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History of 7th Air Force

The 7th Air Force, originally established as the Hawaiian Air Force in 1940, is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force. During World War II, it played a critical role in the Pacific Theater, including the defense of Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor and subsequent island-hopping campaigns. After the war, the unit was reactivated during the Korean War and has maintained a presence in the region ever since. Today, the 7th Air Force is headquartered at Osan Air Base, South Korea, where it serves as the air component command for U.S. Forces Korea and U.S. Seventh Fleet, providing airpower and deterrence on the Korean Peninsula.

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ABOUT 7th Air Force

  • Formation During World War II: The 7th Air Force was originally established as the Hawaiian Air Force on 19 October 1940, making it one of the oldest air forces in the U.S. military.
  • Pearl Harbor Attack: On December 7, 1941, the 7th Air Force suffered heavy losses during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and surrounding airfields, marking its first major combat experience.
  • Defense of the Central Pacific: After Pearl Harbor, the 7th Air Force played a crucial role in defending Hawaii and conducting operations across the Central Pacific, supporting island-hopping campaigns.
  • Historic Long-Range Missions: The 7th Air Force was instrumental in pioneering long-range bombing missions, including attacks on Japanese-held islands such as Wake, Marcus, and Iwo Jima.
  • Korean War Reactivation: The 7th Air Force was reactivated in 1955 in South Korea, where it has remained, playing a continuous role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula.
  • Vietnam War Role: During the Vietnam War, the 7th Air Force was headquartered at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam and directed most of the U.S. Air Force's combat air operations in Southeast Asia.
  • Operation Linebacker: The 7th Air Force directed major bombing campaigns such as Operation Linebacker and Linebacker II, which were pivotal in changing the course of the Vietnam War.
  • Modern Mission: Today, the 7th Air Force is headquartered at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and serves as the air component of United States Forces Korea, ready to respond to any threats on the peninsula.
  • Symbolic Patch: The unit’s emblem features a gold star with a red disc and blue background, symbolizing its Pacific origins and legacy.
  • International Partnerships: The 7th Air Force regularly conducts joint exercises with the South Korean Air Force, strengthening U.S.-ROK military cooperation and readiness.

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