U.S. Air Force History & Key Dates
The United States Air Force became an independent branch of the military on September 18, 1947, separating from the Army. Its origins trace back to the Aeronautical Division of the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1907.
Aeronautical Division established within the U.S. Army Signal Corps
First military aviation organization in the United States
American pilots engage in large-scale air combat in World War I
Demonstrated the strategic importance of air power
Army Air Corps expands dramatically for World War II
Grew to over 2.4 million personnel and proved air superiority decisive
United States Air Force established as an independent branch
National Security Act created the USAF separate from the Army
Air Force conducts operations in the Korean War
First major conflict as an independent service
Air Force plays key role during the Cuban Missile Crisis
Strategic reconnaissance and nuclear deterrence proved critical
Air Force leads coalition air campaign in Operation Desert Storm
Air power was the decisive factor in the swift victory
Air Force begins operations in Afghanistan and the Global War on Terrorism
Precision strikes and close air support in a new era of warfare