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KDVA Congratulates the U.S. 7th Air Force’s Founding on November 1, 1940

November 1, 2023

The Korea Defense Veterans Association congratulates the men and women of the U.S. 7th Air Force on the 83rd anniversary of its activation on November 1, 1940 — the U.S. Air Force’s oldest numbered air force. Today, 7th Air Force is headquartered in Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus and Chief Master Sergeant Jeremiah W. Ross.

Since its establishment as the Hawaiian Air Force and redesignation as the 7th Air Force after the start of World War II, its airmen fought throughout the Central Pacific and remained in the Pacific until being deactivated after the Korean War. In 1966, 7AF was reactivated and headquartered in Vietnam and deactivated again after the war.

7AF deployed to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea in 1986 and became a part of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) and the U.S. Air Force component to the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command’s Air Component Command. (https://www.7af.pacaf.af.mil/)

KDVA is very proud that so many of our members have served in the 7th Air Force in Korea. 7AF’s partnership with the ROK Air Force continues to be a great example of combined airpower. They have been a major part of the combat power and deterrence against North Korea for almost four decades, and KDVA looks forward to working “Together for the ROK-U.S. Alliance”!

Curtis M. Scaparrotti
General, U.S. Army (Retired)
President, Korea Defense Veterans Association