In his first letter to airmen since taking charge of Air Combat Command last month, Gen. Mike Hostage said he will focus on “developing and caring for” airmen and their families, winning today’s fight, improving effectiveness, and “balancing recapitalization and modernization.” In the letter, dated Oct. 13, Hostage acknowledged that the future budgetary environment will require “tough decisions,” but said he was committed to maintaining “dominant combat airpower for the joint force.” He said today’s challenges will require everyone to work together, but “I am confident you will continue providing unparalleled combat airpower when and where our nation needs.” He added, “You can expect from me a relentless drive for excellence and professionalism, the hallmarks of our great Air Force.”
Happy Birthday US Air Force: 78 Today
Sept. 18, 2025
Seventy-eight years ago today, on Sept. 18, 1947, Supreme Court Chief Justice Fred Vinson swore in Stuart Symington as the first ever Secretary of the Air Force, and the Air Force officially became the first new military service since the Revolutionary War.