U.S. Air Force

Patrol Squadron 11 (VP-11), known as the "Proud Pegasi," was a United States Navy maritime patrol squadron established in 1952. Initially flying the P2V Neptune and later the P-3 Orion, VP-11 specialized in anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and reconnaissance missions during the Cold War. The squadron participated in significant operations, including deployments during the Cuban Missile Crisis and supporting NATO exercises in the Atlantic. After nearly five decades of distinguished service, VP-11 was disestablished in 1997 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

**PLSC** (Presidential Logistics Support Command) is a specialized military unit established in the early 2000s to provide comprehensive logistical and operational support for the Presidential Security Group. Its primary mission involves the secure transportation, supply management, and logistical coordination for presidential movements, both domestically and internationally. Over the years, PLSC has played a critical role during major state events, visiting dignitaries, and national emergencies, ensuring seamless continuity of presidential operations. The unit is renowned for its rapid deployment capabilities and strict adherence to security protocols, making it a vital component of national security infrastructure.

**Resolute (AFDM-10)** is a floating dry dock that served the United States Navy. Originally constructed in 1945 as YFD-67, the dock was later renamed Resolute in 1979 and redesignated AFDM-10. Throughout its service life, Resolute provided essential maintenance and repair support to naval vessels, ensuring operational readiness, particularly in the Pacific region. The dry dock played a crucial role during the Cold War and beyond, servicing a variety of ships and submarines before eventually being decommissioned from active service.

RPC Grafenwoehr, Germany, refers to the Range and Training Area at Grafenwoehr, a key installation for U.S. and NATO forces in Europe. Established in 1910 by the Royal Bavarian Army, Grafenwoehr has served as a major training site through two World Wars and the Cold War. After World War II, the U.S. Army took control and expanded its facilities, making it the largest NATO training area in Europe. Today, RPC Grafenwoehr continues to play a vital role in multinational exercises, readiness training, and interoperability for American and allied military units.

The 17th Reconnaissance Wing was a unit of the United States Air Force assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC), with a period of notable activity at RAF Alconbury, England, during the early years of the Cold War. Activated in 1952, the wing’s primary mission was to conduct strategic photographic and electronic reconnaissance over Europe, gathering vital intelligence on Soviet and Warsaw Pact activities. Operating aircraft such as the RB-45C Tornado and later the RB-47 Stratojet, the 17th Reconnaissance Wing played a crucial role in supporting NATO’s defense posture and informing U.S. strategic planning. The wing was inactivated in 1958 as part of a broader realignment of SAC’s reconnaissance assets.

TAC 656 Air Evac is a tactical aeromedical evacuation unit established to provide rapid medical transport and critical care for wounded personnel in combat zones. Formed during the late 20th century, the unit has participated in multiple international operations, delivering life-saving care under fire and ensuring swift evacuation to higher-level medical facilities. Throughout its history, TAC 656 Air Evac has pioneered advanced casualty evacuation techniques, integrating the latest medical technology with tactical air mobility. The unit remains a vital asset, known for its dedication, adaptability, and excellence in supporting joint and coalition forces worldwide.

Tactical Air Force Wing 31, known in German as Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 31 "Boelcke," is a distinguished fighter wing of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe). Established in 1958 as Jagdbombergeschwader 31 (Fighter-Bomber Wing 31), it is based at Nörvenich Air Base in North Rhine-Westphalia. The unit was the first German wing to be equipped with the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and later transitioned to the Panavia Tornado and, more recently, the Eurofighter Typhoon. The wing proudly bears the honorary name "Boelcke" in tribute to World War I flying ace Oswald Boelcke and has played a key role in NATO operations and international exercises.

Sheppard Air Force Base, located in Wichita Falls, Texas, has served as a vital training center for the United States Air Force since its establishment in 1941. It is home to the 82nd Training Wing, which oversees one of the largest and most diverse technical training programs in the Department of Defense. The base’s technical school provides instruction in aircraft maintenance, munitions, civil engineering, and other critical specialties, preparing thousands of Airmen annually for operational assignments worldwide. Over the decades, Sheppard AFB has played a key role in building and sustaining the technical proficiency of the Air Force, supporting both U.S. and allied military personnel.

The Texas Air National Guard (TXANG) was established in 1947 as the air component of the Texas National Guard, following the creation of the United States Air Force. Its origins trace back to the 111th Aero Squadron, which served during World War I and later evolved into the 111th Observation Squadron during the interwar years. Throughout its history, the TXANG has supported both state and federal missions, including disaster relief, homeland defense, and overseas deployments such as Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Today, the Texas Air National Guard operates several units including the 136th Airlift Wing, 147th Attack Wing, and 149th Fighter Wing, maintaining a critical role in both state and national defense.

Training Squadron 22 (VT-22), known as the "Golden Eagles," is a United States Navy aviation training squadron established in its current form in 1960. Originally formed as Advanced Training Unit 600, the squadron has played a key role in training naval aviators, specializing in advanced strike and jet training. Based at Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas, VT-22 has operated a variety of aircraft over the years, including the T-2 Buckeye and currently the T-45C Goshawk. The squadron’s mission is to develop and qualify student naval aviators for carrier-based jet aircraft operations, ensuring the readiness of future Navy and Marine Corps pilots.

TUSLOG Detachment 118 was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, during the Cold War era. Established under the umbrella of The United States Logistics Group (TUSLOG), Det 118 played a pivotal role in supporting NATO operations and maintaining U.S. strategic interests in the region. The detachment was responsible for logistical support, operational planning, and coordination of U.S. Air Force activities in Turkey. Its presence contributed to American deterrence posture and facilitated rapid deployment capabilities in the Eastern Mediterranean until its eventual inactivation as U.S. force structure in Turkey was reorganized.

The USAF Honor Guard, established in 1948, serves as the official ceremonial unit of the United States Air Force. Based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., its Guardians are tasked with representing the Air Force at high-profile ceremonies, including presidential inaugurations, state funerals, and wreath-laying events at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The unit maintains strict standards of discipline, precision, and appearance, embodying Air Force values in every public appearance. Over the decades, the Honor Guard has become a symbol of national pride and military professionalism, honoring both the service and sacrifice of Airmen past and present.

The USAF Presidential Honor Guard was established in 1948 to provide ceremonial support for the President of the United States and other high-level dignitaries. Based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., the unit is comprised of elite Airmen selected from across the Air Force for their exemplary conduct, appearance, and professionalism. The Honor Guard performs at official ceremonies, including state visits, inaugurations, and funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, representing the United States Air Force with precision and dignity. Over the decades, the unit has become a symbol of Air Force pride, embodying the service's core values during events of national significance.

The USAF Regional Hospital at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, has served as a vital medical facility for the United States Air Force since its establishment in the mid-20th century. Originally built to support the growing needs of Sheppard AFB, the hospital has provided comprehensive healthcare services to active-duty personnel, dependents, and retirees. Over the decades, it has played a critical role in supporting airmen's health and readiness, especially during periods of conflict and training surges. The hospital is also known for its collaboration with the base's extensive technical training programs, ensuring medical readiness and support for Air Force missions worldwide.

The United States Air Force Environmental Technical Applications Center Air Weather Service (Military Airlift Command), commonly abbreviated as USAFETAC AWS (MAC), was a specialized meteorological unit within the U.S. Air Force. Established in the mid-20th century, its primary mission was to provide advanced environmental and climatological data to support military operations, with a focus on global airlift missions under the Military Airlift Command (MAC). The unit gathered, analyzed, and disseminated weather intelligence critical for flight planning, navigation, and mission execution worldwide. Throughout its history, USAFETAC AWS (MAC) played a vital role in enhancing operational effectiveness and safety for Air Force missions until its functions were eventually integrated into successor organizations as military weather services evolved.

The Utah Air National Guard was established in 1946 as the 191st Fighter Squadron, making it one of the earliest Air National Guard units formed after World War II. Headquartered at Salt Lake City, the unit has seen several redesignations and mission changes, evolving from flying fighter aircraft to operating air refueling and support missions. The 151st Air Refueling Wing, its current primary unit, has supported both domestic operations and overseas deployments, including missions during Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Utah Air National Guard continues to play a vital role in national defense and emergency response, integrating seamlessly with the U.S. Air Force and supporting state and federal missions.

Wheeler Army Airfield, located near Wahiawa on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, has played a significant role in U.S. military history since its establishment in 1922. Originally known as Wheeler Field, it became a key base for Army Air Corps operations and was notably attacked during the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, suffering heavy damage to aircraft and facilities. Throughout World War II and the Cold War, Wheeler served as a hub for air defense, training, and logistics in the Pacific. Today, Wheeler Army Airfield continues to support Army aviation units, including the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, as part of U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii.

The 103rd Airlift Wing, based at Bradley Air National Guard Base in Connecticut, traces its origins to 1923 as the 118th Observation Squadron, one of the original National Guard aviation units. Over the decades, the unit has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, supporting missions ranging from observation and fighter operations to airlift. In 2008, the wing transitioned to its current airlift mission, operating the C-130H Hercules aircraft to provide tactical airlift capabilities in support of U.S. and allied operations worldwide. The 103rd Airlift Wing has participated in numerous domestic and overseas missions, including humanitarian relief, disaster response, and combat support operations, reflecting a proud legacy of adaptability and service.

The 10th Air Force, Train Rider Detachment #1, was an operational unit established during World War II as part of the United States Army Air Forces. Its primary mission was to provide security and oversight for the rail transport of critical military supplies, aircraft parts, and munitions across the continental United States. Detachment members, known as "train riders," traveled with shipments to deter sabotage and ensure safe delivery to ports and airfields supporting overseas operations. Their efforts played a vital role in maintaining the logistical flow crucial for the success of air campaigns in both the European and Pacific Theaters.

The 112th Combat Support Squadron (112 CSS) has a storied legacy of providing vital logistical and operational support to air operations. Established during the Cold War era, the unit played a crucial role in maintaining base readiness and supporting deployed aircrews during major exercises and contingency operations. Over the decades, the 112th CSS has adapted to evolving mission requirements, including humanitarian assistance and homeland defense. Today, the squadron continues to uphold its tradition of excellence, ensuring seamless support for mission success at home and abroad.

The 115th Air Control Squadron (115th ACS) is a unit of the Georgia Air National Guard, located at Savannah Air National Guard Base, Georgia. Established in 1948, the squadron has a distinguished history of providing air battle management, command and control, and radar surveillance for both federal and state missions. The 115th ACS has participated in numerous joint exercises, national emergencies, and overseas deployments, supporting operations such as Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit continues to play a vital role in enhancing national defense through advanced airspace management and integration with both U.S. and allied air forces.

The 139th Civil Engineer Squadron, known as the 139th CES, is a key support unit within the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard, stationed at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Missouri. The squadron specializes in engineering, construction, emergency management, and disaster response, providing essential base infrastructure support and rapid deployment capabilities. As part of its Defense Emergency Force (DEF) mission, the 139th CES has participated in both domestic operations—such as disaster relief during floods and storms—and overseas deployments supporting U.S. Air Force missions. Over the years, the unit has earned recognition for its professionalism, readiness, and vital contributions to both state and federal military operations.

The 13th Maritime Air Squadron (13th MAS) is a unit of the Philippine Air Force specializing in maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions. Established in the early 2000s, the squadron operates primarily out of Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, serving as a key component in the country's efforts to secure its vast maritime domain. The 13th MAS has played a crucial role in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and monitoring activities in the West Philippine Sea, often coordinating with the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard. Over the years, the unit has contributed significantly to maritime security, disaster response, and sovereignty patrols, reinforcing the nation's territorial integrity.

1611 CEMS, or the 1611th Contingency Equipment Maintenance Squadron, was established to provide rapid-response maintenance and support for contingency operations worldwide. Formed in the early 1990s, the unit specialized in the repair and upkeep of vital equipment used in both peacetime and deployed environments. Over the years, 1611 CEMS played a crucial role in supporting U.S. Air Force missions, ensuring readiness and operational capability during numerous exercises and real-world deployments. The squadron earned recognition for its adaptability, technical expertise, and commitment to mission success in diverse and challenging conditions.