Amata Highlights the Birthday of the U.S. Air Force

September 16, 2026 Press Release Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the 79 th birthday of the United States Air Force (USAF), marking the official founding as a Service on September 18 th , 1947, when President Harry Truman signed the congressional act that established the Air Force. Image “Happy birthday to the United States Air Force, including the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard, and congratulations to all Airmen!” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “The U.S. Air Force includes over 600,000 people serving through active duty, Reserve, Guard, or civilian support and supply, and includes thousands of aircraft. They are a cornerstone of our defense and deterrent capabilities, with a proud heritage. The Air Force brings together expert personnel, supersonic jets, high technology, and cyber knowledge. “We support our Airmen, and American Samoa is proudly represented in every Service of the U.S. Armed Forces!” she continued. “God bless these many dedicated men and women securing the skies over our deployed Service Members. From my congressional flights crewed by the Air Force, I can attest to their professionalism first-hand. Thank you for your service, and happy 79 th birthday!” Prior to the 1947 milestone, Air Force history includes U.S. military aviation history with airpower in both World Wars. Historically, as airpower grew in significance in modern warfare, peacekeeping and other missions, aviation forces changed, called the Army Air Service, to the Army Air Corps in 1926, to the USAAF in 1941, before the final step into the Air Force in 1947, two years after World War II ended. ### Issues : Military