We’ve had our share of important Army guys in this countdown, and some standout naval references. We’ve even touched on Alabama’s contributions to our journey off the planet. But, without question, Alabama’s greatest contribution to the nation’s defense is located in Montgomery, at the Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base; and specifically what it houses there — the Air War College, also known as “Air University”. It also has the much unwieldier full title of “Air University and Staff College,” but they all refer to the same installation.
Founded in 1946 as one of just six war colleges, the AWC is the intellectual home to those who rule the modern battlefield: the commanders of the sky.