U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Brody Baenen, a civil engineer project manager with the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron, celebrates the Air Force’s 78th birthday with a cake cutting at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., Sept. 18, 2025. JBAB honored past generations of Airmen by having the newest member to the installation cut the celebratory cake. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shanel Toussaint)

Leaders from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling celebrate the Air Force’s 78th birthday at JBAB, Washington, D.C., Sept. 18, 2025. The Air Force became a separate branch of the U.S. military Sept. 18, 1947, and JBAB celebrated by honoring Airmen present and past with a ceremony and cake cutting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shanel Toussaint)

U.S. Air Force Col. James M. Clark, commander of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and the 11th Wing, celebrates the Air Force’s 78th birthday with a cake cutting at JBAB, Washington, D.C., Sept. 18, 2025. The Air Force became a separate branch of the U.S. military Sept. 18, 1947, and JBAB celebrated by honoring Airmen present and past. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shanel Toussaint)