38 tac missile wing

The 38th Tactical Missile Wing (38 TMW) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era, primarily stationed in Europe. Established in 1958 at Hahn Air Base, West Germany, the wing was tasked with operating the TM-61 Matador and later the TM-76 Mace tactical cruise missiles, providing a critical component of NATO's theater nuclear deterrent. The 38 TMW maintained a high state of readiness, conducting frequent training and alert drills amidst escalating tensions with the Soviet Union. The unit was inactivated in 1966 as strategic priorities shifted and newer missile systems replaced its arsenal, marking the end of its vital role in forward-based missile defense.