The U.S. Air Force celebrates its 73rd birthday today.
Air Force became its own branch in 1947 when President Harry Truman signed into law the National Security Act of 1947.
Here’s the video the Air Force released in honor of the day:
Join @SecAFOfficial, @GenCQBrownJr and @cmsaf_official in celebrating the 73 years of flying, fighting and winning. #USAF73 pic.twitter.com/BU51zJWoEP
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) September 18, 2020
The U.S. Army tweeted a video and a message saying, “Happy 73rd Birthday United States Air Force! Fly-Fight-Win!“
Happy 73rd Birthday United States Air Force! Fly-Fight-Win! #AFBDay 💪 🎂
📹 by Sgt. Randy Roberts pic.twitter.com/fzmi6cxorI
— U.S. Army (@USArmy) September 18, 2020
Until the recent creation of the U.S. Space Force as the fifth U.S. military branch, Air Force was the youngest branch.
Happy Birthday to the U.S. Air Force! #USAF73 pic.twitter.com/l81S1DmDFe
— United States Space Force (@SpaceForceDoD) September 18, 2020
“Happy 73rd Birthday to our wing-men and women in the sky @usairforce. Congratulations on no longer being the youngest branch.,” the U.S. Navy tweeted.
Happy 73rd Birthday to our wing-men and women in the sky @usairforce. Congratulations on no longer being the youngest branch. pic.twitter.com/NblNiPVSiW
— U.S. Navy (@USNavy) September 18, 2020
Defense Secretary Mark Esper tweeted, “Here, on the 73rd anniversary of the creation of the United States Air Force, I hope every airman takes a moment to celebrate the world’s most capable air force.”
Here, on the 73rd anniversary of the creation of the United States Air Force, I hope every airman takes a moment to celebrate the world’s most capable air force. pic.twitter.com/W41TVGCDrR
— Dr. Mark T. Esper (@EsperDoD) September 18, 2020
The first incarnation of an air force in the military was in 1907 when the U.S. Army Signal Corps designated an Aeronautical Division to manage military air operations such as balloons and other new flying machines.
One year later, the Signal Corps tested its first airplane, and after another year, they accepted the airplane into the service.
In 1913, the 1st Provisional Aero Squadron was established as the first aviation military unit.
Several other changes took place over the decades to shape what is now the Air Force.
Now the Air Force boasts more than 5,400 manned and unmanned aircraft, 1,385 of which are fighter planes, according to Air Force data compiled by the Heritage Foundation.
