This year, the United States Air Force celebrated its 78th birthday. It has been dominating the skies for nearly eight decades, dedicated to flying, fighting and winning in defense of our freedoms and homeland.

From its humble beginnings within the Army, it became a separate branch of our military in 1947 and has evolved into a technologically advanced, lethal fighting force. Along the way, the airmen who power it have honorably served and sacrificed to ensure America continually dominates the skies.

It’s an honor to serve as a member of the Senate Air Force Caucus and partner with fellow lawmakers to constantly advocate a strong, capable Air Force. Not only does the service play an important role in Arkansas, but it has always held a very special place in my heart as the proud son of a retired Air Force Master Sergeant who served in World War II and Korea. 

Growing up in an Air Force family, I saw firsthand the demands placed on airmen and their loved ones. That experience continues to shape the way I approach my work in the Senate.

From pushing for enhanced quality of life programs for servicemembers and their families to supporting the tools, resources and leadership necessary to ensure this critical branch’s success, I am proud to serve as one of its key allies on Capitol Hill who intimately understands and shares its priorities.

This focus on enhancing our airmen’s role as the “world’s preeminent force in air, space and cyberspace” is not just a personal project. It has a significant impact on our state.

Whether it be the global airlift mission at Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) or the cutting-edge intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and new foreign pilot training center at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, we have a lot to gain from aggressively supporting the Air Force’s ability to effectively carry out its missions.

Congress will have another opportunity to do just that in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, and I look forward to supporting provisions that strengthen our readiness and maintenance needs within the Air Force and across all our armed forces.

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I appreciated the opportunity to engage with Air Force Secretary Troy Meink and Chief of Staff General David Allvin at a hearing earlier this year. We discussed their vision to shape the path forward and ensure the service is prepared to maintain air superiority across domains. It was reassuring to hear them voice strong support for the missions and personnel at both Little Rock and Ebbing, and I was especially pleased with the Deployable Combat Wing announcement, including LRAFB’s selection in the first wave, and the expected growth it will mean for this critical installation.

I am incredibly proud of our airmen, especially those serving across Arkansas, who deliver airpower, provide rapid mobility, defend against cyber threats and, above all, ensure the safety and security of our nation.

I will continue to be a steadfast partner and ally of our Air Force. As we have seen over the last 78 years, its capabilities are vital to delivering military superiority and deterring threats to our nation and interests. There is no greater calling, and we can be proud that so many Arkansans and Americans help answer it — past, present and future.