U.S. Army Air Forces

The U.S. Army Air Forces (AAF) was the aerial warfare service component of the United States Army during World War II. Established in 1941, it operated and maintained military aircraft for combat, transport, and reconnaissance missions. The AAF played a crucial role in major battles, employing strategic bombing campaigns to weaken enemy forces. In 1947, the AAF was reorganized as an independent branch, becoming the United States Air Force. The AAF's innovations and experiences laid the foundation for modern military aviation and air power strategies.