The United States Air Force, or USAF, is the aerial and space warfare service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Established as a separate military service on September 18, 1947, it is responsible for defending the country through air and space power. The USAF conducts various missions, including air superiority, intelligence gathering, and strategic bombing. The USAF operates a wide range of aircraft, from fighter jets like the F-22 Raptor to transport planes such as the C-130 Hercules. It also plays a crucial role in global operations, providing support to ground forces and humanitarian missions, ensuring national security and international stability.