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Desert Eagle Team celebrate Air Force's 60th

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clark Staehle
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUHWEST ASIA --  The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing began hosting events Wednesday celebrating the Air Force's 60th anniversary on Sept. 18. 

"On the Air Force's birthday, it's important for Airmen to take a moment and reflect on the great heritage they share with every Airman who has served before them," said Chief Master Sgt. Lloyd "Joe" Hollen, 379th AEW command chief. "The Air Force is 60 years old, but Airmen have been contributing to airpower since the beginning of the 20th century."
 
Sixty years ago Tuesday, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, creating among other things a service dedicated to airpower, transforming the Army Air Corps into a separate service, the Air Force. 

Less than 10 years later, the service would prove itself in conflict, providing airpower throughout the Korean War with jet-powered aircraft like the F-86 Sabre and the F-80 Shooting Star. 

During that first decade, the Air Force would also go on to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles, break the sound barrier and perfect supersonic travel.
Although many more years and milestones have passed today's Airmen still enjoy celebrating their unique culture and traditions. 

Local events will include fitness-oriented competitions and specials at the base's concessionaires. 

The week long festivities will culminate in a dining-in Tuesday evening, which will be held at Memorial Plaza. The event will include dinner and a video chronicling the Air Force's heritage. Maj. Gen. Maury Forsyth, Deputy Combined Forces Air Component Commander, U.S. Central Command will be the guest speaker. 

Afterward, the Lori Passineau Band is scheduled to play. 

In preparation for the event, the plaza will close at 9 a.m., and the Desert Eagle Lounge will close at 2 p.m. 

"Celebrating this anniversary here is important to me because I'm very proud to be an Airman, and I'm proud of my service to my country and the contributions it has made to the Global War on Terrorism," Chief Hollen said. "It's humbling to think about it - where would America be without airpower? Over the last 60 years, we've provided not only air superiority, but top-notch support as well. Being here makes me prouder than ever to be an Airman."