In a visual reminder of United States Air Force heritage, a World War II-era Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress four-engine heavy bomber flies in formation with a Boeing B-52H Stratofortress eight-engine strategic bomber. The B-17 is a Lockheed Vega B-17G-105-VE, 44-85718. This B-52, 60-0054, has been in active service for more than 63 years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Michael A. Kaplan/0600513-F-0558K-101.JPG)
18 September 1947: The United States Army Air Forces become a separate military service, the United States Air Force.
Old and new school bombers, can’t get much better than that.
On this day in 1947 I was just 10 days away from my 11 th birthday… In May 1954 I joined the Air Force…in May 1977 I retired…I never got over the love of Military aircraft…I STILL look to the sky at the sound of aircraft high overhead…
You are not alone, Paul.
I also joined the Air Force in February 1954 retired March 1, 1974.
My father was navigator/bombadier in both planes
My Grandfather proudly served in the USAF as an Aviation Mechanic in Georgia during the Korean War.
It was because of him I got my love if the military and aircraft, and why I joined the USN in 2005 as an Aviation Mechanic.
My dad was in the Air Police in SAC for 22 years until he retired. He joined the Air Force after getting out of the USMC after WWII.
I joined the Air Force fresh out of High School in 1964 and was not yet 18. Sometimes I wonder how my life might have been different if I had gone to college, but the bottom line is joining the Air Force was the best thing I could have done at that point in my life and I have no regrets. I never served in SAC: instead, I worked on fighters in TAC and ADC. When people thank me for my service, I always say, “You’re welcome. I’d do it again if I was 17 again.” They might think I’m kidding, but I’m not. #ProudVeteran
© 2015, Bryan R. Swopes
Old and new school bombers, can’t get much better than that.
On this day in 1947 I was just 10 days away from my 11 th birthday… In May 1954 I joined the Air Force…in May 1977 I retired…I never got over the love of Military aircraft…I STILL look to the sky at the sound of aircraft high overhead…
You are not alone, Paul.
I also joined the Air Force in February 1954 retired March 1, 1974.
My father was navigator/bombadier in both planes
My Grandfather proudly served in the USAF as an Aviation Mechanic in Georgia during the Korean War.
It was because of him I got my love if the military and aircraft, and why I joined the USN in 2005 as an Aviation Mechanic.
My dad was in the Air Police in SAC for 22 years until he retired. He joined the Air Force after getting out of the USMC after WWII.
I joined the Air Force fresh out of High School in 1964 and was not yet 18. Sometimes I wonder how my life might have been different if I had gone to college, but the bottom line is joining the Air Force was the best thing I could have done at that point in my life and I have no regrets. I never served in SAC: instead, I worked on fighters in TAC and ADC. When people thank me for my service, I always say, “You’re welcome. I’d do it again if I was 17 again.” They might think I’m kidding, but I’m not. #ProudVeteran