Arlington, VA, Feb. 5, 1996 -- Commemorating a half-century of service as a spokesman for the need for a well-manned, well-equipped and well-trained Air Force for the security of this nation, the Air Force Association (AFA) celebrated its golden anniversary on February 4, 1996, and looks to the next century as a leading voice for airpower.

"Since its founding in 1946, AFA has promoted the need for airpower in America, well before we had become an aerospace nation," Gene Smith, AFA's National President stated. "Aviation heroes such as General Henry H. (Hap) Arnold and General Jimmy Doolittle, following World War II, recognized the need for an independent civilian organization to argue the case for military preparedness and the importance of aerospace power. Their beliefs, and the beliefs of many aviation pioneers, were instrumental in the founding of this organization in 1946."

One of AFA's first goals was the creation of an independent Air Force. That goal was achieved in 1947, and AFA was one of the civilian organizations that fought to make the Air Force a co-equal and independent branch of the U.S. armed forces. "Since then, AFA has spanned the air age, the missile era, the exploration of space and the nuclear age," Smith stated. "AFA has also been a constant voice for establishing and meeting goals in support of Air Force people and the military profession."

Currently, AFA is actively involved in promoting a defense budget that adequately meets the requirements of the nation's 2-Major Regional Conflict strategy. AFA continues to support production of the B-2 bomber, the F-22 fighter, funding for missile defense systems and other tactical aerospace components. AFA will also continue to emphasize quality of life issues facing Air Force personnel, including needed pay increases, health and child care, and adequate housing.

"AFA has been called The Force Behind the Force' and our history is a proud one in support of airpower and its people, " Smith said. "Even as we celebrate fifty years of success, our mission still is as important as ever, that of reminding our fellow citizens of the need for airpower."

The Air Force Association is an independent non-profit aerospace organization whose objective is to promote greater understanding of aerospace and national defense issues. Among the ways AFA disseminates information are publication of AIR FORCE Magazine, sponsorship of a series of national symposia, and through educational outreach programs of its affiliate, the Aerospace Education Foundation. AFA is a grass-roots organization with a membership of nearly 170,000. The Air Force Association was incorporated in the District of Columbia on February 4, 1946.

To celebrate AFA's anniversary, local and national events are being planned throughout the year.