United States Air Force

The United States Air Force (abbr. USAF) is a branch of the United States armed forces, formed in 1947 as a part of the National Security Act. Prior to its formation, the responsibility of operating aircraft was largely relegated to, most notably, the Army, as the Army Air Corps.

The USAF is charged primarily with establishing and maintaining aerial superiority over enemies of the U.S., as well as providing support for ground and naval forces in their operations; this includes moving supplies, providing intel, and providing close air support.

Battlefield 3
the USAF makes its first, unnamed appearance in Battlefield 3. During the third leg of the mission Going Hunting, the player gains control over a targeting pod which is used to mark ground targets for various air strikes; included amongst these is the Air Force exclusive A-10 Thunderbolt II ground attack aircraft.

Trivia

 * The A-10 is used as the ground attack aircraft by the Marines in multiplayer.