Air Force Ball 2017 Published Sept. 19, 2017 By Senior Airman Justin Parsons 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs BEALE AIR FORCE, Calif. -- Airmen and their families gather for the Air Force Ball to celebrate its 70th anniversary at Beale Air Force Base, California, Sept. 17, 2017. The Air Force was officially recognized as a branch of service on Sept. 18 1947.