Quantcast

Historic milestones mark evolution of US military aviation

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
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

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The 13th Annual Breast Care International Walk for the Cure took place in Kumasi, Ghana, drawing around 30,000 participants, including survivors, healthcare professionals, students, traditional leaders, and advocates.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025