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NEWS | May 3, 2011

This week in Air Force History

By Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

May 1, 1974 - For the first time, a KC-135 refueled a C-5 in an operational setting.

May 2, 1963 - Jacqueline Cochran flew a Lockheed TF-104G near Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to a world speed record for women of 1,203.94 mph over a closed 100-kilometer course.

May 3, 1952 - A ski-and-wheel-equipped U.S. Air Force C-47 Skytrain made the world's first successful North Pole landing.

May 4, 1979 - The A-10B "Evaluator" flew its first flight at Edwards AFB, Calif.

May 5, 1996 - Col. Betty Mullis became the first woman to command a flying wing when she assumed command of the 940th Air Refueling Wing at McClellan AFB, Calif.

May 6, 1960 - At Edwards AFB, Calif., the Minuteman made its first public flight from an underground launch pad - not a silo.

May 7, 1949 - Gen. Henry Arnold was given the permanent rank of General of the Air Force.