Centennial Commemoration of the Imperial Iranian Air Force Held in California

The centennial celebration of the Imperial Iranian Air Force took place in Yorba Linda, California, with the presence of exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi.

The event, organized by the Jewish communities of Los Angeles and the Persian American Civic Action Network, PACAN, was held at the Nixon Library, highlighting the historical significance and achievements of the air force established back in 1925.

Initially, Iran's efforts to acquire aircraft from the United States in the 1920s were unsuccessful due to Washington's refusal based on a World War I treaty. Consequently, the IIAF's early fleet was composed entirely of European aircraft, predominantly from British and German manufacturers. Following World War II, the IIAF began a gradual process of rebuilding its aircraft fleet, primarily sourcing its equipment from the United States and Great Britain.

By mid-1970s, Iran's air force had turned into one of the most modern and well-equipped air forces in the world, featuring advanced American warplanes, such as the F-14.

During the ceremony, Prince Reza Pahlavi paid tribute to the former officers of the Iranian Air Force, acknowledging their role in maintaining Iran's sovereignty during the Cold War. He praised the air force as one of the most advanced and proficiently trained in the world during its time, equipped with an array of fighter jets.

Pahlavi remarked on the air force's dual role in defense and diplomacy, stating, "At the height of the Cold War, this force not only protected the skies and land of Iran from any foreign aggression through deterrence but also played a role in creating peace and stability in some regional and international conflicts."

The centenary event served as a contrast to current practices in Iran, underlining the historical significance of a once-internationally respected military force. The gathering reflected a longing for the values and visions of an era before the Islamic Republic.