U.S. Air Force

The 438th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was a support unit assigned to the 438th Military Airlift Wing (MAC) at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. Activated during the Cold War era, the 438 FMS was responsible for providing aircraft maintenance and logistical support, ensuring the operational readiness of the unit's airlift fleet, which primarily included C-141 Starlifter aircraft. As part of the Military Airlift Command (MAC), the squadron played a crucial role in supporting strategic airlift missions, both in peacetime and during contingencies. The 438 FMS was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of Air Force restructuring efforts in the post-Cold War period.

The 443rd Military Airlift Wing was an active unit of the United States Air Force, first established in 1952. Initially organized as a troop carrier wing in the Air Force Reserve, it was later activated for service during the Korean War. Over time, the wing transitioned to an airlift mission, primarily operating out of Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where it became a key training unit for aircrew on large transport aircraft, including the C-5 Galaxy and the C-141 Starlifter. The 443rd Military Airlift Wing played a crucial role in preparing aircrews for global airlift operations until it was inactivated in 1992, as part of post-Cold War force restructuring.

Carswell Air Force Base (AFB), originally established as Fort Worth Army Airfield in 1942, served as a major United States military installation in Fort Worth, Texas. Throughout the Cold War, it was a key component of Strategic Air Command, hosting B-36 Peacemaker, B-52 Stratofortress, and later B-1B Lancer bombers as part of the 7th Bomb Wing. The base played a vital role in America's nuclear deterrence strategy and long-range bomber operations. Carswell AFB was officially closed as an active-duty base in 1994, transitioning to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, but its legacy endures in U.S. military aviation history.

USAF Hospital (TAC) was a United States Air Force medical facility operating under the Tactical Air Command (TAC). Established to provide comprehensive medical, surgical, and dental care, the hospital supported both active duty personnel and their families. Throughout its years of service, the hospital played a critical role in maintaining the health and readiness of aircrews and support staff, especially during periods of heightened operational activity such as the Cold War and Vietnam War eras. Its staff also participated in readiness exercises and deployments, contributing medical expertise both on base and in forward-deployed locations.

The 107th Air Refueling Wing (107th ARW) is a unit of the New York Air National Guard, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. Originally established in 1948 as the 107th Fighter Group, the unit has undergone several mission changes, including roles as a fighter-interceptor and airlift wing, before transitioning to air refueling operations. In 2008, the unit converted to the KC-135 Stratotanker mission, providing aerial refueling support for U.S. and allied aircraft worldwide. The 107th ARW has participated in numerous operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, exemplifying its adaptability and commitment to national defense.

The 509th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was a support unit assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing under Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire. Established during the Cold War, the 509th FMS provided essential aircraft maintenance and logistical support for the wing's fleet of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers. The squadron played a vital role in maintaining the operational readiness of the 509th's strategic deterrence mission. The 509th FMS remained active until the realignment and eventual closure of Pease AFB in the early 1990s, following the end of the Cold War.

The 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, originally activated in 1940, is a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force with a rich history of service. During World War II, the squadron flew combat missions in the European Theater, providing air defense and bomber escort. In the Cold War era, the squadron was stationed at Soesterberg Air Base in the Netherlands, serving as a key component of NATO’s air defense and flying a variety of advanced fighter aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle. The squadron was inactivated in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of international cooperation and operational excellence.

The 380th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was a key support unit within the United States Air Force, historically assigned to the 380th Bombardment Wing. Activated during the Cold War, the 380th FMS was responsible for providing comprehensive maintenance and repair for the wing's aircraft and equipment, ensuring operational readiness. Stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York, the squadron played a vital role in supporting Strategic Air Command operations, including the maintenance of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers. The unit was inactivated in the early 1990s following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent restructuring of Air Force maintenance organizations.

The 635th Combat Support Group was an active United States Air Force unit, primarily stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand, during the Vietnam War. Activated in 1966, the group provided essential base support, security, and logistical services to enable the operations of Strategic Air Command bomber and tanker missions in Southeast Asia. The 635th played a vital role in sustaining air operations, handling everything from civil engineering and supply to communications and medical care for deployed personnel. The group was inactivated in 1976 as the US military presence in Thailand was reduced following the end of American involvement in Vietnam.

934th Airlift Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 934th Airlift Wing, based at Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station in Minnesota, was established in 1963 as part of the Air Force Reserve. Originally equipped with the C-119 Flying Boxcar, the wing transitioned over the years to modern aircraft, currently operating the C-130H Hercules to provide tactical airlift capabilities. The 934th has supported numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and humanitarian missions worldwide. As Minnesota’s only Air Force Reserve unit, the 934th continues to play a vital role in both national defense and disaster response efforts.

RED HORSE, which stands for Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, is a specialized civil engineering unit of the United States Air Force. Established in 1965 during the Vietnam War, RED HORSE units were created to provide highly mobile, rapidly deployable engineering support to build, repair, and maintain airfields and other critical infrastructure in combat and contingency environments. Over the decades, RED HORSE teams have been deployed worldwide, supporting military operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions with their expertise in construction and heavy engineering. Their motto, "Can Do, Will Do, Have Done," reflects their reputation for accomplishing challenging, high-priority engineering tasks under austere and demanding conditions.

The 1001st Helicopter Squadron was established in the early 1960s as a specialized rotary-wing unit tasked with providing rapid air mobility and support for high-level government and military officials. Based primarily in the Moscow region, the squadron operated a fleet of Mil Mi-8 and later Mi-17 helicopters, playing a critical role in VIP transport, emergency response, and security missions. Throughout the Cold War and into the post-Soviet era, the 1001st gained a reputation for operational excellence and discretion, often supporting sensitive missions for the Soviet and later Russian leadership. Its legacy continues as a key element of Russia's governmental aviation assets, ensuring secure and reliable aerial transport for the nation's top officials.

The 15th Security Police Squadron (15th SPS) was a unit of the United States Air Force responsible for base security, law enforcement, and force protection. Activated at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, the 15th SPS played a crucial role in safeguarding key Air Force assets and personnel during the Cold War and into the post-Vietnam era. The squadron conducted base defense operations, coordinated emergency response, and maintained readiness for potential threats, both external and internal. In later years, the unit underwent organizational changes and was eventually redesignated as the 15th Security Forces Squadron, continuing its mission under a new name.

The 2045th Communications Group was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing communications and information systems support to military operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the group played a vital role in ensuring secure and reliable communication channels for command and control functions. Stationed at various locations throughout its history, the 2045th supported both peacetime activities and contingency operations. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of a broader restructuring of Air Force communications and information organizations.

The 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron (21st TASS) was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1965, primarily tasked with forward air control and reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War. Stationed at various locations in Southeast Asia, including Nha Trang and Cam Ranh Bay, the squadron operated aircraft such as the O-1 Bird Dog and the O-2 Skymaster to coordinate close air support and direct air strikes in support of ground forces. The 21st TASS played a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness of air-ground operations by providing real-time intelligence and target marking. The unit was inactivated in 1971 as U.S. involvement in Vietnam was reduced.

The 6948th Security Squadron (Mobile) was a United States Air Force unit activated in the late 1950s as part of the Air Force Security Service (USAFSS). Its primary mission focused on mobile signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance, supporting U.S. and allied operations during the Cold War. The squadron was equipped to rapidly deploy specialized personnel and equipment to various global hotspots, enhancing tactical and strategic intelligence collection. The 6948th Security Squadron played a vital role in intercepting and analyzing communications, contributing to national security before its eventual inactivation and consolidation with other intelligence units.

The 99th Bomb Wing was originally activated in 1947 as part of the United States Air Force’s Strategic Air Command, inheriting the lineage of the distinguished 99th Bombardment Group from World War II. Throughout the Cold War, the wing operated heavy bombers such as the B-29 Superfortress and later the B-52 Stratofortress, maintaining a nuclear deterrent role. The unit was stationed at various bases, including Westover Air Force Base, and played a key part in strategic bombardment readiness. In the post-Cold War era, the 99th Bomb Wing was inactivated, but its legacy continues in the form of the 99th Air Base Wing, which supports operations at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

The 20th Tactical Air Command (20th TAC) was a United States Army Air Forces formation activated during World War II. Established in 1944, its primary mission was to provide tactical air support for ground forces in the European Theater of Operations, particularly during the drive across France and into Germany. The 20th TAC coordinated fighter-bomber and reconnaissance missions, disrupting enemy supply lines, communications, and troop concentrations. After the end of hostilities in Europe, the command was inactivated in 1945 as part of postwar demobilization.

The **50th Security Police Squadron** was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing security and law enforcement services at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. Activated in the mid-1980s, the squadron protected vital assets and personnel, including satellite operations and critical infrastructure for the 50th Space Wing. The unit played a key role in ensuring the security of U.S. space operations during the final years of the Cold War and into the modern era. In 1997, the squadron was redesignated as the 50th Security Forces Squadron, continuing its mission under a new name.

The 63rd Military Airlift Wing (63rd MAW) was an important United States Air Force unit established in 1966, tracing its lineage to earlier airlift and troop carrier groups. Headquartered at Norton Air Force Base, California, the 63rd MAW played a vital role in providing global airlift support during the Vietnam War and throughout the Cold War era. The wing operated heavy transport aircraft like the C-141 Starlifter, enabling rapid deployment of troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid worldwide. The 63rd MAW continued its distinguished service until its inactivation in 1994, following the closure of Norton AFB.

The **1001st Air Base Wing (ABW)** was a support unit of the United States Air Force, first activated in 1977. Its primary mission was to provide base operating support at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., serving various Air Force and Department of Defense organizations in the National Capital Region. The 1001st ABW managed essential services such as security, logistics, communications, and facility maintenance. The unit was inactivated in 1994 as part of a broader reorganization and downsizing of Air Force support operations in the area.

The 193rd Special Operations Wing (193 SOW) is a unit of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard stationed at Harrisburg International Airport, Middletown, Pennsylvania. Established in 1967, the wing is best known for operating the EC-130J Commando Solo aircraft, which conducts psychological operations and information warfare by broadcasting radio and television signals. The 193 SOW has participated in numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing critical airborne broadcast capabilities to support U.S. military objectives. Over the decades, the wing has earned multiple unit awards for its unique and vital contributions to national security and special operations missions worldwide.

97th Air Mobility Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 97th Air Mobility Wing (97th AMW), based at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, traces its origins to its activation as the 97th Bombardment Wing in 1947. Throughout the Cold War, the unit operated strategic bombers, including the B-29 and later the B-52, playing a key role in deterrence missions under Strategic Air Command. In 1992, the wing transitioned to Air Mobility Command, shifting focus to airlift and refueling missions with aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker. Today, the 97th AMW serves as the premier training center for Air Force aircrews, specializing in mobility and aerial refueling operations.

The 1092nd Communications Group was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing secure and reliable communications in support of military operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the group managed critical communication links, including command and control networks, for both strategic and tactical missions. The 1092nd played a vital role in ensuring information flow between command elements, particularly during periods of heightened alert and overseas deployments. The group's legacy reflects decades of technical expertise and dedication to maintaining the integrity of military communications infrastructure.