The United States Air Force retires the remaining F-117 Nighthawk aircraft in service.

The United States Air Force: Guardian of the Skies

The United States Air Force (USAF) stands as the principal air warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces, one of eight distinguished uniformed services within the nation's defense structure. Its history traces back to a foundational moment on August 1, 1907, when it was initially established as an integral part of the United States Army. However, the burgeoning importance of airpower, dramatically underscored by the experiences of World War II, led to a pivotal transformation. On September 18, 1947, with the enactment of the landmark National Security Act of 1947, the USAF was formally established as an independent and distinct branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

This evolution makes the Air Force the second youngest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, yet it holds a significant position as the fourth in order of ceremonial and operational precedence among its sister services. The USAF meticulously defines its essential responsibilities, articulating its core missions as the pursuit and maintenance of air supremacy, which ensures control over the skies; global integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), providing critical information gathering capabilities worldwide; rapid global mobility, enabling swift deployment and logistical support across vast distances; global strike, projecting power and deterring aggression anywhere on the planet; and robust command and control systems, orchestrating complex operations seamlessly.

Structurally, the U.S. Air Force operates as a military service organized under the Department of the Air Force, which itself is one of the three primary military departments within the broader Department of Defense. This organizational framework ensures civilian oversight and accountability. The Department of the Air Force is led by the civilian Secretary of the Air Force, a role appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, who reports directly to the Secretary of Defense. Complementing this civilian leadership, the highest-ranking military officer within the Air Force is the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. This esteemed officer is responsible for supervising Air Force units globally and also serves as a crucial member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, contributing to inter-service military strategy and advice.

In practice, operational authority for specific Air Force components can be delegated. As directed by both the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Air Force, various Air Force elements are assigned to unified combatant commands. While these combatant commanders are entrusted with the operational authority over the forces placed under their command, the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force diligently retain administrative authority over their personnel, ensuring welfare, training, and career progression.

Beyond its independent air operations, the U.S. Air Force plays an indispensable role in providing vital air support to both land and naval forces, enhancing their effectiveness in joint operations. Furthermore, its capabilities extend to critical humanitarian and combat search and rescue missions, aiding in the recovery of troops and personnel in the field, often under hazardous conditions. As of 2017 data, the service commanded an impressive array of resources, operating more than 5,369 military aircraft and maintaining a strategic deterrent with 406 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). With a substantial budget of $156.3 billion, it stands as the second-largest service branch in the U.S. military. Its extensive personnel strength includes 329,614 active duty airmen, supported by 172,857 civilian personnel, alongside 69,056 reserve airmen, and a robust force of 107,414 Air National Guard airmen, collectively forming a formidable force dedicated to defending national interests from the skies.

The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk: Pioneer of Stealth

The Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk, an iconic retired American single-seat, twin-engine stealth surface-attack aircraft, represents a revolutionary leap in military aviation. Developed under the utmost secrecy by Lockheed's renowned and often mysterious Skunk Works division, it was exclusively operated by the United States Air Force (USAF). What made the F-117 truly groundbreaking was its distinction as the very first operational aircraft explicitly designed from the ground up around stealth technology, forever changing the landscape of aerial warfare.

The genesis of the F-117 can be traced back to the experimental Have Blue technology demonstrator, which proved the viability of radar-evading designs. Following successful development, the Nighthawk embarked on its maiden flight in 1981 at the highly classified Groom Lake facility in Nevada, a site often associated with advanced aerospace projects. By 1983, the aircraft achieved initial operating capability (IOC) status, signifying its readiness for deployment. For years, the F-117 remained shrouded in profound secrecy, its existence a closely guarded national secret, until it was finally revealed to the public in a highly anticipated announcement in 1988, captivating the world with its futuristic and angular appearance. A total of 64 F-117s were constructed, comprising five prototypes that refined its design and 59 production versions that entered active service.

The F-117 gained widespread public recognition and acclaim for its pivotal role during the Persian Gulf War in 1991. Its unique ability to penetrate enemy airspace undetected allowed it to strike high-value targets with unparalleled precision, often operating under the cover of darkness. Despite being commonly, though inaccurately, referred to as the "Stealth Fighter" by the media and public, it was unequivocally an attack aircraft, specializing in ground strikes rather than air-to-air combat. The aircraft's operational history also included involvement in the conflict in Yugoslavia during 1999. In this challenging environment, one F-117 was unfortunately shot down, and another sustained damage from sophisticated surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), highlighting the continuous evolution of air defense systems.

The U.S. Air Force officially retired the F-117 Nighthawk in April 2008. The primary catalyst for its retirement was the strategic fielding of the more advanced F-22 Raptor, which combined stealth capabilities with superior speed, maneuverability, and air-to-air combat prowess. However, the story of the Nighthawk did not entirely end with its official retirement. Intriguingly, a portion of the fleet has been meticulously maintained in an airworthy condition, leading to numerous verified observations of Nighthawks continuing to fly in various capacities since 2009, sparking ongoing speculation about their potential continued use for research, testing, or special assignments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the USAF and F-117

When was the United States Air Force established as a separate branch?
The United States Air Force was officially established as a distinct and independent branch of the U.S. Armed Forces on September 18, 1947, following the passage of the National Security Act of 1947. Prior to this, it existed as part of the U.S. Army.
Who leads the U.S. Air Force?
The U.S. Air Force operates under both civilian and military leadership. The Department of the Air Force is headed by the civilian Secretary of the Air Force, who reports to the Secretary of Defense. The highest-ranking military officer is the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, who oversees Air Force units and serves on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
What are the core missions of the U.S. Air Force?
The USAF articulates its core missions as achieving air supremacy, conducting global integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), providing rapid global mobility, executing global strike operations, and maintaining robust command and control capabilities.
What made the F-117 Nighthawk significant?
The F-117 Nighthawk was highly significant because it was the first operational aircraft specifically designed around stealth technology. Its unique shape and materials allowed it to largely evade enemy radar, making it a pioneer in stealth warfare.
Was the F-117 Nighthawk a "stealth fighter"?
Despite being popularly referred to as the "Stealth Fighter," the F-117 Nighthawk was strictly an attack aircraft, designed and optimized for precision surface strikes, not for air-to-air combat against other aircraft.
Why was the F-117 Nighthawk retired?
The U.S. Air Force retired the F-117 in April 2008 primarily because of the introduction and fielding of the more advanced F-22 Raptor, which offered superior stealth, speed, and multi-role capabilities, effectively superseding the F-117's specialized role.
Have F-117s been seen flying after their official retirement?
Yes, despite its official retirement, a portion of the F-117 fleet has been kept in airworthy condition, and these Nighthawks have been observed flying since 2009, sparking interest and speculation regarding their continued use, possibly for testing or specialized roles.