With the implementation of the National Security Act of 1947, the Army Air Forces formally cut ties with the Army to become a separate and equal military branch, the Air Force. DIA joined in celebrating the Air Force’s 67th birthday Sept. 18, paying tribute to the service’s history, accomplishments and future as our nation’s air, space and cyberspace force.
“I will be thorough. I will be precise. I will be the best in my field. Freedom depends on me,” airmen in the audience repeated, demonstrating their commitment to their charge.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker was Air Force Maj. Gen. Linda Urrutia-Varhall, assistant deputy chief of staff, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR). Urrutia-Varhall acknowledged that birthdays are a time to celebrate the past, but also to “get excited about the future.” She reflected on how far ISR has come since 9/11, including advances in technology and integration, and how vital it is to our nation’s security.
“When I was coming up, we were an enabler to operations. Today, ISR is at the top,” Urrutia-Varhall said. “We’re a driver of operations.”
She discussed areas of focus for the future, such as indications and warning, and intelligence methodologies and tradecraft.
“We must remain agile, resilient and ready to answer the call,” Urrutia-Varhall said.
The general reminded all of those in the room – service members and civilians alike – how important their work is. “You make a difference; you change the world.”
In keeping with tradition, the agency’s longest serving and most junior Air Force members cut the cake, and the ceremony concluded with reciting the Airman’s Creed and singing the Air Force song.