On this week’s episode of the America 250: Air and Space Power podcast, we continue our tour around the nation to learn more about the key artifacts, places, and people that helped pioneer air and space power. Heather, Doug, and Charles visit Pennsylvania and explore the invention of the Air Force’s first integrated weapons system: the P-61 Black Widow. We also learn about a key installation in Johnstown that helped generations of astronauts prepare for space flight.

This week we’re kicking off the America 250: Air and Space Power podcast. 2026 is a major anniversary for our country—250 years since our forefathers created an independent nation. We’re excited to help celebrate that history through an air and space lens.

Each state has contributed to the Air Force and Space Force in one way or another. There isn’t one key artifact, person, or exhibit. Instead, it’s a tapestry of dedication, innovation, community, and achievement. Over the course of the year, we’re going to highlight what we believe is a state’s top connection to airpower and spacepower.

This week, we begin in America’s first state: Delaware. Join us as we learn more about the birth of airlift at the Air Mobility Command Museum and the invention of the space suits that took us to the moon.

In this teaser episode, we kick off America 250: Air and Space Power Story, a year-long journey honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States through the lens of airpower and spacepower. Every state has played a role in shaping America’s Air Force and Space Force—and over the next 50 weeks, we’ll tell those stories one state at a time, following the order they joined the Union.

Each episode highlights a tangible, visitable connection to air or space power—from historic aircraft and launch sites to innovation hubs and local institutions—along with honorable mentions that expand the story. We’ll also invite listeners to weigh in on what should be highlighted from their own communities.

Air and space power is not a single story, but a collective tapestry of people, innovation, service, sacrifice, and technology. This series is our effort to tell as much of that story as possible—starting with Delaware, the First State.