U.S. Air Force

The **143rd Airlift Wing** is a unit of the Rhode Island Air National Guard, headquartered at Quonset Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Established in 1968, the unit originally flew C-119 Flying Boxcars and later transitioned to C-130 Hercules aircraft, specializing in tactical airlift missions. Over the decades, the 143rd has supported numerous operations, including humanitarian relief efforts, disaster response, and overseas deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The wing continues to play a vital role in national defense and state emergency response, renowned for its professionalism and operational excellence.

The 171st Air Refueling Wing (ARW), based at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, is a unit of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Established in 1961, the wing originally flew fighter aircraft before transitioning to air refueling operations. Over the decades, the 171st ARW has operated various tanker aircraft, including the KC-135 Stratotanker, providing critical aerial refueling support to both U.S. and allied air forces worldwide. The wing has played a significant role in numerous operations, such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, demonstrating its enduring commitment to global mobility and airpower projection.

The 177th Fighter Wing is a unit of the New Jersey Air National Guard, stationed at Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, New Jersey. Established in 1958, its origins trace back to earlier fighter squadrons tasked with air defense missions during the Cold War. Over the decades, the 177th has operated various aircraft, including the F-106 Delta Dart and currently the F-16 Fighting Falcon, reflecting its evolving mission of homeland defense and federal taskings. The wing has supported both domestic operations, such as disaster relief, and overseas deployments, participating in Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and other missions worldwide.

The 1945th Communications Group was a United States Air Force unit established to provide vital communications and information systems support. Activated during the Cold War era, it played a crucial role in ensuring secure and reliable communication links for command and control operations. The group was stationed at a variety of locations, including bases in the United States and overseas, supporting both tactical and strategic missions. Over the years, the 1945th adapted to technological advancements before being inactivated or redesignated as part of broader Air Force communications restructuring efforts.

The 19th Bombardment Wing (BW), Strategic Air Command (SAC), was activated in 1948 and became an integral part of America's Cold War nuclear deterrence force. Stationed primarily at Pinecastle (later Orlando) AFB, Florida, and later at Homestead AFB and Robins AFB, the unit operated heavy bombers such as the B-29 Superfortress, B-47 Stratojet, and B-52 Stratofortress. Throughout its SAC tenure, the 19th BW participated in numerous training missions, strategic alerts, and overseas deployments to demonstrate U.S. global strike capabilities. The wing's legacy is marked by its readiness and contributions to maintaining peace and deterrence during tense periods of the 20th century.

The 1st Security Police Squadron (1st SPS) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for base security and law enforcement, typically assigned to protect key installations and personnel. Originally activated during the Cold War, the 1st SPS played a crucial role in safeguarding air bases, particularly those hosting strategic bombers or fighter units. The squadron's duties included perimeter defense, response to security threats, and the management of access control points. Throughout its service, the 1st SPS adapted to evolving threats, participating in exercises and real-world contingencies both at home and abroad before being re-designated or inactivated as part of Air Force organizational changes.

The 1st Tactical Fighter Wing (1st TFW) was established in 1947 and is one of the United States Air Force’s oldest and most distinguished fighter units. Originally activated as the 1st Fighter Wing, it played a key role during the Cold War, providing air defense and later transitioning to tactical fighter missions. The wing has operated a range of advanced aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, and has participated in major operations such as Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Today, redesignated as the 1st Fighter Wing, it is based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, and is a premier F-22 Raptor unit.

The 24th Air Defense Command was a United States Air Force unit responsible for the air defense of a designated region during the Cold War. Activated in 1966, it was assigned to the Aerospace Defense Command and headquartered at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. The unit oversaw radar squadrons, interceptor aircraft, and missile systems tasked with detecting and countering potential aerial threats. The 24th Air Defense Command was inactivated in 1969 as part of a broader reorganization of continental air defense forces.

The 26th Civil Engineering Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to the 26th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Zweibrücken Air Base, West Germany, during the Cold War. Activated to provide essential engineering support, the squadron was responsible for base construction, maintenance, and emergency response, ensuring mission readiness and operational capability in a forward-deployed environment. The 26th CES played a critical role in sustaining infrastructure and supporting NATO operations until the closure of Zweibrücken Air Base in the early 1990s. Following the end of the Cold War, the unit was inactivated as part of broader U.S. force reductions in Europe.

The 314th Field Maintenance Squadron (314th FMS) was an integral support unit within the 314th Airlift Wing, stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron provided essential aircraft maintenance, repair, and logistical support for C-130 Hercules aircraft and related missions. Throughout its history, the 314th FMS ensured operational readiness for global airlift and training operations, supporting U.S. Air Force and allied forces. The unit's dedication to excellence contributed significantly to the mission success of the 314th Airlift Wing until its reorganization and consolidation under broader maintenance structures in line with Air Force modernization efforts.

The 3700th Air Base Group (3700th ABGP) was established by the United States Air Force in 1948 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Its primary mission was to provide base support and administration for the rapidly expanding Air Force Basic Military Training program during the early Cold War period. The unit played a crucial role in managing facilities, logistics, and personnel services for new recruits and staff. In 1952, the 3700th ABGP became part of the larger 3700th Air Base Wing, continuing its support mission as Lackland remained the gateway for Air Force enlisted personnel.

The 3706th Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS) was a key unit at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, responsible for conducting basic training for new United States Air Force recruits. Activated in the late 1940s, the 3706 BMTS played a vital role throughout the Cold War, Vietnam era, and into the modern era, shaping generations of Airmen. The squadron was known for its rigorous training curriculum, instilling Air Force values, discipline, and foundational military skills. Over the decades, the 3706 BMTS contributed significantly to the readiness and professionalism of the Air Force until its inactivation as part of a restructuring of basic training squadrons in the early 2000s.

The 4950th Test Wing was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1971 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Its primary mission was to conduct flight testing and evaluation of avionics, electronic warfare systems, and modifications on a variety of aircraft, including cargo and tanker platforms. The wing played a crucial role in supporting advancements for the Air Force Logistics Command and later the Air Force Materiel Command. The 4950th Test Wing was inactivated in 1994 as part of Air Force restructuring and consolidation of test and evaluation functions.

The 51st Tactical Fighter Wing (51 TFW) was originally activated as the 51st Fighter Wing in 1948, serving in the Far East during the early years of the Cold War. The wing gained distinction during the Korean War, flying F-80 and F-86 aircraft, and becoming one of the top scoring units against enemy MiGs. In the post-Korean War era, the 51 TFW transitioned through various aircraft and missions, maintaining air defense readiness in the Pacific region. Today, redesignated as the 51st Fighter Wing, it is based at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and plays a vital role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula.

The 554th Civil Engineer Squadron (RED HORSE), commonly known as 554 CES RED HORSE, is a highly mobile civil engineering unit of the United States Air Force, based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Activated in 1965 during the Vietnam War, the unit provided rapid heavy construction support in Southeast Asia, building airfields, roads, and critical infrastructure under combat conditions. Over the decades, 554 CES RED HORSE has supported a wide range of operations across the Pacific and worldwide, including disaster relief, humanitarian missions, and contingency operations. Renowned for their self-sufficiency and speed, the squadron continues to play a vital role in enabling Air Force and joint-force mission readiness through innovative engineering and construction capabilities.

The 559th Artillery Group (SETAF) was a United States Army artillery unit activated in Europe under the Southern European Task Force (SETAF) during the Cold War. Formed in the late 1950s, the group was stationed primarily in Italy, where it played a key role in NATO’s southern flank defense strategy. The 559th was responsible for the command and control of nuclear-capable artillery units, overseeing Honest John and later Sergeant missile systems. The unit was inactivated in the early 1970s as part of US force reductions and the restructuring of NATO’s nuclear posture in Europe.

The 821st Combat Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Vietnam War era. Established in 1966, the squadron was tasked with providing air base ground defense and security for critical USAF installations, including Phan Rang Air Base in South Vietnam. Its personnel conducted perimeter defense, rapid response to enemy attacks, and patrolled base surroundings to deter Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army infiltrations. The unit was inactivated in 1972 as American military involvement in Vietnam decreased and bases were handed over to South Vietnamese control.

The 91st Security Police Squadron was activated as part of the United States Air Force, tasked with providing security and law enforcement for the 91st Strategic Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Its primary mission centered on safeguarding the base's Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) complexes and personnel. The unit played a critical role during the Cold War, maintaining high readiness to deter and respond to potential threats against strategic nuclear assets. Over time, the squadron evolved into the 91st Security Forces Squadron, continuing its legacy of protection and security operations into the present day.

920th Rescue Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 920th Rescue Wing (920 RQW) is a combat search and rescue unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, headquartered at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida. Established in 1956, the wing has a proud tradition of saving lives, providing rescue support during both peacetime and combat operations. Its personnel operate HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130J Combat King II aircraft, executing search and rescue missions worldwide, including in Afghanistan, Iraq, and during natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey. Renowned for their motto “That Others May Live,” the 920th Rescue Wing has saved thousands of lives through its courageous and selfless actions.

Lowry Air Force Base (AFB), located in Denver, Colorado, was established in 1938 and named after 2nd Lt. Francis Lowry, a Denver native and World War I aviator. Initially serving as a technical training center, Lowry AFB played a critical role during World War II, providing training for bombardiers, photographers, and later, missile crews during the Cold War. The base continued its mission as a center for technical and intelligence training throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After more than five decades of service, Lowry AFB was officially closed in 1994 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

The 1095th Support Squadron is a logistics and support unit within the United States military, established to provide comprehensive sustainment operations for its parent command. Activated in the late 20th century, the squadron has played a vital role in supplying, maintaining, and transporting equipment and personnel during both peacetime and contingency operations. The unit has supported numerous training exercises and overseas deployments, ensuring mission readiness and operational effectiveness. Over the years, the 1095th Support Squadron has earned recognition for its adaptability, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to supporting the warfighter.

The 127th Wing, based at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan, is a composite unit of the Michigan Air National Guard. Established in 1996 through the consolidation of the 127th Fighter Wing and the 191st Airlift Group, the unit traces its heritage back to World War II-era fighter groups. The wing operates both the A-10C Thunderbolt II for close air support missions and the KC-135T Stratotanker for air refueling operations. Over the years, the 127th Wing has supported multiple overseas deployments, homeland defense missions, and disaster response efforts, maintaining a critical role in both national defense and state emergencies.

The 12th Reconnaissance Intelligence Technical Squadron was established to provide specialized intelligence and reconnaissance support to higher command echelons. Activated during a period of heightened global tensions, the unit was tasked with collecting, analyzing, and disseminating critical battlefield information using advanced surveillance and imagery technologies. Throughout its operational history, the squadron played a pivotal role in supporting joint and combined operations, contributing to mission planning and threat assessment. Its expertise in technical intelligence ensured timely and accurate data delivery, cementing its reputation as a vital asset within the intelligence community.

The 15th Airlift Platoon Squadron (15th APS) was established in the late 20th century as a vital component of its nation's tactical airlift capability. Tasked primarily with rapid deployment and logistical support, the unit has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian relief missions and multinational exercises. Over the years, the 15th APS has operated a variety of transport aircraft, adapting to evolving mission requirements and technological advancements. Its professionalism and operational excellence have earned the unit several commendations and a respected reputation within the armed forces.