21st CSG Elmendorf AFG

• Origins: The 21st Combat Support Group (CSG) was activated at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, in 1951, playing a crucial role during the early Cold War era. • Strategic Location: Elmendorf AFB's proximity to the Soviet Union during the Cold War made the 21st CSG vital for North American air defense. • Support Role: The 21st CSG provided essential base operations support, including civil engineering, logistics, security, and communications for assigned units. • Alaskan Weather Challenges: Group personnel regularly contended with extreme cold, frequent snow, and limited daylight, which tested their operational readiness. • DEW Line Support: The unit supported the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line—a radar defense system designed to detect potential Soviet air attacks. • Vietnam War Era: During the Vietnam War, the 21st CSG helped deploy and process personnel and equipment bound for Southeast Asia. • Unit Awards: Over its tenure, the group received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for excellence in mission support and base operations. • Disaster Response: The 21st CSG played a key role in disaster relief, notably after the 1964 Alaska earthquake, providing emergency services and logistics. • Reorganization: In 1992, the group was inactivated, with its functions absorbed by the newly formed 3rd Wing as part of USAF-wide restructuring. • Legacy: The 21st CSG's commitment and adaptability helped shape Elmendorf AFB into a premier installation, supporting U.S. operations in the Pacific and Arctic regions.