This Day in the Law
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September 18

U.S. Air Force Created (1947)


On September 18, 1947, the United States Air Force became an independent branch of the U.S. military. In particular, President Harry Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947 and many of its provisions, including the creation of the Air Force, went into effect on this day.

For over forty years the Air Force was part of the U.S. Army and called the Army Air Forces. However, top military officials realized that air superiority would require a separate military branch. The Air Force quickly took on the role as the first line of defense in the post-World War II environment.

On this day, September 18, 1947, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson administered the oath of office to the first secretary of the Air Force, W. Stuart Symington. James Forrestal was also confirmed as the first Secretary of Defense.

Today, the mission of the U.S. Air Force is: "To Deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests - to fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace."

The Air Force is also the largest and most advanced air force in the world. It has over half a million military personnel, over 170,000 civilian personnel, over 6,000 manned aircraft, and is leading the way in the development of unmanned aircraft (e.g. such as with the Predator).