WASHINGTON (AFNS) –
Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen issued the following message to the Airmen of the United States Air Force:
Our Air Force was literally born "in the air." President Truman was aboard the presidential VC-54C -- the Air Force One of its day -- when he signed the National Security Act of 1947. With Truman's stroke of the pen 64 years ago, America's Air Force was launched as an independent service.
In the decades since, our Air Force has grown a rich tradition of pushing back the bounds of the possible, rising to meet any challenge.
Wherever the interests of our nation or our allies and partners are at stake, the men and women of our Air Force have been, and continue to be, among the first and fastest to answer the call.
I see this every day as I've watched and worked with Airmen around the globe in my four years as your chairman.
From executing operations simultaneously across the spectrum of conflict and multiple domains, to delivering the highest chance of survival to our wounded of any war in U.S. history, the commitment of our Airmen has been extraordinary and your contributions pivotal.
It has been a tremendous privilege to serve with the finest men and women in the world's greatest air, space, and cyberspace force. I salute each of you and your families for your service and thank you for the difference you make for our nation and for so many around the world. Happy birthday, Air Force!
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff