Columbus AFB celebrates Air Force’s 72nd Birthday

Col. David Fazenbaker, 14th Flying Training Wing vice commander, and Hazel, Base Exchange store manager, cut the cake during the Air Force’s 72nd Birthday cake cutting at the BX Sept. 18, 2019, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The U.S. Air Force was established after the conclusion of World War II with the passing of the National Security Act of 1947, signed on July 26, 1947 by former President Harry S. Truman. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bean)

Attendees grab slices of cake and punch during the Air Force’s 72nd Birthday at the Base Exchange Sept. 18, 2019, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. With the signing of the National Security Act, the Air Force was officially established on Sept. 18, 1947. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bean)

Col. David Fazenbaker, 14th Flying Training Wing vice commander, speaks to Airmen about the Air Force’s Birthday and heritage in the Columbus Club Sept. 18, 2019, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. Before the creation of the Air Force, the military’s flying operations were handled by the U.S. Army on land and the Navy by sea. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bean)

Col. Gary Hayward, 14th Mission Support Group commander, and Airman 1st Class Savannah Hebert, 14th Operations Support Squadron, cut the cake during the Air Force’s 72nd Birthday cake cutting at the Columbus Club Sept. 18, 2019, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. The Air Force is the youngest of the four military branches within the Department of Defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bean)

Attendees grab slices of cake during the Air Force’s 72nd Birthday at the Columbus Club Sept. 18, 2019, on Columbus Air Force Base, Miss. Before the creation of the Air Force, the military’s flying operations were handled by the U.S. Army on land and the Navy by sea. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Hannah Bean)