By: Erin Lindsay
PE Systems, Inc. was proud to have sponsored the 77th Air Force Ball, held in Dayton, Ohio at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The Air and Space Force’s Association Wright Memorial Chapter partnered with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to host the successful event. The Air Force Ball’s focus is always on honoring the exceptional personnel that energize the heartbeat of our nation, but this year also celebrated the 77th Anniversary of the U.S. Air Force and the 75th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. The ball, held Friday, September 6th, commemorated these historic milestones by producing a special coin representing both anniversaries.
General Hap Arnold and General Dwight Eisenhower advocated for the establishment of the Air Force as a separate service within the U.S. Military. The official birth of the U.S. Air Force, as it is known today, is when it became its own entity within the U.S. Armed Forces on September 18, 1947. Each year, the Air Force celebrates its anniversary with the Air Force Ball!
The Berlin Airlift was a 15-month operation that delivered food, fuel, and supplies to West Berlin by air during the Cold War. The Soviet Union blockaded access to West Berlin by rail, road, and water on June 24, 1948. The U.S. and the United Kingdom (U.K.) responded by airlifting supplies to Berlin from Allied airbases in western Germany. During the entire airlift, the U.S. and U.K. delivered more than 2.3 million tons of food, fuel, and supplies to West Berlin via more than 278,000 airdrops. American aircrews made more than 189,000 flights, totaling nearly 600,000 flying hours and exceeding 92 million miles.
Each year, this extraordinary formal celebration is open to the public. This year’s Air Force Ball welcomed the attendance of approximately 650 airmen, guardians, and industry and civic leaders. Lt. Gen Donna Shipton, Commander of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), took the spotlight when she was the first to cut the exquisite (and delicious) cake, a tradition enjoyed by everyone in attendance! Table decorations paid honor to the brave men and women who played a role in the Berlin Airlift.
This joyous occasion brings together military personnel, their families, distinguished guests, and members of the community to celebrate the remarkable heritage and accomplishments of the Air Force as it shapes the next generation of strategic capability. The location of this year’s event, the National Museum of the United States Air Force, is just one historic reminder of what it means to be part of the world’s greatest Air Force!