The U.S. Air Force Celebrates 77 Years as a Separate Military Branch

Today marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the United States Air Force. Established as an independent branch of the U.S. military by Congress and President Harry S. Truman on September 18, 1947, the Air Force has since become a global leader in air power. However, its roots stretch back decades, reflecting a rich and evolving history in aviation.

The journey began in 1909 when the U.S. military purchased its first aircraft. Over the years, military aviation underwent several transformations, starting as the Aeronautical Section of the Signal Corps in 1909, later becoming the Aviation Section in 1914, the United States Army Air Service in 1918, the United States Army Air Corps in 1926, and eventually, the United States Army Air Forces in 1941.

World War II highlighted the crucial role of airpower and emphasized the need for a reorganization of the U.S. military. In response, the U.S. government restructured its defense operations, leading to the creation of the Department of Defense. This move consolidated the military branches under unified leadership and established the Joint Chiefs of Staff, representing the Army, Navy, and the newly independent Air Force.

In 1947, President Truman signed the National Security Act, which formally separated the Air Force from the Army and granted it equal status alongside the Army and Navy. This pivotal decision not only recognized the importance of air power but also bolstered the nation’s defense capabilities in an increasingly complex global landscape.

The U.S. Air Force remains a premier force in global aviation, carrying forward its legacy of innovation, excellence, and dedication to national security as it marks 77 years of service.