The outbreak of war in Europe forces the US to review its readiness for war. Whilst the American Air Force recruits and trains, adapting to Germany's new battle tactics, the Empire of Japan creates bring about a global conflict with its surprise attack. Now at war in the east and the west, America's air power must start to push back the forces of aggression.

In the pacific, in Europe, and on the continents of Africa and Asia, every branch of the air services now forms close partnerships with the other branches of the armed forces. The roles of transport and supply must now be balanced with combat, and the Army Air Force focuses on protecting allied interests on land and across the oceans.

Hitler's fortress Europe begins to crumble with Nazi occupying forces fall back on every front. The US Army Air Force grows to become the biggest armada the world has ever seen, gaining the air superiority needed to ensure complete victory.

The continued dedication and bravery of the men and women of the air force brings about the collapse of the Third Reich and Germany's surrender. A new generation of super bombers is born out of America's latest technological leap, and, together with the ever more effective combat strategies, US Air Force missions help to bring down the curtain in the empire of the rising sun.