U.S. Air Force

88th Air Base Wing

51 members

The 88th Air Base Wing was originally activated in 1944 as the 4000th Army Air Forces Base Unit, serving as a key support organization during World War II. Re-designated several times throughout its history, it became the 88th Air Base Wing in 1994. Stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, the Wing provides vital installation support, security, and services for over 100 tenant units, including the Air Force Materiel Command headquarters. The 88th Air Base Wing continues to play a crucial role in supporting both military and civilian personnel, enabling critical research, development, and acquisition missions for the United States Air Force.

The Air Policeman (AFSC 77150) was a United States Air Force enlisted specialty code used primarily during the Cold War era. These airmen were responsible for maintaining law enforcement, security, and order on Air Force installations worldwide. Their duties included base perimeter defense, resource protection, traffic control, and the investigation of incidents involving Air Force personnel and property. In the late 1970s, the Air Policeman designation was phased out and merged into the Security Police career field (AFSC 811X0), evolving into today’s Security Forces.

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, was established in 1950 as a key logistics and support base for U.S. Naval aviation in the Asia-Pacific region. Originally constructed by the Imperial Japanese Navy in the 1930s, the airfield was taken over by U.S. forces after World War II. Throughout the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Cold War, NAF Atsugi played a critical role in supporting combat operations, maritime patrols, and intelligence missions. Today, it remains an essential hub for U.S. Navy carrier air wing detachments and joint U.S.-Japan operations, contributing to regional security and readiness.

The 22nd Bomb Wing, originally established in 1948, is a prominent unit of the United States Air Force. It was first activated at Smoky Hill Air Force Base, Kansas, and played a vital role in Strategic Air Command, operating B-29 Superfortress bombers during the early years of the Cold War. Over the decades, the wing transitioned to more advanced aircraft, including the B-47 Stratojet and later the B-52 Stratofortress, participating in key missions such as Operation Linebacker II during the Vietnam War. Today, based at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, the 22nd Bomb Wing operates as the 22nd Air Refueling Wing, supporting global operations with KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft.

The 374th Maintenance Squadron (374th MXS) is a key support unit within the 374th Airlift Wing, stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Activated in its current form in the mid-20th century, the squadron has provided essential aircraft maintenance, repair, and inspection services, ensuring the operational readiness of C-130 Hercules and other aircraft assigned to the wing. Throughout its history, the 374th MXS has supported critical airlift and humanitarian missions across the Pacific theater, including disaster relief and regional security operations. Its dedicated personnel uphold a proud legacy of excellence, contributing significantly to U.S. Air Force operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

76th Maintenance Wing

50 members

The 76th Maintenance Wing was established as part of the United States Air Force, with its origins tracing back to World War II-era maintenance and logistical units. Reactivated and redesignated over the decades, the wing became a key component at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, providing depot-level maintenance, repair, and overhaul for a variety of Air Force weapon systems, including aircraft and engines. The 76th Maintenance Wing played a crucial role in sustaining the operational readiness of platforms such as the B-52 Stratofortress, KC-135 Stratotanker, and E-3 Sentry. In 2012, as part of an Air Force reorganization, the wing was inactivated and its functions were absorbed by the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex.

The "Retired from An Air Force" unit comprises distinguished veterans who have completed honorable service in their nation's air force. Over the years, its members participated in key aerial operations, providing critical support in both combat and humanitarian missions. Their experience spans the transition from older aircraft to the era of advanced jets and integrated air defense systems. After retirement, many continue to contribute through mentorship, public service, and preserving the proud traditions of the air force. Their legacy endures as an inspiration to future generations of airmen.

The 22nd Air Force was established on December 28, 1941, as the Domestic Wing, Air Corps Ferrying Command, and has undergone several redesignations throughout its history. During World War II, it played a crucial role in ferrying aircraft, cargo, and personnel across the United States and to overseas theaters. Reactivated as the 22nd Air Force in 1957, it later became a key component of the Military Airlift Command, focusing on airlift and reserve operations. Today, the 22nd Air Force is part of the Air Force Reserve Command, managing assigned airlift wings and groups, and supporting global mobility and humanitarian missions.

The 438th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (438th OMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force, assigned to the 438th Military Airlift Wing. Stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, the squadron was responsible for the organizational-level maintenance of aircraft, ensuring their operational readiness for airlift missions. Throughout its service, the 438th OMS supported various global and domestic operations by maintaining aircraft such as the C-141 Starlifter. The unit played a critical role in supporting the Air Force’s strategic airlift capability during the Cold War era and was eventually inactivated as part of post-Cold War restructuring.

The 108th Tactical Fighter Wing was a unit of the Air National Guard, primarily based at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. Established in the post-World War II era, the wing was initially equipped with fighter aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre and later the F-105 Thunderchief and F-4 Phantom II, reflecting evolving tactical fighter roles during the Cold War. The 108th participated in numerous training exercises and supported air defense missions, maintaining readiness for both national emergencies and overseas deployments. In the late 20th century, the wing transitioned to an air refueling mission and was redesignated as the 108th Air Refueling Wing, adapting to the changing needs of the U.S. Air Force.

The 142nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (142nd AMXS) is a key unit of the Oregon Air National Guard, dedicated to supporting the 142nd Wing’s mission readiness. Established to provide maintenance and support for fighter aircraft, the squadron has played a vital role in ensuring the operational capability of the unit’s air assets, from the F-4 Phantom II to the modern F-15 Eagles. Throughout its history, the 142nd AMXS has supported both domestic operations and overseas deployments, contributing to homeland defense and global contingency missions. Renowned for excellence, the squadron has earned multiple awards for maintenance effectiveness and safety.

The 42nd Security Police Squadron (42nd SPS) was a unit of the United States Air Force responsible for base security and law enforcement at Loring Air Force Base, Maine. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron played a crucial role in safeguarding the base’s strategic bomber and missile assets as part of Strategic Air Command (SAC). Its personnel conducted security patrols, controlled access points, and responded to emergencies, ensuring the protection of vital nuclear resources. The 42nd SPS remained active until Loring AFB’s closure in 1994, after which the unit was inactivated.

The 601st Tactical Control Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War to provide tactical air control and radar surveillance in support of NATO operations in Europe. Established in 1954, the squadron was primarily stationed at Sembach Air Base, Germany, where it played a vital role in airspace management, controlling aircraft movements, and supporting air defense missions. Throughout its service, the 601st TCS utilized advanced radar and communication systems to coordinate tactical operations and ensure the effectiveness of allied air power. The squadron was inactivated in 1991 as part of post-Cold War force reductions and realignments.

The 93rd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (93rd OMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force assigned to the 93rd Bombardment Wing at Castle Air Force Base, California. Activated during the Cold War, its primary mission was to provide maintenance support for the wing’s fleet of B-52 Stratofortress bombers, ensuring their readiness for strategic deterrence operations. The 93rd OMS played a critical role in sustaining aircraft availability during major exercises and alert commitments throughout the 1950s to the 1990s. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of the post-Cold War drawdown and restructuring of Air Force strategic forces.

The Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, Nevada, has played a crucial role in supporting naval aviation since its establishment. AIMD Fallon provides intermediate-level maintenance, repair, and logistical support for a wide variety of aircraft and aviation components used in training and operational missions at the base, which is home to the Navy’s premier air warfare training center. Over the years, the department has supported major training exercises—including those for Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) and the renowned "TOPGUN" program—by ensuring aircraft are mission-ready and safe. AIMD Fallon’s dedication and technical expertise have made it an essential element in sustaining the combat readiness of U.S. Navy aviation assets in the region.

The 1010th unit at Cheyenne Mountain, commonly associated with the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, has played a pivotal role in North American aerospace defense since its activation in the early 1960s. Located deep within Colorado's granite mountain, the unit has been integral to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), monitoring airspace for potential threats during the Cold War and into the present day. Over the decades, the 1010 Cheyenne Mountain team has adapted to evolving threats, expanding its mission to include missile warning, space surveillance, and homeland defense coordination. Today, it remains a key component in maintaining the security of the United States and Canada, leveraging advanced technology and joint U.S.-Canadian command structures.

The 16th Special Operations Squadron (16th SOS), known as the "Spectre," was activated in 1968 and is most famous for operating the AC-130 gunship. The unit played a vital role during the Vietnam War, conducting close air support, interdiction, and armed reconnaissance missions, particularly along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Over the decades, the 16th SOS participated in numerous conflicts, including Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, delivering precision firepower and supporting special operations forces worldwide. The squadron was based at Hurlburt Field, Florida, until its inactivation in 2015, with its lineage and mission continuing under other Air Force Special Operations Command units.

The **1957th Communications Group** was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing communications and information systems support. Activated during the Cold War era, the group played a vital role in ensuring secure and reliable communications for command and control functions within its assigned region. Throughout its service, the 1957th Communications Group supported various Air Force operations, maintaining and operating voice, data, and cryptographic networks essential for mission success. The unit underwent several reorganizations and redesignations before its eventual inactivation, reflecting the evolving nature of military communications technology and organizational structure.

The 306th Strategic Aerospace (SAC) Bombardment Wing, originally activated as the 306th Bombardment Wing in 1947, was a key unit of the United States Air Force’s Strategic Air Command. Initially based at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, the wing operated B-29 and later B-47 and B-52 bombers, playing a vital role in America’s nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. The 306th participated in numerous alert rotations and training missions, maintaining high readiness and contributing to SAC’s global strike capability. The wing was inactivated in 1974 as part of post-Vietnam War force reductions, but its legacy endures in USAF heritage and lineage.

The 3902nd Air Base Wing (ABW) was established in 1948 at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, to provide base support for Strategic Air Command (SAC) headquarters and associated units. Its mission included base operations, logistics, security, and administrative services, ensuring the smooth functioning of SAC’s vital command and control activities during the Cold War. The wing played a crucial role in supporting SAC operations, particularly during periods of heightened tension and alert status. The 3902nd ABW was inactivated in 1966, with its responsibilities transferred to successor units as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization.

The 3rd Combat Communications Group (3rd CCG), nicknamed the "Third Herd," was activated in 1957 and has played a vital role in providing tactical communications and airfield support for the United States Air Force. Headquartered at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, the unit has deployed globally in support of operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and humanitarian missions. The 3rd CCG specialized in rapidly deploying, installing, and operating communication systems vital for command and control in austere environments. The group was inactivated in 2013 as part of Air Force restructuring, but its legacy of excellence and readiness continues to influence combat communications doctrine.

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.

The **819th RED HORSE Squadron** (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers) was first activated in 1966 at Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas, as part of the United States Air Force’s response to rapid construction needs during the Vietnam War. The unit quickly deployed to Southeast Asia, where it played a critical role building airfields, roads, and infrastructure under combat conditions. Over the decades, the 819th has been repeatedly called upon for both combat and humanitarian missions around the world, including operations in the Middle East and disaster relief efforts. Today, the squadron is based at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, continuing its legacy of rapid engineering support for U.S. military operations globally.

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.