(WJHL) – The U.S. Air Force is celebrating its 74th year of service in the Wild Blue there as the source of air, space, and cybernetic power for the U.S. military.

The airmen and women of the US Air Force serve as the forward arm of US military action, protecting US assets far on the horizon.

Originally formed in 1907 as an extension of the United States Army, the current Air Force was founded in 1947 by President Harry Truman as part of the National Security Act of 1947.

Members of the US Air Force have served with distinction around the world with notable performances on humanitarian missions such as the Berlin Airlift, a massive airdrop of food and supplies into West Berlin to provide relief to victims of the Cold War embargoes.

Most recently, the U.S. Air Force assisted in the evacuation of Afghanistan, the largest airlift in U.S. history, to ensure U.S. allies, property, and equipment are aligned. out of harm’s way.

According to the U.S. Air Force Personnel Center, there are 326,855 active duty members, including 12,568 pilots.

The WJHL personnel would like to thank all the men and women of the Air Force and wish the branch a happy 74th birthday.