United States Air Force
“Aim High … Fly-Fight-Win”
Guardians of the skies and of space, the Air Force holds the high ground — projecting power and protecting the homeland from above.
What They Defend
To fly, fight and win — delivering sovereign options in, from and through the air, space and cyberspace for the United States and our allies.
Every branch serves a distinct role in the defense of the United States. Together, they form a unified force — ready, resilient, and resolute — that has answered our nation's call for more than two centuries.
The U.S. Air Force Song (Wild Blue Yonder)
Composed in 1939 by Robert MacArthur Crawford and chosen among over 700 entries in a Liberty Magazine contest.
Currently Playing
“The Singing Sergeants” — The Air Force Song
The official chorus of the United States Air Force performing “Off We Go Into the Wild Blue Yonder” with full vocal harmonies and ceremonial band.
Heritage & Origins
When the Air Corps sought its own anthem in 1939, professional pilot and baritone Robert Crawford submitted his composition just before the deadline. It was adopted officially by the newly independent Air Force in 1947 and remains one of aviation's most electrifying musical triumphs.
Official Lyrics & Verses
Official Service Text for the Air Force
Off we go into the wild blue yonder, Climbing high into the sun; Here they come zooming to meet our thunder, At ‘em now, Give ‘em the gun! Down we dive, spouting our flame from under, Off with one helluva roar! We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey! Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!
The iconic opening verse sung standing by Airmen and Guardians worldwide during flyovers, honors, and graduations.
Brilliant minds fashioned a crate of thunder, Sent it high into the blue; Valiant hands blasted the world asunder; How they lived God only knew! Boundless souls dreaming of skies to conquer Gave us wings, ever to soar! With scouts before and bombers galore. Hey! Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!
Honors the aerospace engineers, flight mechanics, and ground crews whose brilliance puts wings in the sky.
Here’s a toast to the host Of those who love the vastness of the sky, To a friend we send a message of the brave who serve on high. We drink to those who gave their all of old, Then down we roar to score the rainbow’s pot of gold. A toast to the host of those we boast, the U.S. Air Force!
Sung in slower, reverent meter with glasses raised in solemn memory of Airmen who never returned from missions.
Off we go into the wild sky yonder, Keep the wings level and true; If you’d live to be a grey-haired wonder Keep the nose out of the blue! Fly to fight, guarding the nation’s border, We’ll be there, followed by more! In echelon we carry on. Hey! Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!
The aviator’s credo of disciplined flight, mutual defense in formation ('echelon'), and eternal vigilance.