Fifty-nine years and counting…

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel
  • 48th Fighter Wing commander
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  As many of you know, 59 years ago Monday, the U.S. air activities officially transferred from the Army to the new Department of the Air Force. Over six decades, the Air Force has transformed from a corps within the Army to the world's greatest air and space force.

In the early years as an independent branch, Airmen were instrumental in Cold War operations, wars in Korea, Vietnam and the Balkans, instilling a culture of cutting edge technology and excellence. In recent years, Airmen continue to sustain that standard of excellence, through the first Gulf War to today, fighting the Global War on Terror. Because of our successes, no Soldier has been attacked by enemy aircraft since the Korean War.

Since inception, the Air Force's mission is to control air and space; and we do it better than anyone in the world. Although the operational environment constantly changes, as Airmen, we are always there to answer our nation's call, delivering aid to people in need and defending and protecting our great nation from emerging threats and new enemies.

Here at RAF Lakenheath we also keep the Air Force on the cutting edge, continuing to push the envelope on innovation and to ensure success against current and new threats. We carry out the Air Force mission at an exceptional level of skill, flexibility and technology. We constantly upgrade our war fighters and weapon systems with aggressive training, new munitions, better software and improved equipment.

In the words of the first Secretary of the Air Force, The Honorable W. Stuart Symington, "The destiny of the United States rests on the continued development of our Air Force."

The Air Force must continue to become more capable, more efficient and more lethal. We continue to build our 21st century Air Force - making a leaner, more agile organization that meets current and future joint warfighting requirements. As Airmen, we must continue to always develop, sustain and sharpen our warfighting edge to ensure our Air Force continues to succeed 59 years from now and beyond.

As we kick off our sixtieth year of service, your dedication to excellence, integrity and selfless faithful service is recognized and appreciated by all Americans. Happy Birthday Liberty Wing Airmen!