Which military operation marked the first combat operation for the U.S. Air Force?

The first combat operation for the U.S. Air Force is best identified with Operation Just Cause, which took place in December 1989. This operation aimed to depose Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega and restore democratically elected leadership in Panama. During Operation Just Cause, the Air Force played a crucial role by employing advanced aerial capabilities and conducting air support missions, which showcased the service's transition into a combat and operation-focused force following its establishment as an independent service in 1947.

The operations that followed, such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, all involve significant deployments and combat actions but occurred after the establishment of the Air Force as a separate branch and thus do not represent its first combat operation. Understanding this context helps clarify how the U.S. Air Force's role evolved during conflicts and how Operation Just Cause was pivotal in demonstrating air power in a contemporary military operation.