News From the Field

The History and Museum Program includes historians, archivist, and curators across the Department of the Air Force. Take a look at the work our program has done over the years and the historic events covered under their watch.

From Missile Launch Officer to Historian: The Impact of Rob Young’s Service

Robert Young has spent his career dedicated to preserving the history of those who served their country. His 38 years of service in the U.S. Air Force (29 years at the National Air and Space Intelligence Center) have been shaped by a passion for history, a commitment to honoring sacrifices, and a

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Historian connects Reservist to fallen family member in Guam

For many with family who served in a previous war or conflict, they might never know what happened to their relatives. But sometimes, connection to those lost comes from unexpected places or people. This was the case in December 2024 for Lt. Col. Jonathan Askins, 445th Airlift Wing chief of safety,

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Emblems Vs Patches: What’s the Difference?

Department of the Air Force (DAF) heraldry connects us to our long and storied past. Organizations need enduring symbols in the form of emblems to promote esprit de corps, morale, and a sense of heritage. Some people use the terms “emblem” and “patch” interchangeably; however, the two products are

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Former ambassador grandson digs through first secretary of the Air Force’s memorabilia

Former U.S. Ambassador Stuart Symington visited the Air Force Historical Research Agency to take a look at some of his grandfather’s old documents and memorabilia while here as a guest of the Air Force chief of staff.

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Through the lens of resilience: How a historian confronts vision challenges

When Meaghan M. Kacmarcik was 10 years old, she was stricken with a rare genetic eye disease that impaired her vision, but she has not let it stand in the way of success and her passion for history.

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AFHRA: Uncovering DAF History

The Air Force Historical Research Agency serves as an institutional memory of the Department of the Air Force, preserving history through a vast collection of documents, personal records and historical papers since its establishment in 1943. The agency plays a crucial role in maintaining the stories

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History turned digital preserving Tyndall's past

Through vivid interactive maps, immersive storytelling and the power of visuals Coffman’s project, History turned Digital, takes historical archives, and turns it into a web format offering a fresh approach to learning history. He aims to make the 325th Fighter Wing’s history more accessible and

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908th Flying Training Wing Hosts 2nd Annual AFRC Historian Symposium

The 908th Flying Training Wing Hosts 2nd Annual AFRC Historian Symposium at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

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Space Systems Command unveils “Space Starts Here,” first-ever official artwork

“Space Starts Here,” by Rick Herter, Space Systems Command’s first official painting, includes a quote from American rocket pioneer Dr. Robert H. Goddard: “It is difficult to say what is impossible, because the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow.”

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Four decades of service: 78th Air Base Wing chief historian

Dr. William Head, 78th Air Base Wing chief historian for Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, gives some insight into the history of Robins and talks about his significant contributions as a writer, archivist and chronicler Jun. 8, 2024.

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Aug. 28, 2024
Part II: The Public Historian

In order to fully understand public history, one must take into account the vital role that the public historian plays in ethically preserving and presenting historical information. The public historian must consider carefully their ethical responsibilities as they execute their critical part in
Aug. 28, 2024
Part I: Air Force Historians and the Power of History

We are our history—and history has power. Without it, we only react—but with it, we can remember, understand, plan, and often foresee.I am Jeremiah Foster, and I am the historian of the 377th Air Base Wing.Did you know that Kirtland Air Force Base has historians? In fact, the base has a total of
July 9, 2024
Four decades of service: 78th Air Base Wing chief historian

Dr. William Head, 78th Air Base Wing chief historian for Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, gives some insight into the history of Robins and talks about his significant contributions as a writer, archivist and chronicler Jun. 8, 2024.
April 26, 2024
VSFB and NSIN Collaborate to Revolutionize Space Launch Operations

Space Launch Delta 30 personnel worked this week to develop a model for the Spaceport of the Future through a National Security Innovation Network’s (NSIN) bootcamp, a U.S. Department of Defense program.
Feb. 1, 2024
Maxwell welcomes first active-duty flying training unit since 1945

The 908th Airlift Wing has an active-duty associate mission partner on Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama for the first time.Detachment 3 of the 58th Operations Group had an official activation ceremony Jan. 31, 2024, on Maxwell.
Dec. 15, 2023
AFGSC Historians win DAF History and Museums Awards

The Department of the Air Force recently announced that AFGSC historians won History and Museums Awards at the MAJCOM, NAF, and Wing levels.
May 22, 2023
Former ambassador grandson digs through first secretary of the Air Force’s memorabilia

Former U.S. Ambassador Stuart Symington visited the Air Force Historical Research Agency to take a look at some of his grandfather’s old documents and memorabilia while here as a guest of the Air Force chief of staff.
April 18, 2023
AAS recognizes STARCOM historian with President’s Award

Space Training and Readiness Command historian and author, Dr. Rick W. Sturdevant, received the American Astronautical Society (AAS) President's Award for his work as series editor for the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) History Series, April 17.
May 10, 2022
8 graduate from first mobile training team-taught Basic Special Mission Aviator course

The 908th Airlift Wing had eight enlisted members graduate the Basic Special Missions Aviator Course on April 27.This was the first time that the BSMA course was taught by a mobile training team.
May 4, 2022
History can have a price tag: “Golden Shovel” returned home

A Scott Air Force Base historical artifact was recently in an antique shop and has returned home after mysteriously vanishing more than 100 years ago. After a store owner reached out to a 375 Air Mobility Wing historian, the item was brought back April 12, 2022.