USAF
491,526 members•39,775 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
491,526 members•39,775 units
Building the branch home surface
Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.
Building the branch units surface
Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.
8th Fighter Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 8th Fighter Wing, known as the "Wolf Pack," was activated in August 1948 and is currently based at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. The unit distinguished itself during the Korean War, flying combat missions and earning several unit citations. During the Vietnam War, the 8th Fighter Wing gained fame under the leadership of Colonel Robin Olds, conducting significant air-to-air and ground attack missions from Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base. Today, the wing remains an essential component of U.S. forces in Korea, maintaining readiness to defend the Korean Peninsula with its fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons.
916th Air Refueling Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 916th Air Refueling Wing (916 ARW) is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve Command, stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Activated in 1963 as the 916th Troop Carrier Group, it transitioned to air refueling missions in 1986, receiving KC-135 Stratotankers. The wing has supported numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing critical aerial refueling to U.S. and allied aircraft worldwide. In recent years, the 916th has begun transitioning to the modern KC-46A Pegasus, enhancing its global reach and operational capabilities.
12TH AIR FORCE HQ
U.S. Air Force
The 12th Air Force Headquarters was activated on August 20, 1942, as part of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Initially tasked with conducting air operations in the North African and Mediterranean theaters, the unit played a crucial role in campaigns such as Operation Torch and the invasions of Sicily and Italy. After World War II, the 12th Air Force was inactivated and reactivated multiple times, adapting to changing defense needs during the Cold War and beyond. Today, it is headquartered at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, serving as a key component of Air Combat Command and overseeing Air Force operations throughout Central and South America.
6917th Security Group
U.S. Air Force
The 6917th Security Group was a United States Air Force signals intelligence unit established during the Cold War. Activated in the early 1950s, it was primarily based at San Vito dei Normanni Air Station, Italy. The group's mission focused on intercepting and analyzing communications from potential adversaries, supporting both national intelligence objectives and tactical operations in Europe and the Mediterranean. The 6917th Security Group played a crucial role in monitoring Soviet and Warsaw Pact activity until its inactivation in 1993, following the end of the Cold War and subsequent restructuring of U.S. intelligence assets.
914th Airlift Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 914th Airlift Wing, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station in New York, was established in 1963 as the 914th Troop Carrier Group. Initially equipped with C-119 Flying Boxcars, the unit transitioned to C-130 Hercules aircraft in the 1970s, enhancing its tactical airlift capabilities. Over the decades, the 914th has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and major military deployments such as Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In 2017, the wing transitioned to an air refueling mission, flying the KC-135 Stratotanker, and continues to provide vital aerial refueling and global mobility support for the U.S. Air Force.
351st Security Police Sq (SAC)
U.S. Air Force
The 351st Security Police Squadron (SAC) was activated as part of the United States Air Force’s Strategic Air Command at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Established to provide security and law enforcement for the base, the squadron was primarily responsible for safeguarding the base’s Minuteman II intercontinental ballistic missile complex during the Cold War. Its personnel performed missile field security, base defense, and law enforcement duties to ensure the integrity of critical nuclear assets. The unit remained active at Whiteman until the inactivation of the Minuteman II mission in the early 1990s, after which its roles and responsibilities were reorganized under new command structures.
72d Air Base Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 72d Air Base Wing, activated in 1941, has a distinguished history supporting United States Air Force operations. Originally established as the 72d Observation Group, it underwent several redesignations and roles, including serving as a reconnaissance and bombardment unit during World War II and the Cold War. In 1994, the wing was reactivated at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where it provides vital installation support, security, and operational services for multiple tenant units, including major Air Force logistics and communications commands. Today, the 72d Air Base Wing remains a key enabler of Air Force readiness and mission success.
78th Air Base Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 78th Air Base Wing (78 ABW) was originally activated in 1948, providing critical support and operational services to the United States Air Force. Throughout its history, the wing has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, reflecting the evolving needs of the Air Force. Since 1994, the 78th Air Base Wing has served as the host unit at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, where it delivers essential base support, security, and infrastructure services for the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex and other tenant organizations. The wing's steadfast dedication ensures mission readiness and the effective operation of one of the Air Force's most vital installations.
Destroyer Squadron 32
U.S. Air Force
Destroyer Squadron 32 (DESRON 32) is a United States Navy unit with a history dating back to World War II. Originally commissioned in 1943, the squadron played a significant role in Pacific operations, supporting amphibious assaults and providing vital anti-submarine and anti-aircraft defense. Over the decades, DESRON 32 has participated in major conflicts, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, and various Cold War operations. Today, based at Naval Station Norfolk, it oversees and deploys modern guided-missile destroyers, maintaining readiness for global maritime security and fleet operations.
POL
U.S. Air Force
106th Signal Support Group
U.S. Air Force
The 106th Signal Support Group was established during the Cold War era to provide advanced communications and signal support to U.S. Army operations in Europe. Originally activated in the early 1970s, the unit was tasked with ensuring secure and reliable communications across NATO and U.S. command structures. Throughout its history, the 106th Signal Support Group participated in numerous training exercises and real-world deployments, notably supporting operations during Operation Desert Storm and subsequent peacekeeping missions in the Balkans. The unit’s expertise in tactical communications contributed significantly to mission success, earning commendations for innovation and excellence before its deactivation in the early 2000s.
13th AF
U.S. Air Force
The 13th Air Force (13th AF) was activated on 14 December 1942 during World War II, initially operating from New Caledonia in the South Pacific. It played a key role in the Pacific Theater, conducting air operations in the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and the Philippines, supporting Allied advances against Japanese forces. After the war, the 13th AF was based primarily in the Philippines and later Guam, maintaining regional security and participating in operations during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and beyond. The unit was inactivated in 2012 as part of a major reorganization of the United States Air Force's Pacific forces.
311 TRS
U.S. Air Force
3702 BMTS
U.S. Air Force
81st Training Wing
U.S. Air Force
The **81st Training Wing** (81st TRW) is a prominent unit of the United States Air Force, headquartered at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Established during World War II in 1942, the wing originally served as a fighter unit, participating in various training and operational roles throughout its history. In the postwar era, the 81st underwent several reorganizations before assuming its current mission in 1948 to provide technical training for Air Force personnel. Today, the 81st Training Wing is recognized as a vital center for cyber, electronics, medical, and weather training, supporting the readiness of the U.S. Air Force and allied forces.
6931st Security Group
U.S. Air Force
The 6931st Security Group was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1970 at Iraklion Air Station, Crete, Greece. As part of the USAF Security Service (later Electronic Security Command), its primary mission was signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance during the Cold War, monitoring Soviet and Warsaw Pact communications in the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. The group played a critical role in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence to support U.S. and NATO operations in the region. The unit was inactivated in 1993 following the end of the Cold War and the closure of Iraklion Air Station.
1ST MAPS
U.S. Air Force
20th TASS
U.S. Air Force
The 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron (20th TASS) was activated during the Vietnam War to provide forward air control (FAC) and close air support coordination for U.S. and allied ground forces. Established in 1965, the squadron initially operated the O-1 Bird Dog and later transitioned to the O-2 Skymaster and OV-10 Bronco aircraft, flying dangerous low-level missions to identify enemy positions and direct airstrikes. The 20th TASS played a crucial role in supporting operations such as Operation Rolling Thunder and interdiction missions along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. After the Vietnam War, the squadron continued FAC missions before being inactivated in 1972.
48th FIS
U.S. Air Force
The 48th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (48th FIS) was an active United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with air defense missions during the Cold War. Originally constituted as the 48th Pursuit Squadron in 1940, it served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, flying various aircraft including the P-40 Warhawk and P-47 Thunderbolt. Reactivated during the Korean War era, the squadron transitioned to jet interceptors such as the F-86 Sabre and later the F-106 Delta Dart, defending the northeastern United States from potential aerial threats. The 48th FIS was inactivated in 1987 as part of the drawdown of air defense forces.
71st Flying Training Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 71st Flying Training Wing, based at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma, was activated on August 25, 1972. Its primary mission is to conduct undergraduate pilot training for the United States Air Force, as well as allied nations, preparing pilots for a variety of aircraft. Over the decades, the wing has flown numerous training aircraft, including the T-37 Tweet, T-38 Talon, and T-6 Texan II. The 71st FTW continues to play a vital role in producing highly skilled pilots, supporting both national defense and international partnerships.
81ST SPS
U.S. Air Force
Air Training Command
U.S. Air Force
Air Training Command (ATC) was a major command of the United States Air Force responsible for the training of airmen, officers, and technical specialists. Established in 1946, ATC played a vital role during the Cold War, adapting its programs to meet the demands of jet aviation, missile technology, and expanding Air Force missions. ATC oversaw basic military training, flight instruction, and technical schooling at numerous bases across the United States. In 1993, Air Training Command was inactivated and its functions merged with Air University to form the current Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
318th FIS- ADC
U.S. Air Force
The 318th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (FIS) was a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to the Air Defense Command (ADC). Originally activated during World War II, the squadron was reactivated during the Cold War to provide air defense for the Pacific Northwest and later the West Coast of the United States. Throughout its service, the 318th FIS operated various aircraft, including the F-94 Starfire, F-102 Delta Dagger, and F-106 Delta Dart, reflecting the evolution of interceptor technology. The unit was inactivated in December 1989, having played a vital role in continental air defense during its decades of service.
32 TFS
U.S. Air Force
The 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron (32 TFS), known as the "Wolfhounds," was originally activated in 1940 as part of the United States Army Air Corps. During World War II, the unit served in the defense of the Panama Canal before being inactivated and later reactivated during the Cold War. From 1955 to 1994, the 32 TFS was based at Soesterberg Air Base in the Netherlands, where it played a crucial role in NATO air defense, operating aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, F-102 Delta Dagger, and F-15 Eagle. The squadron was inactivated in 1994 following the end of the Cold War and the restructuring of U.S. Air Forces in Europe.