MSCoE Sends: Celebrating the USAF’s 73rd Birthday

By Brig. Gen. James Bonner, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence and Fort Leonard Wood commanding generalSeptember 16, 2020

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — On Sept. 18, 1947, President Harry Truman signed the National Security Act, separating the United States Air Force from the United States Army and establishing a new branch of service. Friday, we celebrate this important milestone in our military’s history with the 73rd birthday of the Air Force.

The Air Force has a long and storied history in service to our nation. From its humble origins with air balloon reconnaissance during the Civil War to its troop movement, ground support and bombing missions of today, American air power has been a decisive and integral component of our military might for almost 150 years.

The Air Force is the greatest force multiplier in the history of warfare and they enable the joint force to conduct operations in today’s multi-domain environment.

At Fort Leonard Wood, we have enduring and fruitful partnerships with all of our sister services. We are thrilled to host the 364th Training Squadron, Detachment 1.

Each year, approximately 1,400 Airmen leave Fort Leonard Wood prepared in the fields of ground transportation, engineering and emergency management, pavements and equipment and security forces.

Approximately 1,000 more Airmen attend other services’ courses on post. The connection between our two services is forged with the shared blood and service of our forebears.

We are proud of our combined history and honored to serve with you.

Thank you for helping make this the greatest team — both on land and in the sky.

Airmen, take pride, celebrate your heritage and your warfighting strength.

Happy Birthday, Air Force! “Aim High … Fly-Fight-Win!”

Victory starts here — victory through skill.