History Of The U.S. Air Force

On Sept. 18, 1947, the U.S. Air Force was born as an independent service equal to both the Navy and Army. However, the Air Force had a long history before that date and even more after. Here are some parts you need to know about the history of the Air Force:

Early Years

After the first flight in 1903, innovation followed. The U.S. would go on to become the most powerful and advanced country over the next ten years. In 1914, World War I was the first major conflict to feature aircraft ground attacks and aerial dog fights.

With World War II came the vitality of winning the battle in the air. The U.S. joined the war after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 17, 1941. The war against Japan ultimately ended with another strike from the air as the U.S. dropped two bombs on Japan four years later.

Due to the lesson learned from World War II, the U.S. began to emphasize technological and organizational development of the Air Force. As a result, the Air Force became its own branch in the Military on Sept. 18, 1947.

Immediate Years After Birthday

• In 1949, the Air Force proved its capability to perform military action anywhere around the world when “Lucky Lady II” flew nonstop around the world.
• During the Korean War in the 1950s, the Air Force participated in their first complete jet aerial combat.
• From 1954 into the 60s, the Air Force added the B-52 Stratofortress and intercontinental ballistic missiles to their arsenal.

Vietnam Through The Persian Gulf War

• In the 1970s, the Air Force developed laser-guided bombs and air to ground missiles guided by TVs.
• During the 80s, the Air Force revealed their stealth technology.
• The Air Force had a key role in defeating the Iraqi military in the Gulf War, they supported the war in the Balkans and they fought to uphold democracy in Haiti during the 90s.

The New Millennium

• The employment of the Expeditionary Air Force Concept transitioned the Air Force’s tactics on using force.
• The U.S. deploys the use of unmanned aircrafts.
• The Air Force has been involved in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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