USAF
488,381 members•3,725 units
Opening branch overview
Building the branch home surface
Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.
Overview
Members
Units
Over 3,064,780 active members
488,381 members•3,725 units
Building the branch home surface
Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.
Building the branch members surface
Loading branch members, era browse tools, and directory controls.
6901st Special Communications Group
U.S. Air Force
The 6901st Special Communications Group was a United States Air Force unit established during the Cold War era, primarily tasked with signals intelligence (SIGINT) and secure communications operations. Activated in the early 1950s, the group operated under the auspices of the Air Force Security Service (later Electronic Security Command), supporting U.S. and allied intelligence efforts. Stationed at various strategic locations, including Europe and the continental United States, the 6901st played a crucial role in gathering and analyzing communications from potential adversaries. The unit was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader Air Force restructuring in the 1970s, with its missions absorbed by successor intelligence organizations.
6986th Security Group Wakkanai Japan
U.S. Air Force
The 6986th Security Group was a United States Air Force signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit stationed at Wakkanai Air Station, located at the northern tip of Hokkaido, Japan. Activated in 1961, the group played a crucial role during the Cold War, monitoring Soviet military communications and missile activity across the Sea of Okhotsk and the Russian Far East. The unit operated sophisticated electronic surveillance equipment and contributed valuable intelligence to U.S. and allied forces in the Pacific region. The 6986th Security Group was inactivated in 1972, coinciding with the closure of Wakkanai Air Station, as advancements in technology and changes in strategic priorities reduced the need for its presence.
7350th Security Police
U.S. Air Force
The 7350th Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit primarily stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, during the Cold War era. Established in the late 1960s, the squadron was tasked with providing law enforcement, security, and force protection for critical USAF assets and personnel in Europe, particularly during heightened tensions with the Warsaw Pact. The 7350th Security Police played a key role in safeguarding nuclear storage sites, flight lines, and supporting NATO operations. In the early 1990s, as part of post-Cold War restructuring, the unit was inactivated and its responsibilities were transferred to successor security forces squadrons.
8th Aerial Port Squadron
U.S. Air Force
The 8th Aerial Port Squadron was an Air Force logistics unit first activated in the 1950s to support air transport operations during the Cold War. Stationed at McChord Air Force Base, Washington, the squadron specialized in cargo handling, passenger services, and rapid deployment of personnel and material. Throughout its history, the 8th Aerial Port Squadron played a significant role in supporting airlift missions during major conflicts and humanitarian operations, ensuring efficient movement of resources worldwide. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force reorganization and modernization efforts.
928TH TACTICAL AIRLIFT GROUP
U.S. Air Force
The 928th Tactical Airlift Group was a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, activated in 1963 and stationed at O’Hare International Airport, Illinois. The group was primarily assigned to provide tactical airlift support, operating aircraft such as the C-119 Flying Boxcar and later the C-130 Hercules to transport troops, cargo, and equipment. Throughout its service, the 928th participated in numerous training exercises and humanitarian missions, both within the United States and overseas. The unit was inactivated in 1997, following post-Cold War restructuring and the closure of its base at O’Hare.
96th SAC
U.S. Air Force
The 96th Strategic Aerospace Command (SAC), originally activated as the 96th Bombardment Wing in 1953, was a key unit of the United States Air Force during the Cold War. Stationed primarily at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, the unit operated heavy bombers such as the B-47 Stratojet and later the B-52 Stratofortress, as well as KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft. Throughout its service, the 96th SAC played a vital role in maintaining America's strategic nuclear deterrence and participated in numerous training and alert missions. The unit's contributions were instrumental in supporting SAC’s global reach until it was inactivated in the early 1990s following the end of the Cold War.
9th FMS
U.S. Air Force
The 9th Field Maintenance Squadron (9th FMS) was an integral support unit assigned to the United States Air Force, most notably at Beale Air Force Base, California. Activated in the 1950s, the 9th FMS provided essential aircraft maintenance, repair, and logistical support for the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, including the U-2 and later the SR-71 Blackbird high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The squadron’s expert personnel ensured the operational readiness of some of America’s most advanced reconnaissance platforms throughout the Cold War. In the 1990s, the unit was inactivated as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, with its functions integrated into consolidated maintenance groups.
Assault Craft Unit 5
U.S. Air Force
Assault Craft Unit 5 (ACU-5) is a United States Navy unit established in 1983 and based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. Its primary mission is to operate and maintain Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles, enabling rapid ship-to-shore movement of troops, equipment, and supplies in support of amphibious operations. ACU-5 has actively participated in major military exercises and operations worldwide, including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, demonstrating its vital role in expeditionary warfare. The unit continues to enhance the Navy and Marine Corps’ amphibious capabilities, maintaining readiness for deployment across the globe.
CES
U.S. Air Force
Certainly! However, "CES" could refer to different units depending on the country's armed forces and context. For this example, I will use "Combat Engineer Squadron (CES)" as commonly referenced in Canadian and other Commonwealth militaries: The Combat Engineer Squadron (CES) traces its origins to the early 20th century, supporting military operations with engineering expertise. Throughout both World Wars, CES units played vital roles in constructing defensive positions, clearing obstacles, and bridging rivers under fire. In the postwar era, they adapted to new roles in peacekeeping, disaster relief, and counter-IED operations. Today, CES continues to serve as a critical force-multiplier, enabling mobility, survivability, and infrastructure support in diverse operational environments. If you meant a different "CES," please provide more details for a tailored history.
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)