USAF
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Over 3,064,780 active members
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354 TFW
U.S. Air Force
305TH BOMB WING
U.S. Air Force
23rd Tactical Fighter Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing (23rd TFW) was activated in 1948 and is best known for inheriting the lineage and traditions of the legendary "Flying Tigers" from World War II. During the Vietnam War, the 23rd TFW operated F-105 Thunderchiefs and later A-7D Corsair IIs, conducting ground-attack and close air support missions. The wing was stationed at various bases, including England Air Force Base, Louisiana, and played a crucial role in supporting U.S. and allied forces during numerous conflicts. In the 1990s, it transitioned to flying A-10 Thunderbolt IIs before being inactivated in 1992, with its heritage continuing under the 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia.
TRANSPORTATION
U.S. Air Force
1:10 Special Forces Group
U.S. Air Force
The 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), commonly referred to as 1/10 SFG(A), was activated in 1952, making it one of the original Special Forces units in the U.S. Army. Initially stationed in Bad Tölz, Germany, the battalion played a key role in unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations during the Cold War, focusing on missions behind the Iron Curtain. Over the decades, 1/10 SFG(A) has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian missions in Africa and combat operations in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Now headquartered at Panzer Kaserne near Stuttgart, Germany, 1/10 SFG(A) continues to support U.S. and NATO objectives across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Kadena Air Base
U.S. Air Force
Kadena Air Base, located on the island of Okinawa, Japan, has been a pivotal installation for the United States Air Force since its establishment in 1945 following the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. Originally built by the Imperial Japanese Army, the base was seized and rapidly expanded by American forces, soon becoming a major strategic hub during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Over the decades, Kadena has hosted numerous units, most notably the 18th Wing, the Air Force’s largest combat wing, and has played a crucial role in regional deterrence and rapid response operations. Today, Kadena Air Base continues to serve as a cornerstone of U.S. military presence in the Pacific, supporting both American and allied air operations throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
19TH BOMB WING
U.S. Air Force
6th Air Mobility Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 6th Air Mobility Wing (6th AMW), based at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, traces its origins to the 6th Bombardment Group, established in 1919. Redesignated multiple times throughout its history, the unit gained distinction during World War II with strategic bombing missions in the Pacific Theater. In 1994, the wing assumed its current air mobility mission, providing global air refueling and airlift capabilities, primarily operating the KC-135 Stratotanker. Today, the 6th AMW supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide, serving as a key enabler of rapid global mobility for the United States Air Force.
505th Command and Control Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 505th Command and Control Wing, headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida, was activated in 2004 to enhance the United States Air Force’s command and control capabilities. Its roots trace back to World War II-era units, but its modern incarnation focuses on integrating, testing, and training advanced command and control systems. The Wing plays a pivotal role in operational planning, joint and coalition exercises, and the development of tactics for the Air Operations Center Weapon System. Through its innovation and expertise, the 505th has become a cornerstone in ensuring U.S. and allied forces maintain information superiority across the spectrum of conflict.
SECURITY FORCES
U.S. Air Force
100th Organinzational Maintenance Squadron SAC
U.S. Air Force
The **100th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS)** was a support unit assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) under the 100th Bombardment Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was responsible for organizational-level maintenance of the wing’s aircraft, primarily B-47 Stratojets and later KC-135 Stratotankers, at Beale Air Force Base, California. Its mission included routine inspections, servicing, and repairs crucial for maintaining the high readiness levels required for SAC's nuclear deterrent posture. The 100th OMS played a vital role in ensuring the operational effectiveness and rapid deployment capabilities of SAC’s bomber and tanker fleet until the unit's inactivation in the early 1970s as part of the Air Force's post-Vietnam War realignment.
10TH SPECIAL FORCES GROUP
U.S. Air Force
The 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), also known as 10th SFG(A), was activated in 1952 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, making it one of the first Special Forces units in the U.S. Army. Originally focused on operations in Europe during the Cold War, the unit was stationed in Germany before relocating its headquarters to Fort Carson, Colorado, with a forward presence maintained in Germany. The 10th SFG has participated in numerous operations, including counterterrorism, unconventional warfare, and foreign internal defense missions throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The unit played prominent roles in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, exemplifying its motto: "De Oppresso Liber"—To Free the Oppressed.
474th Tactical Fighter Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 474th Tactical Fighter Wing was an active unit of the United States Air Force, primarily stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Originally activated in 1952, the wing participated in both training and operational missions during the Cold War, and later, the Vietnam War. The unit flew various aircraft over its history, including the F-100 Super Sabre, F-111 Aardvark, and F-4 Phantom II, playing a significant role in tactical fighter operations. The 474th was inactivated in 1989 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.
347th Tactical Fighter Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 347th Tactical Fighter Wing was an active unit of the United States Air Force, first established during the Cold War era. Activated in 1971 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, the wing was equipped primarily with F-111 Aardvark aircraft, focusing on tactical fighter and strike missions. In 1972, the wing relocated to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, where it participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War, including Operation Linebacker. Following the end of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia, the 347th returned stateside and was eventually redesignated as the 347th Fighter Wing, shifting to a composite mission before its inactivation and later redesignation for new roles.
2ND MOB
U.S. Air Force
1:20th Special Forces Group
U.S. Air Force
The 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), commonly referred to as 1/20th SFG(A), is a unit of the Army National Guard with a distinguished history of special operations. Activated in 1961, 1/20th SFG(A) is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with subordinate elements across several southern states. The battalion has participated in a wide range of missions, including unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and foreign internal defense, with notable deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq during the Global War on Terror. Known for their adaptability and professionalism, the soldiers of 1/20th SFG(A) continue to support both national and international security objectives.
2nd Bomb Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 2nd Bomb Wing (2 BW) was originally activated in 1947 as part of the newly independent United States Air Force, inheriting the lineage of distinguished World War II bomber units. Assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, the wing has operated a succession of strategic bombers, including the B-29 Superfortress, B-47 Stratojet, and currently the B-52H Stratofortress. Throughout the Cold War, the 2nd Bomb Wing played a crucial role in nuclear deterrence and global strike capability. In the post-Cold War era, it has supported numerous operations, such as Desert Storm, Allied Force, and enduring missions in the Global War on Terrorism, maintaining its reputation as a cornerstone of America’s strategic airpower.
Military Airlift Command
U.S. Air Force
The Military Airlift Command (MAC) was established by the United States Air Force on January 1, 1966, as a successor to the Military Air Transport Service. Its primary mission was to provide global airlift capabilities, transporting troops, equipment, and supplies during peacetime and conflicts, including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. MAC operated iconic aircraft such as the C-141 Starlifter, C-5 Galaxy, and C-130 Hercules, playing a vital role in humanitarian and military operations worldwide. In 1992, MAC was inactivated and its responsibilities were assumed by the newly formed Air Mobility Command, reflecting an expanded mission that included both airlift and aerial refueling.
USAF SECURITY SERVICE
U.S. Air Force
USAFE
U.S. Air Force
The United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) traces its origins to World War II, when it was first activated as the Eighth Air Force in 1942 to direct bombing operations over Nazi-occupied Europe. Following the war, USAFE was established in 1945 to oversee American air operations across Europe, playing a pivotal role during the Berlin Airlift and throughout the Cold War as a deterrent against Soviet aggression. Over the decades, USAFE adapted to changing global threats, participating in NATO exercises, supporting operations in the Balkans, the Middle East, and Africa. Today, USAFE remains a vital component of U.S. and allied security in Europe, providing combat-ready airpower, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring rapid response capabilities across the region.
USAFSS
U.S. Air Force
The United States Air Force Security Service (USAFSS) was established in October 1948 as a dedicated signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cryptologic organization within the U.S. Air Force. Its primary mission was to intercept, analyze, and exploit foreign communications and radar signals during the Cold War, supporting both national and tactical intelligence needs. USAFSS operated globally, with listening posts and airborne platforms providing valuable intelligence during key conflicts, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In 1979, the unit was redesignated as the Electronic Security Command, marking a new era in Air Force intelligence operations.
Clark AF Base - Philippines
U.S. Air Force
Clark Air Force Base, located on Luzon Island in the Philippines, was established as Fort Stotsenburg in 1903 and became a key U.S. military installation in the Pacific. During World War II, the base was a focal point of the initial Japanese attack following Pearl Harbor and was occupied by Japanese forces until its liberation in 1945. Throughout the Cold War and Vietnam War, Clark served as a major logistics, maintenance, and command center for U.S. Air Force operations in Southeast Asia. The base remained a vital hub for regional security until it was evacuated and handed over to the Philippine government following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991.
ATC
U.S. Air Force
PACAF
U.S. Air Force