USAF
488,512 members•3,725 units
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Over 3,064,780 active members
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Air Force Orientation Group (AFOG)
U.S. Air Force
The Air Force Orientation Group (AFOG) was established by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1945 to facilitate the orderly repatriation and processing of personnel returning from service in the South West Pacific Area at the end of World War II. Based at Morotai, AFOG’s primary mission was to brief and orientate airmen and airwomen prior to their return to Australia, ensuring administrative, health, and logistical matters were managed efficiently. The group played a crucial role in demobilising thousands of RAAF members and smoothing their transition to post-war life. AFOG was disbanded after completing its mission once the bulk of repatriation activities had concluded.
Air Research and Development Command
U.S. Air Force
The Air Research and Development Command (ARDC) was established by the United States Air Force on September 23, 1950, to centralize and accelerate the development of new aerospace technologies and weapons systems in the early Cold War era. Headquartered at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, ARDC played a pivotal role in overseeing the research, development, and testing of advanced aircraft, missiles, and space systems, including early intercontinental ballistic missiles and supersonic jet fighters. The command coordinated efforts among military laboratories, contractors, and academic institutions to ensure rapid innovation. In 1961, ARDC was reorganized and redesignated as the Air Force Systems Command (AFSC), reflecting its expanded mission in the growing field of aerospace technology.
Aviano Air Base Italy (Ana
U.S. Air Force
Aviano Air Base, located in northeastern Italy, has played a pivotal role in U.S. and NATO military operations since its establishment as a military airfield in 1911. It became a key U.S. Air Force installation in 1954, and today is home to the 31st Fighter Wing, operating F-16 Fighting Falcons. Aviano has supported major operations including Operation Deny Flight, Allied Force during the Kosovo conflict, and ongoing missions in Europe and the Middle East. The base’s strategic location enables rapid deployment and reinforces NATO’s southern flank, making it a vital asset in transatlantic defense.
Comander Carrier Group 2
U.S. Air Force
Commander, Carrier Group 2 (COMCARGRU 2) was a major U.S. Navy formation established after World War II, tasked with commanding and coordinating the operations of assigned aircraft carriers and their escorts in the Atlantic Fleet. Throughout the Cold War, the unit played a pivotal role in power projection, training, and readiness, often participating in NATO exercises and deployments to deter Soviet naval forces. COMCARGRU 2 was frequently embarked aboard various aircraft carriers, directing carrier strike operations and integrating air, surface, and subsurface warfare capabilities. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, organizational changes within the Navy saw Carrier Group 2 evolve into Carrier Strike Group 2, reflecting a modern, multi-mission operational focus.
Defense Finance & Accounting Services Center
U.S. Air Force
The Defense Finance & Accounting Services (DFAS) Center was established in 1991 as part of the Department of Defense’s initiative to consolidate and streamline financial management across the armed services. Created to standardize, centralize, and improve the efficiency of pay and accounting operations, DFAS assumed responsibilities that had previously been dispersed among various military branches. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the DFAS Center became the largest finance and accounting operation in the world, supporting millions of military personnel, retirees, and civilian employees. Over the years, it has played a critical role in ensuring accurate and timely payments, maintaining financial integrity, and supporting the fiscal readiness of the United States military.
Det. 1 56 SOW Udron
U.S. Air Force
**Detachment 1, 56th Special Operations Wing (Det. 1, 56 SOW), Udron,** was established as a forward-deployed unit to support special operations missions in the Indo-Pacific region. Activated in the early 2000s, Det. 1 provided critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, along with air support for joint and allied operations. The unit was instrumental in enhancing regional security cooperation through persistent training and partnership-building with host nation forces in Udron. Over the years, Det. 1, 56 SOW earned commendations for its contributions to operational readiness and its adaptability in dynamic mission environments.
Fire Department - Crash and Rescue
U.S. Air Force
The Fire Department - Crash and Rescue unit has its origins in the early days of military aviation, when specialized teams were formed to respond to aircraft emergencies on airfields. As air operations expanded during World War II, these units became essential for rapidly extinguishing aircraft fires and rescuing downed aircrew. Over the decades, Crash and Rescue units have evolved with advanced firefighting equipment and training, enabling them to handle hazardous materials and complex crash scenarios. Today, they play a vital role in ensuring the safety of military personnel and assets at airbases worldwide, standing ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
HHB 15th Artillery Group (AD)
U.S. Air Force
HHB 15th Artillery Group (Air Defense), also known as Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 15th Artillery Group (AD), was a key command unit in the U.S. Army’s air defense artillery branch. The unit traces its origins to World War II, where it provided critical command and control for artillery forces. Reactivated and re-designated several times throughout the Cold War, HHB 15th Artillery Group (AD) played a vital role in coordinating air defense operations in Europe, particularly in Germany, as part of NATO’s deterrence strategy against the Soviet threat. The unit was recognized for its readiness and effectiveness before its eventual inactivation as part of broader force restructuring.
HQ 9th AF (TAC)
U.S. Air Force
Headquarters, 9th Air Force (Tactical Air Command), traces its origins to World War II, where it played a pivotal role in providing tactical air support for Allied ground forces in the European Theater, most notably during the Normandy invasion and subsequent campaigns across France and Germany. Reactivated during the early years of the Cold War, HQ 9th AF (TAC) became a key component of Tactical Air Command, overseeing fighter, reconnaissance, and air support operations within the United States. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it was instrumental in training and preparing combat-ready air units for rapid deployment worldwide. The unit’s legacy is marked by its adaptability and critical contributions to both wartime operations and peacetime readiness.
U.S. Air Force Active Duty (2026 - Present)
U.S. Air Force Military Retiree (2026 - 2026)
U.S. Air Force Veteran (2025 - Present)
U.S. Air Force Active Duty (2025 - Present)