USAF

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From the Air Force Global Strike Command by Airman 1st Class Bryan Crane, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs – December 6, 2012

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. —  “Yesterday, December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan,”- Franklin Roosevelt.

President Roosevelt uttered these well-remembered words the day after the Pearl Harbor attacks.

Seventy-one years later, we still remember the fallen victims of that day.

The Pearl Harbor attack, at the time, was the largest enemy assault on United States territory. By the end of the day, more than 2,000 individuals had lost their lives.

Today, we thank those that gave their lives that day, those who defended our home and who would continue the fight throughout World War II.

At 7:55 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, a Japanese force of 183 airplanes attacked U.S. military and naval facilities on Oahu without warning.

For 30 minutes, dive bombers, level bombers and torpedo planes struck airfields and naval vessels. Not only did the attack hit the fleet at Pearl Harbor, but also air bases at Ford Island and Kaneohe Bay, the Marine airfield at Ewa and the Army Air Corps fields at Bellows, Wheeler and Hickam.

After a 15-minute lull, another wave of 170 planes launched a second attack at 8:40 a.m. Japanese aircraft destroyed 151 U.S. planes on the ground and sank or damaged all eight U.S. battleships anchored in Pearl Harbor.

However, not all American assets were damaged in the attack.

“The Japanese success was overwhelming, but it was not complete. They failed to damage any American aircraft carriers, which by a stroke of luck, had been absent from the harbor,” according to the Naval History and Heritage Command.

The next day, the U.S. declared war on Japan and entered World War II, changing the trajectory of the war, and of history.

This flag was flown on the U.S.S. St. Louis at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, the day of the Japanese attack. It was later flown on the U.S.S. Iowa in Tokyo Bay at the time of the Japanese surrender in 1945. – National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

Nov 19th AFA “Air Commandos” Lunch – Frank Tullo on His Vietnam Rescue

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Air & Space Forces Association – Palm Springs Chapter 134
Informal “Air Commandos” Lunch
Wednesday, November 19 • ROC’s Firehouse Grill • 11:30 AM

Our next informal Air Commandos Lunch is coming up on Wednesday, November 19, and we invite you to join us for a remarkable story of survival, skill, and courage from the Vietnam era.

This month’s guest speaker is Frank Tullo, whose combat mission over North Vietnam in July 1965 turned into one of the most dramatic rescues of the war. His F-105 Thunderchief took heavy ground fire deep in hostile territory. After fighting to keep the aircraft airborne as long as possible, he was forced to eject and survived in dense elephant grass until help arrived.

What followed has become a defining example of Air Force rescue operations. A specially modified HH-3E “Jolly Green Giant” helicopter flew into hostile territory to bring him out—an operation that showcased the bravery and precision of the Air Rescue Service. The full account of his ordeal and rescue is featured by the Smithsonian.

Read the story here:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/tullo-and-the-giant-22068/

Frank will share the experience firsthand—what unfolded from the cockpit, what it took to survive on the ground, and how the crew that came for him executed one of the most courageous extractions of the conflict.

As always, the lunch is free to attend; simply pay for your own meal and beverage. No RSVP required—just join us, settle in with friends, and hear one of the most compelling accounts of courage and aeronautical skill you’ll ever encounter.

Location:
ROC’s Firehouse Grill
36-200 Cook Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211
Time: 11:30 AM

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this extraordinary story from Air Force history.

AFA Palm Springs Lunch Tomorrow – Stories from the River Rats

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Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, for our next AFA Palm Springs lunch. Our speaker will again be Major Lee Cohen, USAF (Ret.), one of our own members who many of you know.

This time, Major Cohen will be sharing his experiences as one of the “River Rats”—the pilots who flew high-risk missions over North Vietnam. The River Rats were known for their courage, skill, and close brotherhood, and Lee’s firsthand stories promise to be both moving and illuminating.

Major Cohen is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and decorated combat pilot. He flew the EB-66 electronic warfare “Destroyer” and other aircraft during the Vietnam War, carrying out missions in some of the most contested airspace of the conflict. He later served in leadership roles and continued in the Air Force Reserve. In retirement, he has stayed active in veteran and aviation circles, bringing his experiences to audiences everywhere.

Location: ROC’s Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook Street, Suite 10, Palm Desert
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: No charge for attendance — just purchase your own lunch.

As always, lunch will offer great company, spirited conversation, and an opportunity to hear directly from one of our members who lived an extraordinary slice of Air Force history.

We look forward to seeing you there. Thanks!

A Historic First for Female Aviators in the USAF

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The first 10 female officers to graduate from the Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training Program, Class 77-08, with a Northrop T-38A-50-NO Talon, 63-8111, 2 September 1977. (U.S. Air Force)

On this day in 1977, the U.S. Air Force celebrated a monumental achievement: the graduation of the first 10 female officers from Undergraduate Pilot Training (Class 77-08) at Williams AFB, Arizona. Serving alongside 36 male classmates, these trailblazers earned their coveted Silver Wings and broke through barriers that had stood for decades.

Their names — Captains Connie Engel, Kathy La Sauce, Mary Donahue, Susan Rogers, Christine Schott; First Lieutenants Sandra Scott, Victoria Crawford; and Second Lieutenants Mary Livingston, Carol Scherer, and Kathleen Rambo — stand as testaments to courage and perseverance.

Among them, Capt. Christine E. Schott would go on to make history again as the USAF’s first woman aircraft commander, flying the C-9A Nightingale.

Initiated by a 1975 pilot-training test program, these women logged over 210 flight hours in advanced trainer jets and blazed a trail for future generations of female aviators.

Decades later, their legacy continues: in 2016 they were inducted into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame, and the AETC Trailblazer Room stands in their honor.

On this anniversary, we salute these pioneering women and the women following them who soared beyond limitations.

👉 Read the full story here: https://vintageaviationnews.com/warbird-articles/this-day-in-aviation-history-graduation-of-the-first-10-female-air-force-pilots.html

Mid-Air Salute

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A U.S. Air Force pararescuemen exits a U.S. Air Force HC-130J Combat King II during a free-fall jump at Relámpago de los Andes at Palanquero Air Base, Colombia, Aug. 6, 2025. During RDLA, U.S. Air Force and Colombia Aerospace Force members conducted training with each other to share tactics and techniques. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. William Rio Rosado)

USAF Targets Cybertrucks

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In a twist that feels more science fiction than reality, the U.S. Air Force has officially targeted the Tesla Cybertruck—not for transportation, but for missile testing.

What’s Going On?

According to federal procurement documents, the Air Force Test Center plans to acquire two Cybertrucks as part of a larger package of 33 target vehicles for live-fire exercises at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. These vehicles are intended for use in Special Operations Command’s Standoff Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) training, involving weapons like Hellfire missiles and Laser Small Diameter Bombs.

Why the Cybertruck?

The Cybertruck isn’t your average target. Its aggressively angular design, unpainted stainless-steel exoskeleton, and advanced 48V electrical architecture distinguish it from typical painted steel or aluminum vehicles. Military analysts highlight that its design may make it more resilient to damage than conventional vehicles—raising concerns that adversaries might adopt similar platforms in real-world combat scenarios. In the words of procurement documents:

“In the operating theatre it is likely the type of vehicles used by the enemy may transition to Tesla Cybertrucks, as they have been found not to receive the normal extent of damage expected upon major impact.”

Context & Precedent

This decision is part of a broader, forward-looking assessment of potential threats. Notably, a 2024 viral image featured Ramzan Kadyrov, Chechnya’s leader, reportedly using a weaponized Cybertruck—though the authenticity and details remain murky.

Beyond the novelty, this move emphasizes how rapidly evolving technology—especially modern EV designs—are being evaluated for battlefield relevance.

What to Expect

  • The Cybertrucks do not need to be operable; they must simply be tow-capable and structurally intact.
  • This initiative may offer minor support to Cybertruck demand amid softening sales and a spate of recalls.

Takeaway: What began as a futuristic consumer truck is now serving an unexpected purpose: helping train the Air Force for possible real-world battlefield threats. This development vividly underscores the intersection of innovation, vulnerability analysis, and military preparedness.

Remembering the Korean War – 75 Years of American Airpower

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Today marks the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War — a pivotal moment in the early history of the United States Air Force. Just three years into its existence as a separate branch, the USAF was called into action in its first major combat operation.

The war introduced the world to the age of jet combat, with aircraft like the F-86 Sabre playing a key role in shaping modern aerial warfare. It was a proving ground for tactics, technology, and the valor of American Airmen.

We honor those who served during the Korean War — pilots, crews, and support personnel — whose service helped lay the foundation for the airpower we rely on today.

Image: USAF 75th Anniversary Korean War graphic (2025)

AFA Air Commandos Lunch Recap – Maj. Lee Cohen Shares His Honor Flight Experience

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On Wednesday, June 18, the Palm Springs Chapter of the Air Force Association hosted Maj. Lee Cohen, USAF (Ret.) as our featured speaker at our Air Commandos Luncheon at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert.

Maj. Cohen shared stories from his recent journey with Honor Flight Southland Mission 18, a trip to Washington, D.C., with fellow veterans. The Honor Flight experience included visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery—culminating in an emotional “Welcome Home” reception at LAX.

For Maj. Cohen, a veteran of 119½ combat missions in Vietnam, this trip served as both tribute and healing. For those in attendance, his presentation offered insight into what the Honor Flight means to veterans.

One of the touching moments shared was how each veteran received a bag filled with handmade cards and letters from local schoolchildren—many expressing gratitude, drawing American flags, and writing simple but powerful messages like “Thank you for your service.”

About Honor Flight
The Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization that honors America’s veterans by providing free trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service. The program focuses on veterans from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

Honor Flight Southland, which coordinated Maj. Cohen’s flight, serves veterans from across Southern California and relies on volunteers and donations to make each mission possible. From airport send-offs to school letters, the experience is designed to give these veterans the tribute they never received.

Thank you to Maj. Lee Cohen for sharing this journey and for his decades of service to the United States Air Force.

For more information or to get involved, visit:
https://www.honorflightsouthland.org

AFA Air Commandos Lunch – Maj. Lee Cohen’s Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

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Join Us – AFA Air Commandos Lunch: Major Lee Cohen’s Honor Flight

On Wednesday, June 18, we welcome Maj. Lee Cohen, USAF (Ret.), for a special AFA Air Commandos luncheon at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert. He’ll be sharing highlights from his recent Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where veterans visited memorials in their honor and experienced a long-overdue welcome home.

Maj. Cohen’s story is one of service, sacrifice, and reflection—from the Vietnam War and Red River Rat sorties to being recognized decades later during this moving tribute to veterans.

Date: Wednesday, June 18
Location: ROC’s Firehouse Grille, 36891 Cook St., Palm Desert, CA
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
No RSVP required

There is no event charge—just pay for your own food and beverage.

This is a unique chance to hear a veteran’s powerful journey from combat missions to an Honor Flight homecoming. All are welcome—bring a friend or fellow aviation enthusiast.

June 18 AFA Air Commandos Lunch – Maj. Lee Cohen’s Vietnam Combat Missions and More

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PLEASE NOTE CORRECTION… WEDNESDAY JUNE 18TH THANK YOU

Join us for the next AFA Air Commandos Luncheon on Wednesday, June 18, featuring Maj. Lee Cohen, USAF (Ret.), as he recounts his extraordinary experiences during the Vietnam air war—including Red River Rat sorties and missions supporting Operation Rolling Thunder.

This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from a combat-proven Electronic Warfare Officer who flew 119½ missions over North Vietnam and served across the Cold War and Southeast Asia theaters.

Highlights of Maj. Cohen’s service:

  • Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Enlisted in the Air Force in 1957 while still in high school
  • Began as an Airborne Radio Operator on C-119s
  • Took and passed the U.S. Air Force Academy exams at Offutt AFB
  • Trained as an Aviation Cadet and graduated Navigator Flight School (Harlingen, TX, 1958–59)
  • Completed Electronic Warfare School at Keesler AFB, Mississippi in 1960
  • Served at Stewart AFB (1960–63), then Elmendorf AFB in Alaska with the 317th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
  • Deployed to Southeast Asia during 1966–67, flying from Takhli, Korat, Udorn, and Ubon in Thailand

Aircraft flown: A1E, EB-57, EB-66, F-102, F-105, T-33
Combat operations: Operation Rolling Thunder, Red River Rat sorties

Post-Vietnam assignments:

  • After 119½ combat missions, returned to the U.S.
  • Assigned to Norton AFB, CA (MAC, “Wing EWO”)
  • Served at McGuire AFB, NJ (MAC, 21st EWO)
  • Participated in operations supporting the return of U.S. POWs from Vietnam
  • Completed training, operations, and planning roles until retirement
  • Decorations: Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and nine Air Medals

Maj. Cohen retired from the Air Force in June 1978 with the rank of Major.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, June 18
Location: ROC’s Firehouse Grille 36891 Cook St., Palm Desert CA
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
No RSVP required and no event charge other than your own food and beverage.

Come hear this remarkable veteran share a story of duty, danger, and dedication. All are welcome—bring a friend or a fellow aviation enthusiast.