86th fighter-Bomber Wing Lanstahl Germany

The 86th Fighter-Bomber Wing was activated in 1948 and stationed at Landstuhl Air Base, Germany, as part of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) during the early Cold War. The Wing's primary mission was to provide air defense and tactical fighter support for NATO forces in Western Europe, initially flying F-84 Thunderjets and later transitioning to F-86 Sabres. Throughout the 1950s, the 86th played a critical role in deterring Soviet aggression and maintaining air superiority in the region. In 1958, the unit was redesignated as the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing, reflecting its evolving mission and continued commitment to collective defense in Europe.