What was the primary focus of the United States Air Force after it became a separate military branch in 1947?

After the United States Air Force became a separate branch of the military in 1947, its primary focus was on nuclear deterrence. This emphasis was largely a response to the changing dynamics of warfare and the onset of the Cold War, which positioned nuclear capabilities as a key factor in national security strategy. The advent of the atomic bomb highlighted the need for a strategic force that could project power and deter adversaries through the threat of nuclear retaliation.

The Air Force developed its capabilities around delivering nuclear weapons, which included the development of long-range bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and later, submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). This focus aimed to ensure that the U.S. maintained a credible deterrent against potential aggressors, particularly the Soviet Union, which was seen as the primary threat during that era.

While the Air Force engaged in aerial combat readiness, humanitarian missions, and global surveillance over the years, these aspects were secondary to the strategic priority of nuclear deterrence during the early years following its establishment as an independent service.