Quantcast

Historic milestones mark evolution of US military aviation

Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines (JAL) Form Joint Business Agreement — What To Know
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
An Asian airline hopes launching one of the world's longest narrowbody routes will actually be a comfort upgrade for passengers
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
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

The Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) has issued a statement on X, urging policymakers to prioritize the ongoing modernization of air traffic control (ATC) systems.

Jul 31, 2025

ITA Airways announced on X that it is extending the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv through September 30, including the cancellation of flights AZ809 and AZ815 on October 1.

Jul 31, 2025

Emirates has announced on X its plans to launch daily flights from Dubai to Hangzhou, marking an expansion of its network in China.

Jul 31, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced on X that it is now operating twice-daily flights from Juba, South Sudan, to India, enhancing connectivity for travelers.

Jul 31, 2025

Francesco Sciortino will join the Executive Board of Lufthansa Airlines as Hub Manager for Frankfurt starting September 1, 2025.

Jul 31, 2025

Eurowings reported stable performance for the first half of 2025, operating 77,000 flights and transporting over 10 million passengers.

Jul 31, 2025