Quantcast

Historic milestones mark evolution of US military aviation

Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Alaska Airlines' “Aviation Day” inspires future aviators
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
Qatar Airways places record $96 billion Boeing order amid Trump visit
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
Historic milestones mark evolution of US military aviation
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

The history of US military aviation is marked by several significant moments that have shaped its development and use in warfare. The first air-to-air victory for the United States came on April 14, 1918, when the US Army Air Service's 94th Aero Squadron engaged in aerial combat during World War I. Lieutenants Douglas Campbell and Alan Winslow achieved this milestone with their Nieuport 28 C.1 biplanes.

"The 94th Fighter Squadron’s most famous modern pilot is Major Kristin 'Beo' Wolfe," who has transitioned to flying the F-35 and previously served as the F-35A Demo Pilot.

The introduction of aircraft carriers in battle was another pivotal moment, highlighted by the Battles of Coral Sea and Midway during World War II. The National WWII Museum notes that these battles marked "the first significant use of US Naval Air Forces in anger." The Battle of Midway, in particular, demonstrated the effectiveness of carrier-based airpower.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Helicopters made their debut in combat rescues during World War II and the Korean War. The Sikorsky R-4 was used for retrieving downed airmen behind enemy lines, a task carried out by Second Lieutenant Carter Harman in Burma. This mission earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Jets entered combat for the United States during the Korean War. Initially limited by logistical challenges, they soon proved effective against North Korean forces. Notably, "Lt Col Bruce H. Hinton" achieved an early jet-on-jet kill with his F-86 Sabre against a Soviet MiG-15.

In more recent times, innovative tactics such as a show-of-force pass by a B-1B Lancer bomber were employed to support ground troops pinned down by Taliban forces in Afghanistan. Kenneth P. Katz described this maneuver as an example of how "today’s US Air Force is very innovative."

These moments illustrate key advancements and strategies that have defined US military aviation throughout history.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

United Airlines has revived its hub at Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT) as of fall 2024, launching new services to various Asian destinations.

Jul 3, 2025

Boeing's Dreamlifter, a modified 747-400 aircraft, plays a crucial role in the global supply chain for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner.

Jul 3, 2025

Flying Food Group emphasizes the role of food as a connector.

Jul 3, 2025

The Flying Food Group's team at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is being recognized for their efforts.

Jul 3, 2025

A company is seeking a Financial Controller to join its team in Seattle, WA.

Jul 3, 2025

We are looking for a dispatcher to join our team in Inglewood, CA.

Jul 3, 2025