DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As November rolls around it makes me reflect about the end of World War I and Armistice Day. The First Great War, as we all know, was the first major operational use of Air Power in combat, in what would turn out to be first few steps toward us becoming the World’s Greatest Air Force. Air Power was built from that generation of Airmen; this was when the torch was lit, and Airmen began advancing through innovation, daring and sheer guts.
Throughout World War I and until present day, Airmen have achieved extraordinary accomplishments. We have all heard countless stories of the sacrifices of Airmen throughout history. The Airmen of the Mighty Eighth fought over Europe, where they endured freezing conditions, attacks from enemy fighters, and flack. Then, in the Pacific, the Airmen of the 27th Bombardment Group were captured and forced to walk the Bataan Death March, becoming POWs. Every single one of the POW/MIA Airmen in all our nation’s conflicts carried, and in turn, passed the torch along. At the point of the First Gulf War we had proven once again that we were the World’s Greatest Air Force. Skeptics said you could not win a conflict with Airpower alone, but we proved otherwise during the Yugoslavian Campaign. During the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the B-1 enterprise was asked to do missions that the aircraft was never built to do, yet it exceeded at them. It was not just the aircraft that allowed this. It took huge efforts by Airmen being innovative, not being afraid to step outside the box, and finding new ways to complete the mission. Now, the B-1 is premiere choice for this role, proving again we still hold the title of World’s Greatest Air Force.
Whether in air, space, or cyberspace—whether we are fighting conventional wars or fighting terrorists overseas—we have adapted and overcame any adversary that has come our way. We are proud—as we should be!—to be a part of holding the title as World’s Greatest Air Force, but the job is not over.
As modern leaders, we must enable, train and equip new Airmen joining our ranks so that in the future, they can uphold the title and torch. It will not be an easy task. With future innovations like with hyper sonic missiles, Bomber Task Force concepts, and augmented reality we are giving our Airmen the tools to uphold the title long after we are gone. It is through the ideas, sweat and innovation of those young Airmen that the torch gets carried on.
Airmen have carried this torch throughout our history. It has been heavy and costly, and has never been easy. However, with the strength of all our Airmen coming together no matter their job, rank, or mission, when we come together, we continue to keep that torchlight burning and uphold the title of World’s Greatest Air Force. With that, maybe one day Airmen will reflect on us as I reflect on those great Airmen that came before us.