U.S. Air Force celebrates 61 years of change, success

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Ken Scholz
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  In 1907, the U.S. Army Signal Corps established a small division to take control of all aeronautical matters and equipment. One hundred years later, on Oct. 27, 2007, the MQ-9 Reaper Unmanned Aerial Vehicle engaged enemy combatants for the first time with hellfire missiles in the Deh Rawod district of Afghanistan. While such progress is impressive, the evolution of our nation's Air Force is as fascinating as it was necessary.

Born out of necessity, the U.S. Air Force has committed itself to the defense of our nation and has established an impressive track record.

"For over 50 years no Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine has been subjected to an enemy air attack" said Col. Rob Maness, 55th Wing Vice Commander. "Each Air Force birthday marks another year of this nation's commitment to developing and deploying future technologies. "

By remaining on the cutting edge of technology and adapting to future threats, the U.S. Air Force has indeed carved out its place in history.

That history began 61 years ago when the 1947 National Security Act established the Department of the Air Force to replace the Army Air Corps as a separate branch of the military. Since then, air power has been a critical component to U.S. military success. Fighting in every major conflict since World War I, the U.S. Air Force has literally spanned the globe with its war-fighting capabilities. But perhaps what makes the Air Force truly respected is its versatility. From the Berlin Airlift of 1948 to providing aide to those affected by Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Air Force has continually proven that it is more than just a fighting force, but a multi-spectrum humanitarian organization as well. The one consistent aspect in the diverse mission and history of the Air Force is change, which has characterized the service since its inception.

Few places have seen more change in aviation and Air Force history than the local Omaha area. In 1918, the 61st Balloon Company became the first air unit to command Fort Crook. Six years later, the landing strip on the fort was designated Offutt Field in honor of 1st Lt. Jarvis Offutt, Omaha's first air casualty in WWI. Soon after the Air Force became an independent military branch, Offutt Field became Offutt Air Force Base and the home of Strategic Air Command. Today the 55th Wing, the largest and most diverse wing in Air Combat Command, nears its 85th birthday. And while the 55th Wing continues to keep America safe by providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities second to none, Sept. 18 we take a moment to reflect and celebrate the birth of the Air Force and Offutt's place in its vibrant history.

With the last hundred years of aviation history fading behind us, we can only wonder what the next century will bring. As the U.S. Air Force continues to transform itself in the face of changing conflicts and enemies, it is simultaneously expanding into space and cyberspace. Yet even with the present changes looming large, it is important every once in awhile to look back and remember the beginning.

It has been a long road from basic ballooning to unmanned aerial vehicles putting accurate firepower on the ground, but today's U.S. Air Force has adapted into the most potent "aeronautical division" in the world and continues to remain "Above All."

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