Leaders of the AF
First people in Military History
Firsts in Military History
100

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.


100

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.

100

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.

200

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.



200

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.

200

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

300

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. 

300

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.

300

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.

400

Current AFGSC Commander

Who is Lt. Gen. Stephen Davis? 

Lt Gen Davis previously commanded the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB from 2011–2012. 

400

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.

400

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.

500

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. 

500

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. 

500

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.