Leaders of the AF
Current CMSAF
Who is CMSgt David Wolfe?
Served as the 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force since December 8, 2025. Wolfe has served in the USAF since enlisting in 1992, serving mainly as a Security Forces Airman.
First CMSAF
Who is Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Paul Airey?
Adviser to Secretary of the Air Force on matters concerning welfare, effective utilization & progress of enlisted members of the AF. Laid the groundwork for WAPS and served most of his career as a 1st Sgt.
The first and oldest military branch
What is the U.S. Army?
First and oldest branch of the U.S. military, established by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1775, to fight in the Revolutionary War. Originally known as the Continental Army, it was created to defend the thirteen colonies before the Declaration of Independence was signed.
First president of the United States of America and "Founding Father"
Who is George Washington?
George Washington was the first president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. Unanimously elected by the Electoral College, he took the oath of office on April 30, 1789, in New York City.
Current CSAF
Who is General Kenneth S. Wilsbach?
24th Chief of Staff of the USAF (CSAF) - responsible for organizing, training, and equipping 665,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian forces.
First woman to command a combat missile unit
Who is Lt Col Patricia Fornes?
At Minot AFB in 1993, Lt Col Patricia Fornes becomes the 740th Missile Squadron commander.
Considered the first global conflict in military history
What is World War I?
World War I, or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers
First state in USA history
What is Delaware?
Delaware was the first state in the United States, becoming the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787.
Current Secretary of the AF
Who is Dr. Troy E. Meink?
Sworn in as Secretary of the AF in May 2025, served in the U.S. Air Force, entering in 1988 via ROTC. He was a navigator and instructor on KC-135 aircraft, completing 100 sorties, including combat missions. He later worked as a test engineer for the Missile Defense Agency and held leadership roles in the National Reconnaissance Office.
First woman to enlist in the USAF
Who is Esther Blake?
The first woman to enlist in the U.S. Air Force on July 8, 1948, immediately after it became a separate service.
The oldest, continuously active military installation in the USAF
What is F.E. Warren AFB?
F. E. Warren AFB in Wyoming is the oldest continuously active military installation in the USAF - established in 1867 as Fort D.A. Russell, it transitioned from an Army cavalry post to an AFB in 1949.
First American in space
Who is Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr.?
An American astronaut, in 1961, he became the second person and the first American to travel into space and, in 1971, he became the fifth and oldest person to walk on the Moon, at age 47.
Current AFGSC Commander
Who is Lt. Gen. Stephen Davis?
Lt Gen Davis previously commanded the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB from 2011–2012.
Only officer to hold 5-star rank in two different U.S. services
Who is General Henry "Hap" Arnold?
As Chief of the Army Air Corps/Forces, he directed global air operations against Axis powers, and championed long-range bombers (B-17, B-24, B-29), jet technology, and radar.
The first major operational bases for the U.S. Army Air Corps (precursor to the Air Force)
What are Langley Field, VA; Barksdale Field, LA; and March Field, CA?
The first major operational bases for the U.S. Army Air Corps (precursor to the AF) - established in 1935 at Langley Field, VA; Barksdale Field, LA; and March Field, CA.
First person to break the sound barrier
Who is Chuck Yeager?
A United States Air Force test pilot, Chuck Yeager was the first person to break the sound barrier. On October 14, 1947, he flew the Bell X-1 rocket plane, named "Glamorous Glennis," at Mach 1.06 over the Mojave Desert in California, becoming the first pilot to exceed the speed of sound in level flight.
Current USSTRATCOM Commander
Who is Admiral Richard Correll? (Navy)
He assumed command on December 5, 2025. He is a career U.S. Navy submariner and the ninth commander of USSTRATCOM since its inception in 2002.
Given the nickname "Father of the Air Force"
Who is General William "Billy" Mitchell?
One of the most senior aviation officers in the U.S. Army and its most aggressive internal critic - commanding Allied air power during WWI he warned future wars would be decided in the air, and the U.S. military’s fixation on battleships left the country dangerously exposed, fought for creation of separate air service.
First aircraft in the US Military
What is the this 1909 Wright Flyer?
The foundational aircraft for the Aeronautical Division of the Signal Corps, which eventually evolved into the USAF.
First American casualty in war
Who is Crispus Attucks?
A man of Wampanoag and African descent, he is widely recognized as the first person killed in the American Revolution. He was shot and killed by British soldiers during the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770, acting as a sailor and dockworker amidst rising tensions against British rule.