Historian discusses aviation innovation that led to modern-era Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (PODCAST)

Photo By Joseph Danielewicz | Early aviation history has many connections to the Dayton, Ohio area, and through a series of events and the needs for the United States, modern Air Force development and procurement also maintained a presence in the region, with far-reaching consequences. In this “Leadership Log,” Historian Kevin Rusnak guides listeners through aviation’s roots in Ohio, how world events impacted the U.S. Army’s aviation efforts, and how a burgeoning Air Force created and evolved its support, technical and acquisition abilities to serve challenges of the Cold War era. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Joe Danielewicz)  

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OH, UNITED STATES

02.15.2024

Story by Joseph Danielewicz 

Air Force Life Cycle Management Center

In AFLCMC’s newest “Leadership Log” podcast, Chief Historian Kevin Rusnak talks about how aviation’s roots in Ohio, the world events that impacted the U.S. Army’s aviation efforts, and how a burgeoning Air Force created and evolved its support, technical and acquisition abilities to serve challenges of the Cold War era. In this extended conversation, Rusnak discusses:

Why aviation development grew in the Dayton, Ohio region and remained a constant presence

How the Army responded to procuring aviation assets for World War I
What the “interwar period” meant for aircraft suppliers and government research efforts

How airplane procurement practices evolved during World War II

How the newly-established Air Force worked to meet development and acquisition priorities during the Cold War

How Cold War acquisition offers lessons for present-day challenges

• Date Taken: 02.15.2024
• Date Posted: 02.16.2024 11:51
• Story ID: 464111
• Location: WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OH, US