USAF
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Over 3,064,780 active members
491,673 members•39,775 units
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729 ACS
U.S. Air Force
821st Combat Security Police Squadron
U.S. Air Force
The 821st Combat Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Vietnam War era. Established in 1966, the squadron was tasked with providing air base ground defense and security for critical USAF installations, including Phan Rang Air Base in South Vietnam. Its personnel conducted perimeter defense, rapid response to enemy attacks, and patrolled base surroundings to deter Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army infiltrations. The unit was inactivated in 1972 as American military involvement in Vietnam decreased and bases were handed over to South Vietnamese control.
86TH SPS
U.S. Air Force
90TH STRATEGIC MISSILE WING
U.S. Air Force
93RD SPS
U.S. Air Force
9TH SRW
U.S. Air Force
The 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (9th SRW) was activated on November 25, 1965, at Beale Air Force Base, California, as part of the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command. Tasked with conducting high-altitude reconnaissance, the unit became renowned for operating the SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest and highest-flying operational aircraft in the world. Throughout the Cold War, the 9th SRW provided crucial intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities, supporting national security and strategic decision-making. In 1991, the wing was redesignated as the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, continuing its legacy of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions with aircraft such as the U-2 Dragon Lady.
Afsouth Naples Italy
U.S. Air Force
AFSOUTH, or Allied Forces Southern Europe, was established in Naples, Italy, in 1951 as a major NATO headquarters responsible for the defense of Southern Europe during the Cold War. The command oversaw the coordination of land, sea, and air forces from member nations in the Mediterranean region, including Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Throughout its history, AFSOUTH played a key role in planning and executing NATO operations in the Balkans during the 1990s, such as peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Kosovo. In 2004, AFSOUTH was reorganized and became Allied Joint Force Command Naples, continuing its vital mission of ensuring security and stability in southern Europe and beyond.
Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Depot NAS Lemoore
U.S. Air Force
The Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Depot (AIMD) at NAS Lemoore was established to provide vital intermediate-level maintenance, repair, and support for naval aviation units based at the air station. Since its inception in the 1960s alongside the commissioning of NAS Lemoore, AIMD has played a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness of carrier-based aircraft such as the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet. The unit specializes in the repair of avionics, engines, hydraulics, and other crucial aircraft components, serving both home-based and deployed squadrons. Throughout its history, AIMD NAS Lemoore has adapted to technological advancements, supporting the evolving needs of the Navy’s air wing and contributing to successful deployments worldwide.
DYESS AFB
U.S. Air Force
FTD
U.S. Air Force
HQ USAFE (Ramstein AB)
U.S. Air Force
Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe (HQ USAFE), based at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, serves as the air component for U.S. European Command. Established in 1942 as the Eighth Air Force, it was reorganized and redesignated several times before becoming USAFE in 1945. Relocating to Ramstein AB in 1973, HQ USAFE has played a pivotal role in NATO operations, Cold War deterrence, and crisis response across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Today, it continues to provide airpower, support, and coordination for U.S. and allied forces throughout its area of responsibility.
MOODY AFB
U.S. Air Force
Search and Rescue
U.S. Air Force
Search and Rescue (SAR) units have played a vital role in military operations since World War II, when dedicated teams were first established to recover downed airmen behind enemy lines. Over the decades, SAR capabilities expanded to include specialized aircraft, helicopters, and trained personnel able to operate in diverse environments such as sea, mountains, and combat zones. During the Korean and Vietnam Wars, SAR missions became increasingly sophisticated, employing tactics like Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) to extract personnel under fire. Today, military SAR units remain essential for saving lives, providing humanitarian assistance, and supporting both peacetime and wartime operations around the globe.
SPS
U.S. Air Force
THUNDERBIRDS
U.S. Air Force
143rd Airlift Wing
U.S. Air Force
The **143rd Airlift Wing** is a unit of the Rhode Island Air National Guard, headquartered at Quonset Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Established in 1968, the unit originally flew C-119 Flying Boxcars and later transitioned to C-130 Hercules aircraft, specializing in tactical airlift missions. Over the decades, the 143rd has supported numerous operations, including humanitarian relief efforts, disaster response, and overseas deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The wing continues to play a vital role in national defense and state emergency response, renowned for its professionalism and operational excellence.
15th APS
U.S. Air Force
The 15th Airlift Platoon Squadron (15th APS) was established in the late 20th century as a vital component of its nation's tactical airlift capability. Tasked primarily with rapid deployment and logistical support, the unit has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian relief missions and multinational exercises. Over the years, the 15th APS has operated a variety of transport aircraft, adapting to evolving mission requirements and technological advancements. Its professionalism and operational excellence have earned the unit several commendations and a respected reputation within the armed forces.
1606 SPS
U.S. Air Force
171st Air Refueling Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 171st Air Refueling Wing (ARW), based at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, is a unit of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Established in 1961, the wing originally flew fighter aircraft before transitioning to air refueling operations. Over the decades, the 171st ARW has operated various tanker aircraft, including the KC-135 Stratotanker, providing critical aerial refueling support to both U.S. and allied air forces worldwide. The wing has played a significant role in numerous operations, such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, demonstrating its enduring commitment to global mobility and airpower projection.
177th Fighter Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 177th Fighter Wing is a unit of the New Jersey Air National Guard, stationed at Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, New Jersey. Established in 1958, its origins trace back to earlier fighter squadrons tasked with air defense missions during the Cold War. Over the decades, the 177th has operated various aircraft, including the F-106 Delta Dart and currently the F-16 Fighting Falcon, reflecting its evolving mission of homeland defense and federal taskings. The wing has supported both domestic operations, such as disaster relief, and overseas deployments, participating in Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and other missions worldwide.
1961ST COMM GP
U.S. Air Force
1972 COMM SQ
U.S. Air Force
19th Air Refueling Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 19th Air Refueling Wing (19th ARW) traces its heritage to the 19th Bombardment Group, which was activated in 1927 and played a significant role in World War II, particularly in the Pacific Theater. Redesignated as the 19th Air Refueling Wing in 1982, the unit transitioned from bombers to aerial refueling, operating out of Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The 19th ARW currently flies the KC-135R Stratotanker, providing global aerial refueling and rapid mobility support to U.S. and allied forces. Over its history, the wing has participated in major operations including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, earning numerous commendations for its service.
19th BW, SAC
U.S. Air Force
The 19th Bombardment Wing (BW), Strategic Air Command (SAC), was activated in 1948 and became an integral part of America's Cold War nuclear deterrence force. Stationed primarily at Pinecastle (later Orlando) AFB, Florida, and later at Homestead AFB and Robins AFB, the unit operated heavy bombers such as the B-29 Superfortress, B-47 Stratojet, and B-52 Stratofortress. Throughout its SAC tenure, the 19th BW participated in numerous training missions, strategic alerts, and overseas deployments to demonstrate U.S. global strike capabilities. The wing's legacy is marked by its readiness and contributions to maintaining peace and deterrence during tense periods of the 20th century.