An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flight line at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 3, 2014.The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft that is employed primarily as an intelligence-collection asset and secondarily against dynamic execution targets. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Staff Sgt. John Bainter)

Commentaries

Air Force celebrates 72nd Birthday

  • Published
  • By Lt. Gen. James C. Slife and CMSgt. Cory M. Olson
  • Air Force Special Operations Command
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  On this 72nd birthday of our United States Air Force, Chief Olson and I would like to commend you on your hard work over the past year. Once again, we saw momentous accomplishments across this Command. From a Medal of Honor awarded to an AFSOC Airman, to the first combat deployment of our newest weapons system, the AC-130J, this year was truly remarkable.

Over time we have been witness to ever-emerging and evolving threats, causing us to change our methods and adapt capabilities to maintain a competitive edge. Over the next year we will continue to change and modify how we present forces to better align with the National Defense Strategy and seek innovative ways to create dilemmas for our adversaries in all domains of warfare. We will also focus on building readiness across all career fields, improve relationships amongst ourselves and our partners, and deliberately build joint leaders.

Our history and heritage are founded upon the shoulders of Airmen like yourselves…passionate, skilled, and disciplined professionals solving tough problems and getting the job done -- as a team -- to secure our Nation’s defense. The Chief and I are confident we are ready for the challenges to come.

Thank you all for your selfless service and dedication to the mission … and Happy Birthday Air Force!