U.S. Air Force Col. James A. Hudnell, deputy commander of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and the 11th Wing, center right, listens to The U.S. Air Force Band’s Strolling Strings during the JBAB U.S. Air Force 78th Birthday Ball, Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2025. The Strolling Strings provided a modern touch on classical entertainment, inspiring listeners and honoring Air Force heritage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Hayden Hallman)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Khalil Reed, ceremonial guardsman with the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, dresses the American flag during the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling U.S. Air Force 78th Birthday Ball, Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2025. The Honor Guard delivered premier ceremonial honors in support of the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Hayden Hallman)

U.S. Air Force Col. James M. Clark, commander of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and the 11th Wing, right, shakes hands with an attendee of the JBAB U.S. Air Force 78th Birthday Ball, Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2025. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard delivered premier ceremonial honors and The United States Air Force Band’s Strolling Strings honored Air Force heritage in support of the event. (U.S. Air Force photo by Hayden Hallman)

A Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling U.S. Air Force 78th Birthday Ball attendee records a performance of The U.S. Air Force Band’s Strolling Strings on JBAB, Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2025. The Strolling Strings provided a modern touch on classical entertainment, inspiring listeners and honoring Air Force heritage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Hayden Hallman)

The U.S. Air Force Band’s Strolling Strings perform during the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling U.S. Air Force 78th Birthday Ball, Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2025. The Strolling Strings provided a modern touch on classical entertainment, inspiring listeners and honoring Air Force heritage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Hayden Hallman)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Lennen, director of policy and resources at the Office of the Surgeon General, cuts the Air Force birthday cake with Airman 1st Class Tobiyah Nash, a ceremonial guardsman with the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Memorial Colors, during the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling U.S. Air Force 78th Birthday Ball, Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2025. It is traditional for the most senior and most junior Airmen in attendance to cut the cake, symbolizing the passing of legacy from one generation to the next. (U.S. Air Force photo by Hayden Hallman)

An Airman stands at attention facing the Missing Man Table during the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling U.S. Air Force 78th Birthday Ball, Washington, D.C., Sept. 5, 2025. The Missing Man Table ceremony is an Air Force tradition that serves as a dignified and solemn moment to honor and to remember those service members who have been held as prisoners of war or declared missing in action. (U.S. Air Force photo by Hayden Hallman)