Celebrations of the Air Force’s 60th anniversary on Sept. 18 included activities in New York City, from observance by the “Today” show to a sign on Times Square. “Today” show weatherman Al Roker wishes the Air Force a happy 60th birthday, amid cheering airmen and AFROTC cadets, who had come over from Manhattan College. And, on the square, the Nasdaq stock market and Reuters news service displayed Air Force 60th Anniversary graphics throughout the day. (Go to “USAF Celebrates 60 Years” for photos of anniversary celebrations around the world.)
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.