The U.S. Army Air Forces (AAF) was the aerial warfare service of the United States during World War II. Established in 1941, it was a part of the United States Army and played a crucial role in various military operations, including strategic bombing campaigns in Europe and the Pacific. In 1947, the AAF was reorganized into the United States Air Force (USAF), becoming an independent branch of the military. The AAF's legacy includes advancements in aviation technology and tactics, which continue to influence modern air operations and military strategy.