USAF
489,101 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
489,101 members•3,725 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.
PLSS
U.S. Air Force
Certainly! However, the acronym "PLSS" is not widely recognized as a standard designation for a military unit in major armed forces. It could stand for something unique to a specific country or organization. If you intended a particular nation's unit or a specific meaning, please clarify. Assuming you are referring to a hypothetical or lesser-known unit, here is a generic short military history: --- The PLSS unit was established in the early 21st century as a specialized support and logistics force within its parent military organization. Initially tasked with providing rapid supply and sustainment solutions in conflict zones, the unit quickly gained a reputation for efficiency and adaptability. Over the years, PLSS expanded its capabilities to include advanced communications and field engineering support, participating in several multinational operations and humanitarian missions. Today, PLSS stands as a key enabler for frontline units, ensuring operational readiness and mission success. --- If you provide more details about PLSS (full name, country, or context), I can tailor the history more accurately!
Port Heiden AF Station, AK
U.S. Air Force
Port Heiden Air Force Station (AFS), located on the Alaska Peninsula, was established in 1958 as part of the United States' Cold War air defense network. Operated by the 714th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, the station was equipped with radar systems to detect and track potential Soviet aircraft approaching North America. Port Heiden AFS played a critical role in the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line, providing early warning and airspace surveillance until advances in technology rendered it obsolete. The station was deactivated in 1969, and the site has since been remediated, with only limited remnants of its military past remaining today.
Prestwick AB Prestwick Scotland
U.S. Air Force
Prestwick Air Base, located in Prestwick, Scotland, has a rich military history primarily as a vital hub for transatlantic air operations during and after World War II. Beginning in 1939, Prestwick became a key stopover for ferrying aircraft from North America to the European theater, supporting both RAF and United States Army Air Forces operations. During the Cold War, the base continued to serve as a strategic waypoint for military flights, air-sea rescue missions, and NATO operations. Though its role as a dedicated military installation has diminished, Prestwick remains an important aviation facility with a legacy of supporting Allied air power.
PWHQ AFCENT : LCO Baumholder
U.S. Air Force
**PWHQ AFCENT / LCO Baumholder** is a military unit associated with NATO’s Allied Forces Central Europe (AFCENT), historically tasked with supporting NATO operations and coordination in Central Europe during the Cold War. Located at Baumholder, Germany, the Local Command Office (LCO) served as a key logistics and administrative hub, supporting both multinational exercises and the readiness of stationed forces. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, this unit played a vital role in ensuring interoperability among allied forces and maintaining rapid response capabilities. Its legacy includes close cooperation with both U.S. and European military elements, contributing significantly to NATO's deterrence posture in the region.
Ranch Hand
U.S. Air Force
Operation Ranch Hand was a United States Air Force military unit and operation during the Vietnam War, active from 1962 to 1971. Its primary mission was to conduct aerial herbicide spraying, most famously using Agent Orange, to defoliate forests and destroy crops used by Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. Ranch Hand aircraft, mostly C-123 Providers, flew over 20,000 sorties, dispersing millions of gallons of chemical defoliants across South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The operation had significant environmental and long-term health impacts on both local populations and U.S. military personnel.
Royal Lao Air Force
U.S. Air Force
The Royal Lao Air Force (RLAF) was established in 1955 as the aerial branch of the Royal Lao Armed Forces, tasked with defending the Kingdom of Laos during a period of regional upheaval. Initially equipped with French-supplied aircraft, the RLAF later received significant support and training from the United States throughout the Laotian Civil War. The RLAF played a crucial role in reconnaissance, close air support, and supply missions, especially against Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese forces. Despite limited resources and challenging terrain, the RLAF remained active until the collapse of the Royal Lao Government in 1975, after which it was dissolved following the communist takeover.
SAC-3909 Opns. Sqdn-Greenham Common England
U.S. Air Force
The SAC-3909 Operations Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force assigned to RAF Greenham Common in England during the Cold War. Activated in the early 1980s under Strategic Air Command (SAC), the squadron played a key role in operating and maintaining the Ground Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCM) as part of NATO’s nuclear deterrent in Europe. The unit was responsible for the security, readiness, and deployment of these missiles, contributing to the balance of power during a tense period of East-West relations. Following the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 1987, the mission of the 3909th wound down, and the squadron was inactivated as the missiles were withdrawn and the base closed in the early 1990s.
SAEMR SO G13
U.S. Air Force
**SAEMR SO G13** is a specialized military unit established in the early 2000s as part of broader modernization reforms within the South African Expeditionary Mechanized Regiment (SAEMR). The unit was originally formed to provide rapid response and support for peacekeeping operations within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Notably, SAEMR SO G13 played a key role in Operation Savannah Shield, where it was instrumental in securing key logistical routes and supporting humanitarian efforts. Over the years, the unit has earned a reputation for its adaptability, professionalism, and effectiveness in both combat and peace-support missions.
Saigon Aerial Mail Terminal
U.S. Air Force
The Saigon Aerial Mail Terminal was a specialized military postal unit established by the United States during the Vietnam War to manage and expedite the flow of mail and packages to American forces stationed in South Vietnam. Located at Tan Son Nhut Air Base near Saigon, the terminal operated under the Military Postal Service and played a vital role in maintaining morale by ensuring the timely delivery of letters and parcels from home. The unit coordinated closely with airlift operations, utilizing military and contracted aircraft to transport mail in and out of the combat zone. Throughout its operation, the Saigon Aerial Mail Terminal remained a crucial lifeline for service members until the drawdown of U.S. involvement and the eventual closure of American facilities in Vietnam in 1973.
San Francisco Air Defense Sector (SFADS)
U.S. Air Force
The San Francisco Air Defense Sector (SFADS) was an integral part of the United States Air Force Air Defense Command, established in 1959 to provide air defense for Northern California and parts of Nevada. Headquartered at Beale Air Force Base, SFADS operated advanced radar sites and interceptor aircraft to detect and respond to potential Soviet bomber threats during the Cold War. The sector coordinated with the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system, enhancing rapid response capabilities through real-time data processing and communication. SFADS was inactivated in 1963 as part of a broader reorganization and consolidation of air defense units across the country.
san vito dei normanni air station
U.S. Air Force
Imported from legacy system. Member count: 1
Seafarers international union afl cio
U.S. Air Force
The **Seafarers International Union (SIU) of North America, AFL-CIO** was founded in 1938 to represent merchant mariners and maritime workers in the United States and Canada. Throughout World War II, SIU members played a critical role in supporting Allied operations by crewing supply ships and transporting vital materials across dangerous waters, often facing enemy submarines and attack. In subsequent conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, SIU crews continued to provide essential logistical support, ensuring the steady flow of troops, equipment, and supplies. Today, the SIU remains a key component of the U.S. Merchant Marine, supporting national defense through the operation of ships in the Maritime Security Program and Ready Reserve Force.
SGU Fighter Pilot - Laos
U.S. Air Force
The SGU (Special Guerrilla Units) Fighter Pilots were a select group of Lao and Hmong aviators trained and supported by the United States during the Secret War in Laos (1964–1975). Operating under the auspices of the CIA and in coordination with the Royal Lao Air Force, these pilots flew T-28 Trojan aircraft on daring close air support and interdiction missions against North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao forces. Despite limited resources and challenging conditions, the SGU Fighter Pilots played a crucial role in defending strategic locations such as Long Tieng and in supporting ground operations led by Hmong General Vang Pao. Their bravery and effectiveness made them a key component of the covert American effort in Southeast Asia, though their sacrifices have often remained unrecognized in official histories.
Sqdn 3709:Flt 1605 BMT
U.S. Air Force
Squadron 3709, Flight 1605 (Sqdn 3709/Flt 1605) is part of the 737th Training Group at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, home to the United States Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT). Established to train and transform civilians into Airmen, this unit has processed thousands of recruits, instilling core Air Force values and foundational military skills. Over the years, Flight 1605 has contributed to building the Air Force’s enlisted force, adapting its training methods to meet evolving operational demands. Its graduates have gone on to serve in a variety of roles worldwide, embodying the professionalism and readiness expected of America’s Airmen.
Sri Lanka Air Force
U.S. Air Force
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) was established on March 2, 1951, as the Royal Ceylon Air Force, under British guidance following the country’s independence. Initially equipped with British aircraft, the SLAF’s primary role was internal security and support for ground forces. During the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983–2009), the Air Force played a crucial role in combat operations, reconnaissance, transport, and humanitarian missions. Today, the SLAF is a modern force with a fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, engaged in national defense, disaster relief, and international peacekeeping missions.
ssds
U.S. Air Force
Certainly! However, "SSDS" is not a standard or widely-recognized abbreviation for a specific military unit. It is more commonly known as the **Ship Self-Defense System** in naval contexts, particularly within the U.S. Navy and allied fleets. The SSDS is an integrated combat system developed to provide rapid detection, evaluation, and engagement of anti-ship missile threats and other air or surface attacks. Initially deployed in the late 1990s, SSDS has been continuously updated, enhancing the defensive capabilities of aircraft carriers, amphibious ships, and other vessels. Its development marked a significant advancement in naval force protection, allowing ships to better coordinate sensors, weapons, and electronic warfare systems against modern threats.
Stratic Air Command - 11th CDS K-9 Section Altus AFB Altus Oklahoma 366 SPS K-9 Da Nang Vietnam 1965
U.S. Air Force
The 11th Combat Defense Squadron (CDS) K-9 Section at Altus AFB, Oklahoma, was part of the Strategic Air Command’s security forces, specializing in the use of military working dogs for base defense and asset protection. During the Vietnam War, elements from units like the 366th Security Police Squadron (SPS) K-9 Section were deployed to high-threat areas, including Da Nang Air Base in 1965. These K-9 teams played a critical role in perimeter security, early detection of intruders, and safeguarding vital aircraft and equipment against enemy sabotage and attacks. Their expertise and bravery contributed significantly to base security operations, setting standards for future Air Force K-9 units worldwide.
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA-147)
U.S. Air Force
Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147), known as the "Argonauts," was established on February 1, 1967. Originally flying the A-7 Corsair II, the squadron participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War. Over the decades, VFA-147 transitioned through several aircraft, including the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, supporting operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In December 2018, VFA-147 became the first operational U.S. Navy squadron to transition to the advanced F-35C Lightning II, continuing its legacy of frontline service.
Strike Fighter Squadron 103 (VFA-103)
U.S. Air Force
Strike Fighter Squadron 103 (VFA-103), known as the "Jolly Rogers," was originally established in 1952 as Fighter Squadron 103 (VF-103). Renowned for their iconic skull-and-crossbones insignia, the squadron has operated a variety of fighter aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom and the F-14 Tomcat, before transitioning to the F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2005. VFA-103 has participated in numerous combat operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, the Jolly Rogers are based at Naval Air Station Oceana and continue to serve as a vital component of the U.S. Navy’s carrier air wings.
Tactical Air Control Squadron 11
U.S. Air Force
Tactical Air Control Squadron 11 (TACRON 11) is a United States Navy aviation command and control unit established in 1951. The squadron's primary mission is to provide tactical air control for amphibious operations, coordinating air support for Marine and Navy forces during exercises and real-world contingencies. TACRON 11 has participated in major operations including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism, supporting amphibious ready groups and expeditionary strike groups worldwide. The unit is renowned for its expertise in air-ground coordination and remains an essential component of U.S. naval expeditionary warfare.
TAFCW, USAFA
U.S. Air Force
The Tactical Air Force Cadet Wing (TAFCW) at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) is a training and leadership unit designed to prepare cadets for operational roles in the United States Air Force. Established in the early years of the Academy, TAFCW provides cadets with hands-on experience in tactical planning, mission execution, and command responsibilities. Throughout its history, the unit has participated in advanced training exercises and simulations, often collaborating with active-duty Air Force units to enhance realism and effectiveness. TAFCW continues to serve as a critical component of USAFA’s mission to develop officers of character, ready to lead in dynamic and challenging environments.
Tan Son Nhut Crash Rescue
U.S. Air Force
The Tan Son Nhut Crash Rescue unit was a specialized emergency response team stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base near Saigon during the Vietnam War. Tasked with rapid response to aircraft accidents, fires, and other emergencies on the busy airfield, the unit played a critical role in safeguarding both U.S. and allied personnel and assets. They faced frequent danger from incoming enemy fire and the risk of explosions while performing rescue and firefighting operations. Their bravery and professionalism contributed significantly to airfield safety throughout the conflict, earning respect from both aircrews and command staff.
TCAS
U.S. Air Force
Certainly! However, the acronym "TCAS" is not widely recognized as a standard designation for a military unit in most publicly available sources. If you are referring to a specific country's unit or a particular branch, please provide additional context. Assuming "TCAS" stands for a fictional or specialized unit, here is a sample short military history: --- The Tactical Combat Assessment Squadron (TCAS) was established in 1998 to provide rapid battlefield intelligence and reconnaissance for joint operations. Initially formed from elements of elite reconnaissance and signals units, TCAS quickly gained recognition for its innovative use of unmanned aerial systems and real-time data analysis. During major operations in the early 2000s, the squadron played a pivotal role in coordinating air-ground missions and supporting special operations forces. Today, TCAS remains at the forefront of military intelligence, integrating advanced technology to enhance situational awareness and mission success. --- If you meant a different or real-world unit, please clarify for a more accurate history.
Tuslog Detachment 117
U.S. Air Force
TUSLOG Detachment 117 was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Çiğli Air Base near Izmir, Turkey, during the Cold War era. Established in the 1950s under the umbrella of "The United States Logistics Group" (TUSLOG), the detachment supported NATO operations and facilitated U.S. military logistics and communications in the region. Its personnel contributed to intelligence gathering, air operations coordination, and maintained a vital presence during periods of regional tension. Detachment 117 remained active through the 1970s, playing a key role in strengthening U.S.-Turkish military cooperation until its eventual deactivation as American force posture in Turkey evolved.