JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Jan. 16, 1998 - After a devastating earthquake hit China's Northern Hebei Province, a C-17 Globemaster III left Kadena Air Base, Japan, for Beijing with 40 tons of relief supplies, consisting of blankets, sleeping bags, medical supplies, rations and cold-weather clothing.
Jan. 17, 1991 - Strikes by B-52G's and F-117A's opened the Gulf War.
Jan. 18, 1988 - The Space Shuttle "Columbia" landed at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. after what became the last shuttle mission before the "Challenger" accident.
Jan. 19, 1968 - Maj. William J. Knight received his senior pilot astronaut wings and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his 50-mile high flight in the X-15.
Jan. 20, 1988 - The Air Force signed its first B-1B production contract with Rockwell International.
Jan. 21, 1985 - Maj. Ralph B. Filburn launched the first anti-satellite missile to a point-in-space from an F-15.
Jan. 22, 1959 - Capt. William B. White flew an F-105 Thunderchief from Eielson AFB, Alaska to Eglin AFB, Fla. He flew 3,850 miles in five hours, 27 minutes on a nonstop flight between points in the U.S.