How old is the Air Force in 2026?
The U.S. Air Force turns 79 years old on September 18, 2026. It became an independent service on September 18, 1947, under the National Security Act of 1947.
Air Force Birthday 2026: 79 Years on September 18
The U.S. Air Force celebrates its 79th birthday on Friday, September 18, 2026. On September 18, 1947, the National Security Act took effect and the Air Force became an independent service, separating from the Army after four decades of military aviation history. The date is shared with POW/MIA Recognition Day in 2026.
Air Force Birthday 2026: 79 Years on September 18: what to know
- Air Force Birthday 2026 is Friday, September 18, 2026.
- 2026 date: Friday, September 18.
- Birthday: 79th.
- Founded: September 18, 1947.
- Created by: National Security Act of 1947.
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Last reviewed: July 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
What existed before the Air Force?
Military aviation lived inside the Army for 40 years — from the Signal Corps’ Aeronautical Division (1907) through the Air Service, the Air Corps, and the Army Air Forces of World War II — before the Air Force became a separate branch in 1947.
Is the Air Force Birthday a federal holiday?
No. It is a military observance, and normal business, banking, school, and mail schedules apply. In 2026 it falls on a Friday.
Why does the Air Force Birthday coincide with POW/MIA Recognition Day in 2026?
POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday of September, which moves each year. In 2026 that third Friday is September 18 — the Air Force’s fixed birthday — so both observances share the date.