CNAPG air force history page.

United States Air Force (USAF)

History

The United States Air Force (USAF) was formed on the 18th of September, 1947. It was divided into three main combat commands, Strategic Air Command, Tactical Air Command and Air Defence Command.

Prior to this date the aerial defence of the United States had been carried out by the air units of the Army and Navy.

Since its inception, the USAF has been involved in a number of conflicts including Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War. The USAF reached its peak at the end of the Korean War when it reached a strength of over 997,000 personel and more than 28,000 aircraft.

Over the years there have been a number of changes to the organisation of the USAF. Other major commands which have been formed include the Military Airlift Command (MAC) and the Air National Gaurd took over an ever increasing role in the aerial defence of the United States.