Army Air Forces

United States military

Also known as: AAF

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

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The Army Air Forces (AAF) were an autonomous command within the U.S. Army, established on June 20, 1941, and later merged with all Army air units in March 1942. Under General Henry H. Arnold, the AAF expanded significantly during World War II, becoming a powerful organization with numerous air forces, combat groups, and aircraft. The AAF played a crucial role in strategic bombing campaigns in both Europe and the Pacific, supporting ground and naval operations. Following the war, the AAF was reorganized and eventually became the independent United States Air Force on July 26, 1947.1

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United States Air Force
…units were merged into the Army Air Forces (AAF) under a single commander, General Henry H. Arnold. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the AAF directed the expansion of the air arm into a powerful organization composed of 16 air forces (12 of them overseas), 243 combat groups, 2,400,000 officers…
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…units were merged into the Army Air Forces (AAF) under a single commander, General Henry H. Arnold. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the AAF directed the expansion of the air arm into a powerful organization composed of 16 air forces (12 of them overseas), 243 combat groups, 2,400,000 officers…
Read More