October 25, 1973
1973: For 1st time since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, DoD imposes DEFCON 3 worldwide in response to Soviet reactions to the war between Israel and Egypt.
October 24, 1974
1974: The Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO) launches an ICBM in the air, dropping a Minuteman I from a C-5A over the Pacific.
October 23, 1951
1951: Col Michael N. McCoy, the 306th Bomb Wing Commander, flies SAC’s first operational Boeing B-47 (No. 50-008) to his wing at MacDill AFB. In a 19 November ceremony, the B-47 receives the name
October 22, 1985
1985: Tactical Air Command launches its first missile from Vandenberg AFB. The Tomahawk Ground Launch Cruise Missile was also the first of its kind flown from this base.
October 19, 2005
2005: After five decades of service, USAF and Lockheed Martin launch the last Titan IV B rocket from Vandenberg, its 200th launch.
October 18, 1962
1962: The military leadership discusses actions in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Air Force Reserve mobilizes eight troop carrier wings and six aerial port squadrons.
October 17, 1918
1918: Brig Gen William “Billy” Mitchell briefs General John J. Pershing, Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, on a plan to airdrop elements of 1st American Infantry Division behind German lines. General Pershing tentatively approves
October 16, 1943
1943: Lockheed receives a contract to produce the XP-80 Shooting Star, the first true American jet-propelled fighter.
October 15, 1970
1970: TROPIC MOON. From Ubon Royal Thai AFB, the 13th Bomb Squadron flies its first night interdiction combat mission in Vietnam with the B-57G. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fu7bIYOJOlY
October 12, 1944
1944: Lt Chuck Yeager earns “ace-in-a-day” recognition as he is credited with five aerial victories in a single engagement.