Leaders say happy birthday, Air Force

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SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) --  The Air Force's top leaders send a message to the total force to celebrate the Air Force's 63rd birthday and to remind them to remember the commitment and sacrifice of all the Airmen deployed around the globe.

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy issued the following message:

To the Airmen of the United States Air Force:

As we celebrate the establishment of the United States Air Force as a separate service, we are reminded of our proud heritage, and inspired toward a promising future. On this day, we honor those who advocated airpower and an independent air force, and who passed to us the responsibility for continued innovation and leadership in providing decisive effects from the air, space, and cyber domains.

Today, our Air Force delivers Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power with unmatched effectiveness. With 40,000 Airmen supporting combatant commanders from deployed locations, and nearly 180,000 Airmen directly contributing from their home stations, the U.S. Air Force is absolutely essential to our nation's ability to prevail in the joint fight.

We thank you and your family for your service, sacrifice and commitment to the defense of our nation. Through your daily professional efforts, you honor those who served before you, and sustain their legacy for future generations of proud Airmen. As we work together in building an even brighter tomorrow, please join us in proudly celebrating the 63rd birthday of the United States Air Force.

This message and other senior leader viewpoints can be found in the information section on AF.mil.