AFN 80th Anniversary Logo ()
Whether it’s on your radio, television, phone, or computer screen, the American Forces Network (AFN) is there to provide DoD employees and their families with up-to-date information, news and American entertainment.
Staff Sergeant Bill Danch (left) and Lieutenant Frank Seeley at the Armed Forces Radio Service’s Hollywood, California headquarters. (Image courtesy of the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, Accession Number 2013-2956.)
AFN began during World War II as a radio service, providing service members with entertainment and information while they were in Europe fighting. At 5:45 p.m. July 4, 1943, AFN went on the air for the first time with “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
AFN radio stations popped up throughout Germany during the war and post-war periods. While its original intent was to entertain American troops, many German citizens tuned in to get a glimpse into American life and culture. Today, AFN has expanded into the world of television and can be seen and heard at installations all over the world. Steadfast AFN stations even stream their broadcasts on the AFN Go mobile app from anywhere.
Stars and Stripes congratulates AFN on their 80th anniversary and thanks them for all they do for the military community. Cheers to 80 more years!
