The United States Air Force celebrated its 71st birthday on Tuesday.
“Today we celebrate 71 years as the world’s greatest airpower,” the branch tweeted, along with a video of the Air Force’s history, which can be seen here:
Today we celebrate 71 years as the world’s greatest #AIRPOWER! #Birthday #AFBDay pic.twitter.com/VOY8ixMUlO
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) September 18, 2018
President Donald Trump re-tweeted the video and said, “Happy 71st Birthday to our GREAT United States Air Force.”
Happy 71st Birthday to our GREAT United States Air Force! https://t.co/r9Sa7DJQ76
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 18, 2018
The Defense Department tweeted out a celebratory message to the branch on its birthday.
“Today marks 71 years of [Air Force] strength in the skies,” the department wrote.
Today marks 71 years of #AirForce strength in the skies. Happy Birthday to the @USAirForce. #AFBday #AF71 pic.twitter.com/yN5W7HDZd8
— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) September 18, 2018
Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan also tweeted about the anniversary.
#OTD in ’47 Pres. Truman established the Air Force as an independent service, equal 2 the @USArmy & @USNavy. The value of #AirPower has been demonstrated ever since. Today, our #airmen provide the U.S. with dominance in the sky. Happy 71st birthday, @usairforce! #airforcebirthday pic.twitter.com/OktW5idmtq
— Dep Sec of Defense (@DepSecDef) September 18, 2018
“#OTD [On This Day] in ’47 Pres. Truman established the Air Force as an independent service, equal 2 the @USArmy & @USNavy. The value of #AirPower has been demonstrated ever since. Today, our #airmen provide the U.S. with dominance in the sky. Happy 71st birthday, @usairforce,” he wrote.
The U.S. Army also weighed in.
“Join us in wishing a Happy Birthday to our brothers and sisters in the @usairforce. The Air Force was recognized as its own military branch after separating from the #USArmy in 1947,” it wrote on Twitter.
Join us in wishing a Happy Birthday to our brothers and sisters in the @usairforce. The Air Force was recognized as its own military branch after separating from the #USArmy in 1947. pic.twitter.com/pQoaPx7DvT
— U.S. Army (@USArmy) September 18, 2018
“In 1947, our Air Force faced a rapidly changing world,” the Pentagon said in a media release. “Leaders like Hap Arnold and Carl Spaatz set a clear vision that helped grow the Air Force of the future. Now, we face a similar challenge as we build the Air Force we need to overcome today’s threats. Our heritage of success is based on the innovation of intrepid warriors, made possible by our diverse group of professional, dedicated, and heroic Airmen.”
“We stand on the shoulders of the pioneers who came before us. Your dedication and commitment honors their legacy and ensures we remain the best Air Force the world has ever seen. As we acknowledge the past and recognize our accomplishments, we must continue to push higher, faster and further,” it added.
