, featuring a strong Joint Chiefs of Staff comprised of Army, Navy, and Air Force leaders.
In 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, which not only established this new defense organization but also marked the formal creation of the U.S. Air Force as a separate and independent service branch.
This pivotal development granted the Air Force an equal status alongside the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, solidifying its role in national defense and setting the stage for its future as a premier airpower force.
The reorganization significantly enhanced the strategic, operational, and tactical capabilities of the U.S. military, ensuring a cohesive and effective approach to national security in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the post-war era.
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Air Force Birthday Slideshow
Air Force History: Featured Articles
Timeline: Air Force Milestones
1949: The flight of the “Lucky Lady II” demonstrated the Air Force’s capability to fly, non-stop round the world, showing it could take off from the U.S. and drop bombs anywhere in the world.
1950-1953: USAF engaged in the first completely jet aerial combat During the Korean War. The F-86 Saberjet scored impressive aerial victories against the enemy MiG-15.
1954: The first B-52 Stratofortress came into the USAF Inventory and has served in every conflict since its appearance.
1960s: The development and deployment of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) as a major component of the aerial defense capability of the United States.
1964-1973: War in Vietnam
1970s: The development of laser-guided bombs and TV-guided air to ground missiles. Air mobility took a major step forward with the introduction of the C-5 Galaxy in the Air Force Inventory. Other aircraft systems introduced in this decade were the F-15, A-10, AWACS, and F-16.
1980s: Stealth Technology was revealed advent of the F-117; strategic bomber capability was increased with the deployment of the B-1.
1990s: USAF played a major role in the swift defeat of the Iraqi military forces in the first Persian Gulf War: The Air Force underwent a major reorganization with the formation of Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, and Air Force Materiel Command. The USAF supported the war in the Balkans, and the US intervention Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti.
2000 -- Present: The Expeditionary Air Force concept was a major transition in how the Air Force employed forces. The Global War on Terrorism brought the USAF into Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
