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"The Mighty Eighth" celebrates anniversaries

  • Published
  • By Carla Pampe
  • Eighth Air Force Public Affairs
The month of February marks a historic time for the Headquarters Eighth Air Force (Air Forces Strategic). On Feb. 1, the Numbered Air Force celebrated 67 years since the VIII Bomber Command, from which the 8th Air Force traces its heritage, was activated at Langley Field, Virginia. On Sunday, Feb. 22, the "The Mighty Eighth" marks 65 years since the VIII Bomber Command was re-designated as Eighth Air Force. 

"During this time of year, I send out a reminder to the commander and those assigned to Headquarters Eighth Air Force that we have a distinguished legacy to add to," said Lane Callaway, 8th Air Force historian. "It's a reminder not only of what we have done, but of where we are going." 

Just 13 days after its activation in 1942, Brig. Gen. Ira C. Eaker took the VIII Bomber Command to England, where, a permanent home for VIII Bomber Command was soon established. 

According to the 8th Air Force fact sheet, "From May 1942 until July 1945, VIII Bomber Command would plan and execute the American daylight, precision, and strategic bombing campaign over Nazi-occupied Europe from a former girls school at High Wycombe, England. During World War II, under the leadership of such generals as Ira Eaker and Jimmy Doolittle, the VIII Bomber Command became the greatest air armada in history." 

Mr. Callaway added, "Through their efforts, innovations and sacrifices, the U.S.-British Combined Bomber Offensive was implemented, the tide of the air war in Europe was turned in favor of the Allies, the concept of a strategic air campaign was validated, and the respected nickname of 'The Mighty Eighth' was earned." 

It is important for members of any military organization to understand its heritage and appreciate those who served before them, Mr. Callaway said. 

"When you meet the veterans of 8th Air Force, when you talk to them, and you listen to them as they speak, they remember the most important things, and those are three themes: service to nation, comradeship, and shared sacrifices," he said. "We can appreciate that because we're linked to their sterling service and sacrifices that stretch from World War II to now - we build upon what they did. History is not done in isolation - it's all interconnected." 

Mr. Callaway said that connection doesn't just give the members of 8th Air Force an identifiable emblem to wear on their uniform - it also provides them a body of achievements to reflect on, examples of service, and links to the past. 

"The current generation of Airmen and civilians who serve in 8th Air Force today form an unbroken link between the accomplishments and operational innovations forged by those who came before us," he said. "Likewise, the folks serving today provide the heritage bridge to those still to serve in the 8th Air Force in future years." 

As a preserver and protector of "The Mighty Eighth's" past, Mr. Callaway feels every member of 8th Air Force has a responsibility to honor their unit by not only remembering the past, but by working to build a legacy for the future. 

"We would indeed be poor stewards of a storied legacy if the sacrifices and service of 8th Air Force veterans who served during World War II, Vietnam, and those who stood vigilance during the Cold War were just remembered, and not built upon and extended by today's 'Mighty Eighth' that provides global power options to our national leaders." 

Eighth Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) Commander, Lt. Gen. Robert J. Elder, said he is proud of the role that 8th Air Force plays not only Air Force history, but in its mission today. 

"After World War II, the heroism and valor of 'The Mighty Eighth' was celebrated in movies, radio and television. Undoubtedly, the accomplishments of our predecessors, which came at a high price in terms of their own casualties but saved countless other lives, played a key role in the decision to establish an independent Air Force in 1947," General Elder said. "Today's 'laser' focus on the strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike mission is our way of celebrating Eighth Air Force's legacy of selfless service in defense of the nation. We are proud that people now associate 'The Mighty Eighth' with unmatched capability to achieve global effects in air, space and cyberspace."