By Melanee "Kate" Thomas, ODNI Office of Strategic Communications
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence celebrated the 75th anniversary of the U.S Air Force with a symbolic cake cutting and ceremonial toast in McLean, Virginia, Sept. 16.
Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Kruse, the director’s advisor for military affairs, presided over the ceremony and provided remarks focusing on the legacy and future of the U.S. Air Force.
“Our entire history has been one of evolving, and continuously charting a new course,” said Kruse. “We’ve always tried to reach further to expand our understanding, our technology, our capabilities and our contributions to the defense of the nation.”
Since its establishment, the Air Force has provided intelligence to warfighters and policymakers though their intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
The U.S. Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Enterprise is a member of the Intelligence Community and America’s leading provider of finished intelligence derived from airborne, space and cyberspace sensors.
“In many ways we have a shared past, and a shared future,” Kruse said. “So to all of you here today, let me say an enthusiastic ‘happy birthday’ to the Air Force, and to our Intelligence Community partners. It is a privilege to be on this amazing team.”
During the ceremony, virtual remarks by Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Charles “CQ” Brown played as he highlighted this years’ theme of “innovate, accelerate, and thrive.”
“Airmen will always be there to provide America with the airpower it needs to defend the nation, help diplomacy proceed from a position of strength, reassure our partners and allies and deter or defeat our adversaries,” said Brown. “Empowered airmen are our competitive edge over our adversaries and the reason why we are the world’s greatest Air Force.”
As ODNI honors the Air Force’s 75th anniversary, we also celebrate the commitment of all airmen, past and present - aim high!