USAF
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Over 3,064,780 active members
491,663 members•39,775 units
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NORAD
U.S. Air Force
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a bi-national military organization established in 1958 by the United States and Canada to provide aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and defense for North America. Originally created during the Cold War to detect and respond to potential Soviet bomber and missile attacks, NORAD’s headquarters is located at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado. Over the decades, the command has evolved to address new threats, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles and, more recently, aerospace threats including drones and potential space-based dangers. NORAD is well-known for its annual "NORAD Tracks Santa" program, but its core mission remains the vigilant defense of North American airspace through close U.S.-Canadian cooperation.
SAC HQ
U.S. Air Force
**Strategic Air Command Headquarters (SAC HQ) Military History:** The Strategic Air Command Headquarters (SAC HQ) was established in 1946 at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, serving as the command center for the United States Air Force’s strategic bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) forces during the Cold War. SAC HQ played a pivotal role in the nation’s nuclear deterrence strategy, overseeing the operations, training, and readiness of long-range bombers and missile units capable of delivering nuclear weapons worldwide. Throughout its existence, SAC HQ coordinated numerous alert postures, exercises, and responses to international crises, ensuring rapid response capability against potential adversaries. In 1992, with the end of the Cold War and the restructuring of U.S. defense priorities, SAC HQ was inactivated and its responsibilities were assumed by the newly formed United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM).
12TH TFW
U.S. Air Force
12TH USAF HOSPITAL
U.S. Air Force
16th Civil Engineer Squadron
U.S. Air Force
The 16th Civil Engineer Squadron (16th CES) is a unit of the United States Air Force, historically assigned to Hurlburt Field, Florida, under the 16th Special Operations Wing. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron provided vital engineering support, including base construction, maintenance, and rapid runway repair, to enable special operations missions. Throughout its service, the 16th CES played a key role in supporting deployments, humanitarian missions, and contingency operations worldwide. The unit was inactivated in 2006 when the 16th Special Operations Wing was re-designated as the 1st Special Operations Wing, and its civil engineering functions were realigned accordingly.
1876 COMM SQ
U.S. Air Force
2049th Communications Group
U.S. Air Force
The 2049th Communications Group was a United States Air Force unit tasked with providing vital communications support for military operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the group was responsible for managing and maintaining secure voice, data, and radio communications across its assigned region. The 2049th played an essential role in ensuring the reliability and security of communications for command and control functions, particularly in support of strategic and tactical missions. Over time, its mission and assets were integrated into broader communications and information systems organizations as technology and organizational structures evolved.
20th SPS
U.S. Air Force
The 20th Security Police Squadron (20th SPS) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to provide base security and law enforcement at RAF Upper Heyford, England, during the Cold War. Activated in the 1950s, the squadron played a crucial role in safeguarding USAFE assets, including nuclear-capable aircraft and strategic resources. Throughout its tenure, the 20th SPS enforced security protocols, managed access control, and responded to potential threats, ensuring the operational readiness of the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing. The unit was inactivated following the closure of RAF Upper Heyford in the 1990s, marking the end of its distinguished service.
20TH TACTICAL FIGHTER WING
U.S. Air Force
336th Tactical Fighter Squadron
U.S. Air Force
The 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron, known as the "Olympos," is one of the oldest and most distinguished fighter squadrons in the Hellenic Air Force. Established in 1943 in the Middle East during World War II, the unit initially operated under British command and flew Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. Throughout its history, the squadron has participated in major conflicts, including World War II and the Greek Civil War, and later transitioned to flying modern jet aircraft such as the F-84, F-4 Phantom II, and most recently the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Renowned for its operational excellence, the 336th continues to play a vital role in Greece’s air defense and NATO missions.
341 CES (SAC) Malmstrom AFB MT
U.S. Air Force
The 341st Civil Engineering Squadron (CES), assigned to Strategic Air Command (SAC), was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. Tasked with supporting the base’s infrastructure, the 341 CES played a critical role in maintaining missile silos and facilities integral to the Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) mission during the Cold War. The squadron’s expertise ensured that the base remained operational and ready to respond to national security requirements at a moment’s notice. Over the years, the 341 CES has continued to provide vital engineering and emergency services in support of Malmstrom’s mission and the United States Air Force.
366 CRS
U.S. Air Force
55TH OMS
U.S. Air Force
602 TCS
U.S. Air Force
60th FMS
U.S. Air Force
The 60th Field Maintenance Squadron (60th FMS) was a vital support unit assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, California. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was responsible for maintaining and repairing a diverse fleet of aircraft, including C-5 Galaxies, KC-10 Extenders, and C-141 Starlifters. Throughout its history, the 60th FMS played a crucial role in ensuring aircraft readiness for global airlift and refueling missions, supporting operations from Vietnam through Operation Desert Storm and beyond. The unit exemplified technical excellence and teamwork until its functions were eventually merged into broader maintenance groups during Air Force organizational restructuring.
7 ACCS
U.S. Air Force
711th Human Performance Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) was established in 2008 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, as part of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Formed through the merger of the Human Effectiveness Directorate and the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, the wing focuses on advancing human performance, aerospace medicine, and bioeffects research to enhance Air Force operational capabilities. The 711 HPW supports airmen readiness through studies in physiology, psychology, and technology integration, working closely with military and civilian partners. Its research contributes significantly to improving the safety, health, and effectiveness of Air Force personnel worldwide.
7ACCS
U.S. Air Force
86th TFW USAFE
U.S. Air Force
The 86th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was a prominent unit of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), activated in 1948 and originally based at Neubiberg Air Base, Germany. Over the years, the wing flew a variety of aircraft including the F-84 Thunderjet and later the F-4 Phantom II, playing a key role in NATO’s air defense during the Cold War. In the 1970s and 1980s, the 86th TFW operated from Ramstein Air Base, supporting rapid deployment and readiness missions throughout Europe. The wing was eventually redesignated as the 86th Fighter Wing in 1991, shifting focus to airlift and support missions as the global security environment evolved.
908th Airlift Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 908th Airlift Wing, based at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve Command. Established in 1963, the wing has primarily operated tactical airlift missions, notably flying the C-130 Hercules for several decades. The 908th has supported a wide range of operations, including humanitarian relief, disaster response, and overseas deployments in support of contingencies such as Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In recent years, the unit has begun transitioning to a new mission, preparing to train aircrew for the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter, marking a significant evolution in its operational role.
96TH SPS
U.S. Air Force
AFTAC
U.S. Air Force
The Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) was established in 1959 and is headquartered at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida. Its primary mission is to monitor compliance with nuclear test ban treaties by detecting and analyzing nuclear explosions worldwide, using a global network of sensors. During the Cold War, AFTAC played a crucial role in verifying Soviet nuclear tests and continues to provide vital scientific and technical expertise in nuclear event detection. Over the decades, AFTAC has evolved to include cutting-edge technologies, supporting both national and international security efforts.
AIR RESCUE
U.S. Air Force
HQ SAC
U.S. Air Force
Headquarters Strategic Air Command (HQ SAC) was established in March 1946 as the command center for the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command, initially located at Bolling Field, Washington, D.C., before moving to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, later that year. Its mission was to oversee America's strategic bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile forces, serving as a critical component of U.S. nuclear deterrence throughout the Cold War. HQ SAC directed operations, training, and readiness for its subordinate units, ensuring rapid response capability during crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. The command was inactivated in 1992 following the end of the Cold War, with its functions absorbed by the newly established United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM).