This year marks the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor

Merri Shaffer, Communications Assistant, Air Force Association

December 7, 1941. This nation found itself being attacked on its own soil, falling victim to a surprise aerial attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy. The attack claimed the lives of more than 2,000 Americans, including 68 civilians. The two-hour barrage was devastating, and the following day this nation declared war on Japan.

But the attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the great defining moments of our history and must always be stored in our memories as we find ourselves still in a hostile economic environment, with facing drastic budget cuts. The recent failure of the Super Committee, evoking sequestration and blanket cuts to the budget, is most alarming.

The prospect of an attack on our soil was unanticipated. More than 350 Japanese aircraft attacked in two waves, strafing, dropping bombs and torpedoes. Such a single strike severely weakened the United States Navy's battleship force in 1941, and America was propelled into World War II.

However, the Japanese made an enormous mistake. They did not target our aircraft carriers. As a result, we were able to recover quickly.

The concept of Airpower as a strategic instrument of national power was born. The attack made the case for the development of long-range bombers and a commitment to strategic use of Airpower (as opposed to its then-traditional use as cover or support for ground-based operations).

This also led to a period where theories of Airpower were put to the test—launching a strong industrial output, spurring innovative design, testing operational concepts and eventually leading to an independent Air Force. America was able to ramp up an industrial base, with companies aggressively working to meet the needs of our military. Between 1941 and 1945 alone, the industrial base of the United States built nearly 13,000 B-17s, 18,000 B-24s and 4,000 B-29s.

It’s a luxury we don’t have today. As weaponry, aircraft, systems and the acquisition processes have become more technical and complex, the development procedure takes a long time. The nation has rarely been successful in predicting where and when our armed forces will be called next. Under-investing in equipment for today’s environment, where asymmetrical threats can come from any direction, could leave us unprepared for rapid response in the future.

As China aggressively develops its military, we must be prepared to support our allies. As hostility in Southeast Asia and the Middle East increases, we must be prepared to protect our interests from adversaries.

The remembrance of the "sneak attack" on Pearl Harbor should continue to fuel a determination to maintain key Airpower competencies -- air superiority, long range attack, space superiority, and airlift. We should not take for granted military assets. The Pearl Harbor anniversary will always remain a stark lesson in the need for preparedness and the use of Airpower in an air campaign at the strategic level.

And as we commemorate the 70th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, we thank the many individuals who came to the nation’s defense. We remember the many who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and we continue to show gratitude toward those who serve our nation. We believe this nation must provide the necessary equipment for the armed services to fulfill their missions. We are grateful to them for protecting our freedoms at home and abroad.