Members of Joint Base Charleston gathered at the Charleston Club for a ceremonial cake cutting to celebrate the Air Force’s 69th birthday, Sept. 16, 2016. The U.S. Army Air Forces became the Department of the Air Force after the National Security Act of 1947 was signed. W. Stuart Symington, the first Secretary of the Air Force, was sworn into office Sept. 18, 1947.

Lt. Col. Ralph Taylor, 628th Mission Support Group deputy commander, and Airman 1st Class Gloria Rembao, 628th Force Support Squadron food apprentice, perform the ceremonial cake cutting to celebrate the Air Force’s 69th birthday at the Charleston Club, Sept. 16, 2016. The U.S. Army Air Forces became the Department of the Air Force after the National Security Act of 1947 was signed. W. Stuart Symington, the first Secretary of the Air Force, was sworn into office Sept. 18, 1947.

Col. Robert Lyman, Joint Base Charleston commander, shares his Air Force story with members of JB Charleston before a ceremonial cake cutting to celebrate the Air Force’s 69th birthday at the Charleston Club, Sept. 16, 2016. The U.S. Army Air Forces became the Department of the Air Force after the National Security Act of 1947 was signed. W. Stuart Symington, the first Secretary of the Air Force, was sworn into office Sept. 18, 1947.