

USAF
491,513 members•39,775 units
Building the branch home surface
Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.


491,513 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.
374 FMS
U.S. Air Force
48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath
U.S. Air Force
The 48th Fighter Wing, known as the "Liberty Wing," is a distinguished United States Air Force unit based at RAF Lakenheath, England. Originally activated in 1948, the wing has a storied legacy, having flown combat missions in major conflicts including the Korean War, Operation Desert Storm, and ongoing operations supporting NATO. Over the decades, the 48th has operated various fighter aircraft, most notably the F-111 and the F-15, and recently became the first USAF unit in Europe to operate the advanced F-35A Lightning II. The wing plays a vital role in ensuring air superiority, rapid response, and the defense of U.S. and allied interests across Europe.
17TH BOMB WING
U.S. Air Force
100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing
U.S. Air Force
The **100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing** was a unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated as the 100th Bombardment Group during World War II, where it earned distinction flying B-17 Flying Fortress missions over Europe. Reactivated during the Cold War, the wing was redesignated the 100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing in 1966 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Its primary mission was to conduct high-altitude reconnaissance using Lockheed U-2 and drone aircraft to gather intelligence on adversaries, particularly during the tense periods of the Cold War. The unit was inactivated in 1976, but its legacy continues through its contributions to U.S. strategic intelligence capabilities.
4TH TAC FIGHTER WING
U.S. Air Force
WHITE HOUSE COMMUNICATIONS AGENCY (WHCA)
U.S. Air Force
The White House Communications Agency (WHCA) was established in 1942 as the White House Signal Detachment to provide secure and reliable communications for the President of the United States and the White House staff. Initially formed by the U.S. Army Signal Corps, the unit played a crucial role during World War II, ensuring the President could communicate globally. In 1962, it was reorganized and renamed the White House Communications Agency, expanding its mission to include audiovisual support and advanced telecommunications. Today, WHCA continues to deliver state-of-the-art communications and information systems, supporting presidential operations at the White House, during travel, and at off-site events worldwide.
6920TH ELECTRONIC SECURITY GROUP
U.S. Air Force
The 6920th Electronic Security Group was a United States Air Force unit specializing in signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance. Activated in the early 1980s and stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan, the group played a crucial role in monitoring and analyzing electronic communications in the Pacific theater during the Cold War. Its mission supported U.S. and allied operations by providing valuable intelligence on regional military activities. The unit was eventually redesignated as part of the Air Force's broader restructuring of its intelligence and security forces.
6981st SCTY Group (USAFSS)
U.S. Air Force
The 6981st Security Group, part of the United States Air Force Security Service (USAFSS), was activated in 1951 at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, during the early years of the Cold War. Its primary mission was signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection and analysis, focusing on monitoring Soviet military communications and activities in the Arctic and North Pacific regions. The group played a crucial role in providing timely intelligence to U.S. commanders and national decision-makers, enhancing situational awareness and strategic response capabilities. The unit remained active until 1993, when it was inactivated as part of post-Cold War restructuring and realignment of U.S. Air Force intelligence assets.
1ST SOW
U.S. Air Force
48 EMS
U.S. Air Force
PENTAGON
U.S. Air Force
SHEPPARD AFB
U.S. Air Force
104th Air National Guard
U.S. Air Force
The 104th Air National Guard, officially known as the 104th Fighter Wing, traces its lineage to the 104th Observation Squadron established in 1947 at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts. Over the decades, the unit has transitioned through various aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, and A-10 Thunderbolt II, before receiving the F-15C Eagle in 2007. The 104th has supported both domestic and overseas operations, ranging from homeland defense under Operation Noble Eagle to combat deployments in the Middle East. Recognized for its excellence, the unit continues its mission of providing ready, reliable air superiority and support to both state and national objectives.
ASSAULT CRAFT UNIT 1
U.S. Air Force
Assault Craft Unit 1 (ACU-1) is a United States Navy unit established in 1949, originally tasked with operating and maintaining landing craft for amphibious operations. Headquartered at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, ACU-1 has played a crucial role in transporting Marines, equipment, and vehicles from ship to shore, utilizing various types of landing craft, notably the Landing Craft Utility (LCU). The unit has participated in numerous major exercises, humanitarian missions, and combat operations, including support for the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as more recent deployments in the Middle East. ACU-1 continues to be an essential component of the Navy's amphibious readiness, ensuring rapid and effective logistical support for expeditionary forces worldwide.
USAR Control Group
U.S. Air Force
The United States Army Reserve (USAR) Control Group is an administrative entity within the U.S. Army Reserve, established to manage soldiers who are not assigned to traditional Reserve units but remain subject to recall. Originating during the post-World War II era, the USAR Control Group was designed to maintain accountability and readiness for Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) members, Standby Reserve, and Retired Reserve personnel. Over the decades, it has played a crucial role in augmenting active-duty forces during major conflicts, such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism. The USAR Control Group continues to be essential for mobilization planning, ensuring the Army can quickly access trained personnel when needed.

89th Airlift Wing
U.S. Air Force
The 89th Airlift Wing (89 AW), headquartered at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, was first activated in 1949 as the 89th Troop Carrier Wing in the Air Force Reserve. Throughout its history, the unit has undergone several redesignations, becoming the 89th Military Airlift Wing in 1966 and later the 89th Airlift Wing in 1991. The Wing’s primary mission is to provide global Special Air Mission airlift, logistics, and communications for the President, Vice President, senior government and military leaders, including operating the aircraft known as Air Force One. The 89th Airlift Wing is renowned for its role in supporting national and international diplomatic missions, earning a reputation for excellence in executive airlift operations.
COMMUNICATIONS
U.S. Air Force
NELLIS AFB
U.S. Air Force
Travis AFB
U.S. Air Force
Travis Air Force Base (AFB), located in Fairfield, California, was established in 1942 as Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base and was later renamed in honor of Brigadier General Robert F. Travis. Originally serving as a major hub for bomber training during World War II, the base shifted focus to become a critical airlift and logistics center during the Cold War and beyond. Home to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Pacific" due to its pivotal role in transporting personnel, cargo, and humanitarian aid across the globe. Throughout its history, units at Travis AFB have supported numerous military operations and disaster relief missions, ensuring rapid global mobility for the United States Air Force.
554th Red Horse
U.S. Air Force
The 554th RED HORSE Squadron (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers) is a specialized civil engineering unit of the United States Air Force. Activated in 1966 during the Vietnam War, the squadron provided vital airfield construction and repair capabilities under combat conditions. Over the decades, the 554th has supported operations throughout Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia, and the Pacific, rapidly deploying to build and repair runways, facilities, and infrastructure for Air Force missions. Stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, the squadron continues to deliver agile, heavy construction support for U.S. and allied operations across the Indo-Pacific region.
351st Strategic Missile Wing
U.S. Air Force
The **351st Strategic Missile Wing** was activated on 1 February 1963 at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, as part of the United States Air Force’s Strategic Air Command. Its primary mission was to operate and maintain LGM-30 Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), providing a key component of America's nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. At its peak, the wing controlled 150 missile silos spread across central Missouri. The 351st remained on alert until its deactivation in 1995, following the end of the Cold War and the implementation of arms reduction agreements.
3RD SPS
U.S. Air Force
820th REDHORSE SQUADRON
U.S. Air Force
The **820th RED HORSE Squadron** (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers) is a specialized United States Air Force civil engineering unit, first activated in 1966. Initially established at Naha Air Base, Okinawa, the squadron provided critical construction and airfield repair support during the Vietnam War, operating across Southeast Asia. Over the decades, the 820th has deployed globally for both combat operations and humanitarian missions, showcasing its expertise in rapid runway repair, infrastructure development, and disaster response. Today, the unit continues its legacy from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, supporting Air Force and joint operations worldwide with agile engineering capabilities.
CHANUTE AFB
U.S. Air Force