U.S. Air Force

The 602nd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for the maintenance and support of tactical aircraft during its period of activity. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was assigned to various wings, notably the 602nd Tactical Air Control Wing, and provided essential maintenance services to ensure aircraft readiness and mission capability. The 602nd OMS played a vital role in supporting air operations, including those related to forward air control and tactical reconnaissance missions. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader USAF organizational changes and restructuring in the late 20th century.

The 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (67th TAC) was a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force, with its origins tracing back to World War II. Initially activated in 1943, it provided crucial aerial reconnaissance support during major campaigns in the European Theater. Reactivated during the Cold War, the unit was stationed in Japan and South Korea, where it played a vital role in intelligence gathering and surveillance throughout the Korean War and the tense years that followed. The 67th TAC’s dedication to tactical reconnaissance made it an integral part of U.S. and allied air operations in the Pacific region until its eventual inactivation.

The 92nd Security Police Squadron (92nd SPS) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Activated during the Cold War, the 92nd SPS was responsible for base security, law enforcement, and the protection of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers of the 92nd Bombardment Wing. Squadron members participated in numerous exercises and real-world contingency operations, maintaining high readiness and adapting to evolving threats. The 92nd SPS was later redesignated as the 92nd Security Forces Squadron as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization in the late 1990s.

The 93rd Field Maintenance Squadron (93rd FMS) was a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, originally assigned to the 93rd Bombardment Wing at Castle Air Force Base, California. Activated during the Cold War era, the 93rd FMS provided essential aircraft maintenance and logistical support for the wing's fleet of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers. The squadron ensured the operational readiness and effectiveness of strategic bombing and aerial refueling missions, contributing to the United States' nuclear deterrence posture. The 93rd FMS was eventually inactivated following the restructuring and closure of Castle AFB in the early 1990s.

The Air Weather Service (AWS) was established as a major command of the United States Air Force in 1943, initially tasked with providing critical weather support to military operations during World War II. Throughout the Cold War, AWS evolved to employ advanced meteorological techniques and technologies, supporting both strategic and tactical Air Force missions globally. The unit played a vital role in forecasting for air operations during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and its expertise was crucial in safeguarding aircrews and optimizing mission effectiveness. In 1997, AWS was redesignated as the Air Force Weather Agency, reflecting its expanded role in providing comprehensive environmental intelligence to the Air Force and Department of Defense.

The 11th Weather Squadron was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing meteorological support to military operations. Activated during World War II, the squadron played a pivotal role in delivering weather forecasts and analyses crucial for planning air missions and ground operations. Over the decades, the unit supported various commands, adapting to technological advances in weather prediction and satellite observation. The 11th Weather Squadron was inactivated in 1992 as part of broader Air Force restructuring, with its mission and personnel absorbed by other weather units.

The 1st Combat Communications Group (1st CCG) was an elite communications unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated in 1952. Tasked with providing deployable communications and air traffic services, the group played a vital role in supporting global military operations, including contingency, humanitarian, and wartime missions. Over its history, the 1st CCG was stationed at several bases, most notably at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. The group earned numerous awards for its rapid response and technical excellence before being inactivated in 1991.

The 1st Tactical Fighter Wing (1st TFW) was established at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, in 1947, tracing its roots to the famed 1st Pursuit Group of World War I. Throughout the Cold War, the wing played a pivotal role in homeland defense and rapid deployment, operating aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-15 Eagle. The 1st TFW participated in numerous training exercises and was a key component of the United States’ air superiority strategy. In 1992, the wing was redesignated as the 1st Fighter Wing, continuing its legacy of excellence at Langley AFB.

The 394th Strategic Missile Squadron was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, initially constituted during World War II as a bombardment squadron. Reactivated during the Cold War, it was assigned to the management and training of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) operations, primarily at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The squadron played a pivotal role in overseeing test launches, missile crew training, and the development of operational tactics for the nation’s ICBM force. Its contributions significantly enhanced America's nuclear deterrence capabilities throughout the Cold War era before its eventual inactivation.

The 3rd Marine Amphibious Force (3rd MAF) was a major United States Marine Corps command during the Vietnam War, established in 1965. Headquartered in Da Nang, South Vietnam, 3rd MAF was responsible for all Marine operations in the I Corps Tactical Zone, the northernmost region of South Vietnam. The unit comprised the 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and supporting elements, conducting combat operations, base defense, and civil affairs missions. 3rd MAF played a critical role in major campaigns such as the Battle of Khe Sanh and the defense of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) until its deactivation in 1971.

80th Flying Training Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 80th Flying Training Wing (80th FTW) was activated on January 1, 1973, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Its primary mission is to conduct undergraduate pilot training, notably hosting the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT), which began in 1981. This unique program brings together instructors and students from over a dozen NATO member nations, fostering international cooperation and standardizing pilot training among allies. Through its pivotal role, the 80th FTW has become a cornerstone of NATO airpower and international military collaboration.

932d Airlift Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 932d Airlift Wing, based at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is an Air Force Reserve Command unit with a distinguished history dating back to its activation in 1963. Originally established as a troop carrier group, the wing has evolved to specialize in aeromedical evacuation and executive airlift missions. The 932d operates the C-40C aircraft, providing safe and reliable airlift for senior military and civilian leaders worldwide. Over the decades, the wing has supported numerous humanitarian, contingency, and VIP transport missions, earning recognition for its professionalism and operational excellence.

93rd Air Ground Operations Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing (93rd AGOW) was activated on January 25, 2008, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, as part of the United States Air Force. It was formed to provide command and control of battlefield airmen, including tactical air control parties and battlefield weather units, enhancing air-ground integration for combat operations. The wing played a key role in supporting joint and coalition ground forces in both training and operational deployments, particularly in the Global War on Terrorism. In 2011, the unit was inactivated, and its mission and personnel were transferred to the reactivated 93rd Air Ground Operations Group.

The 97th Bomb Wing was activated in 1947 as part of the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command. Initially stationed at Biggs Air Force Base, Texas, the wing operated B-29 and later B-47 and B-52 bombers, playing a key role in America's nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. Over the decades, the 97th participated in various strategic missions and training exercises, adapting to evolving technologies and aircraft. In 1992, the wing transitioned to Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where it shifted focus to air mobility and training missions as the 97th Air Mobility Wing.

The **105th Tactical Airlift Group (TAC), New York Air National Guard (NYANG)**, traces its origins to the post-World War II reorganization of the Air National Guard. Established in 1956, the unit was initially assigned a tactical airlift mission, operating aircraft such as the C-119 Flying Boxcar to support both state and federal missions. Throughout the Cold War, the 105th TAC played a crucial role in providing rapid airlift capabilities for personnel, equipment, and humanitarian aid, both domestically and abroad. Over the years, the unit has evolved in mission and equipment, later transitioning to larger transport aircraft and ultimately becoming the 105th Airlift Wing, based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York.

The 16th Civil Engineer Squadron (16th CES) is a unit of the United States Air Force, historically assigned to Hurlburt Field, Florida, under the 16th Special Operations Wing. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron provided vital engineering support, including base construction, maintenance, and rapid runway repair, to enable special operations missions. Throughout its service, the 16th CES played a key role in supporting deployments, humanitarian missions, and contingency operations worldwide. The unit was inactivated in 2006 when the 16th Special Operations Wing was re-designated as the 1st Special Operations Wing, and its civil engineering functions were realigned accordingly.

The 20th Tactical Fighter Wing (20 TFW) was originally activated in 1947 as part of the United States Air Force. The unit served prominently during the Cold War, stationed at various bases in Europe, including RAF Wethersfield and RAF Upper Heyford in the United Kingdom, where it provided air defense and tactical fighter capabilities for NATO. Flying aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre, F-111 Aardvark, and later the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the 20 TFW participated in numerous training exercises and maintained a high state of combat readiness. In 1993, the wing was inactivated at RAF Upper Heyford but was later reactivated at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, continuing its legacy as the 20th Fighter Wing.

The 463rd Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for maintaining and supporting the aircraft assigned to the 463rd Airlift Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a vital role in ensuring the operational readiness of tactical airlift aircraft, notably the C-130 Hercules. Stationed at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, the 463rd FMS provided essential maintenance, repair, and logistical support for airlift missions worldwide. The unit contributed significantly to air mobility operations until its inactivation or reorganization during subsequent USAF structural changes.

The 7025th Air Postal Squadron was a United States Air Force unit responsible for managing and distributing mail and postal services for U.S. military personnel stationed in Europe. Activated in the post-World War II era, the squadron played a crucial role in maintaining morale by ensuring reliable communication between service members and their families back home. Operating primarily from bases in Germany, the 7025th coordinated with both military and civilian postal agencies to handle the vast volume of mail generated by American forces during the Cold War. The squadron's efforts contributed significantly to the well-being and operational effectiveness of U.S. forces overseas until its eventual inactivation.

711th Human Performance Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) was established in 2008 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, as part of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Formed through the merger of the Human Effectiveness Directorate and the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, the wing focuses on advancing human performance, aerospace medicine, and bioeffects research to enhance Air Force operational capabilities. The 711 HPW supports airmen readiness through studies in physiology, psychology, and technology integration, working closely with military and civilian partners. Its research contributes significantly to improving the safety, health, and effectiveness of Air Force personnel worldwide.

The 20th Security Police Squadron (20th SPS) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to provide base security and law enforcement at RAF Upper Heyford, England, during the Cold War. Activated in the 1950s, the squadron played a crucial role in safeguarding USAFE assets, including nuclear-capable aircraft and strategic resources. Throughout its tenure, the 20th SPS enforced security protocols, managed access control, and responded to potential threats, ensuring the operational readiness of the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing. The unit was inactivated following the closure of RAF Upper Heyford in the 1990s, marking the end of its distinguished service.

The 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron, known as the "Olympos," is one of the oldest and most distinguished fighter squadrons in the Hellenic Air Force. Established in 1943 in the Middle East during World War II, the unit initially operated under British command and flew Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. Throughout its history, the squadron has participated in major conflicts, including World War II and the Greek Civil War, and later transitioned to flying modern jet aircraft such as the F-84, F-4 Phantom II, and most recently the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Renowned for its operational excellence, the 336th continues to play a vital role in Greece’s air defense and NATO missions.

The **36th Security Police Squadron** was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, primarily stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Established during the Cold War, the squadron was responsible for base defense, law enforcement, and security operations, ensuring the safeguarding of U.S. assets and personnel in the Pacific region. Throughout its history, the 36th Security Police Squadron played a crucial role during major operations, including the Vietnam War and Operation Linebacker II, by providing security for strategic bombers and support units. The squadron later transitioned into the 36th Security Forces Squadron, continuing its legacy of excellence in force protection and security operations.

The 410th Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with providing security and law enforcement for the 410th Bombardment Wing, stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan, during the Cold War era. Activated during the rapid expansion of Strategic Air Command forces, the squadron played a key role in safeguarding nuclear weapons, aircraft, and critical infrastructure from potential threats. Its personnel participated in numerous base defense exercises and maintained a high state of readiness throughout its service. The 410th Security Police Squadron was inactivated following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent closure of K.I. Sawyer AFB in 1995.