Air Force Ball 2017

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ilyana A. Escalona
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs

Holloman’s Fighting 49ers saluted to 70 years of air, space and cyberspace power with the Holloman Air Force Ball at Hangar 301 on Holloman Air Force Base N.M., Sept. 16, 2017.

The ball celebrates the official birthdate of the U.S. Air Force, Sept. 18, 1947. Seventy years ago, President Truman signed the National Security Act, establishing a new defense organization, which combined the War Department and the Department of the Navy and created the Department of the Air Force.

“Over the last seven decades, the Air Force has proven to be the preeminent aerial fighting force the world has ever known,” said Col. Brian Patterson, 49th Wing vice commander. “Over the next seven decades, our Air Force will continue to innovate, break barriers and "Fly, Fight, and Win."  It is an honor for all Airmen, past and present, to have been part of this outstanding organization which provided unmatched air power in defense of our great Nation and her allies.”

The ball is an opportunity for the family and friends of Airmen, leadership and the local community to come together and celebrate, and reflect on an important day in history as well as the hard work and dedication stemming from Holloman and all of its inhabitants.

“Every day Holloman Airmen prove why this is the most feared and respected Air Force the world has ever seen,” said Col. Houston Cantwell, 49th Wing commander. “We’re preparing aircrew for combat in the Air Force’s busiest two airframes—F-16 and MQ-9, we’re testing the newest technologies, and we’re staging critical logistical support for use around the world. This is the very reason we proudly say, “Combat Airpower Starts Here!” On September 18th, we reflect on our previous accomplishments and our current contributions.”