USAF marks 60th birthday with pride
As the United States Air Force proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary as an independent service Tuesday (born on Sept. 18, 1947), I am reminded of our Air Force's core values: "Integrity First — Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do."
While each core value shares equal importance, I'd like to share a brief historical vignette to convey one dimension of what "Excellence in All We Do" means both to me and today's 21st century Air Force family — men and women proudly serving in defense of freedom, supported magnificently by loved ones at home.
Performing superbly under the leadership of Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, the storied combat achievements of the Tuskegee airmen resonate for all time: Against all odds (operating in a "separate, but less than equal" arena) and flying in their P-51 aircraft with tails painted red, the "Red Tails" racked up an impressive tally of enemy kills, earned a near-perfect bomber escort record during World War II, and were the only fighter unit to sink an enemy destroyer.
They did all this — and more — without modern, heads-up displays, without stealth, and without heat-seeking missiles.
What was their secret weapon?
A commitment to "excellence in all we do."
The shining legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen proved that excellence in defense of freedom could prevail over generations of injustice, and decades of discrimination. The fruits of their service led to President Truman's Executive Order 9981, paving the way to a meritocracy that helps every 21st century airman excel and thrive.
As an airman, I'm proud to be part of a powerful, seamless formation of countless 21st century airmen who take enormous pride in our rich heritage of excellence in all we do. Thanks to the heavy lifting of all those who have gone before, every one of my wingmen across today's Air Force — from our flight crews to all our invaluable support teams — are empowered to use their leadership skills, technical expertise, and sheer creativity to make "mission success" a reality. Today's 21st century airmen truly do stand on the shoulders of giants.
Indeed, this grand arc of excellence spans the entire, brief history of your United States Air Force — from our constant vigilance during a protracted Cold War to our relentless persistence during the global war on terror. From the Berlin Airlift in 1948 to MiG Alley in Korea; from Thud Ridge to Linebacker II in Vietnam, and from Operation Desert Storm to Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as decades of countless joint operations in a host of unlikely places across the globe.
In terms every football fan can understand, in today's national security environment, airmen are equally adept at carrying the ball, and are always looking for opportunities to block and tackle for our soldier, sailor and Marine teammates to complete our mission.
Around the world, the Air Force's Air Mobility Command (AMC) launches 900 sorties each day. In the global War on Terror alone, on a typical day, your Air Force flies over 250 airlift and tanker sorties; moves more than 2,500 passengers and 1,000 tons of cargo; and delivers nearly 4 million pounds of fuel.
Day or night, on pavement or dirt, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, today's airmen bring ready warriors to the fight and escort our wounded heroes home to heal. Airmen toil around the clock in temperatures averaging well above 100 degrees as they build and defend bases, load and unload air cargo, and launch aircraft at various locations in the Middle East.
Cargo and air refueling air crews also answered the call last year when the U.S. State Department asked for help to evacuate more than 12,000 Americans who were fleeing the fighting in Lebanon. The year before, they delivered more than 15 million pounds of relief supplies to remote areas of Pakistan after a catastrophic earthquake hit the country. Closer to home, our AMC team moved more than 34,000 passengers and 5.5 million tons of cargo in 2005 to bring much needed relief and a measure of comfort to our fellow citizens in the two weeks following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
As we proudly commemorate 60 years of aerospace power, 21st century airmen have every right to be proud of the winning synergy derived from our teamwork, our diversity, and our extraordinary contributions to mission success. We all celebrate and honor our unique traditions, while also sharing our special common heritage.
We will always stand tall in defense of freedom, and we remain — foremost and always — 21st century American airmen with an unwavering commitment to "excellence in all we do." Happy Birthday, United States Air Force.
Brig. Gen. Darren McDew is former commander of the 14th Airlift Squadron at Chareston Air Force Base. He is currently vice commander, 18th Air Force, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
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