Happy Birthday Air Force

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber Wescott
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Once again, it is time we count the Air Force another year older. At 61 years, the Air Force has come a long way in air power and is now known as the world's greatest air power. 

Stuart Symington was the first Secretary of the Air Force sworn in Sept. 18, 1947, the Air Force birthday. Based on achievements in air superiority, the Air Force became the "first line of defense" in a post-war world. Shortly after accepting his position and swearing in he stated that, "In this day when a powerful counterattack is America's only real answer to aggression, there can be no question that we need the world's first Air force. It is only through the global, flashing mobility of the Air Force that we can hold our counterattack poised ... we feel, with deep conviction, that the destiny of the United States rests on the continued development of our Air Force." 

The Air Force has become more and more involved in the conflicts that arise. The flight of the Lucky Lady II, in 1949, was the first aircraft that had flown non-stop around the world to prove that it was able to drop bombs anywhere in the world if need be. 

President Truman once said, "I remind all of our citizens that the air power of the nation is essential to the preservation of our liberty, and that the continued development of the science of air transportation is vital to the trade and commerce of a peaceful world."