U.S. Air Force

The 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (57 AMS) is a United States Air Force unit based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Activated in 2002, the squadron is assigned to the 57th Maintenance Group, part of the renowned 57th Wing. Its primary mission is to provide maintenance and support for the advanced fighter aircraft used in training and testing at Nellis, including support for the USAF Weapons School and Red Flag exercises. The 57 AMS plays a critical role in ensuring the readiness and operational capability of some of the Air Force's most advanced air combat assets.

The 572nd Strategic Missile Squadron (SMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC). Activated in 1961 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, the squadron operated the Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) as part of America’s nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. The 572nd SMS maintained nine missile silos and was responsible for the readiness and security of its assigned missiles. The unit was inactivated in 1984 as part of the phase-out of the Titan II missile system.

The 579th Strategic Missile Squadron was originally activated during World War II as a bombardment unit, participating in combat operations in the European Theater. Reactivated during the Cold War, the squadron was assigned to the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command and equipped with SM-65 Atlas intercontinental ballistic missiles. Stationed at Walker Air Force Base, New Mexico, the 579th played a critical role in America’s nuclear deterrence posture from 1961 to 1965. The squadron was inactivated following the phaseout of the Atlas missile system.

The 57th Security Police Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force primarily based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was tasked with providing security and law enforcement for the installation, including protection of personnel, aircraft, and sensitive resources. The unit played a key role in supporting the operations of the 57th Wing, particularly during major exercises and the daily activities associated with the USAF Weapons School and Red Flag exercises. The 57th Security Police Squadron was later redesignated as the 57th Security Forces Squadron, continuing its legacy of base defense and force protection into the modern era.

The 587th Tactical Missile Group was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era. Established in 1956, the group was stationed in West Germany as part of the U.S. commitment to NATO’s defense posture in Europe. Its primary mission was the deployment and operation of the TM-61 Matador and later TM-76 Mace surface-to-surface tactical missiles, providing a nuclear-capable deterrent against potential Warsaw Pact aggression. The unit was inactivated in 1966 as missile technology advanced and newer systems replaced the Matador and Mace missiles.

The 58th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was an integral support unit within the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), a prominent United States Air Force wing during the Cold War era. Stationed at Torrejon Air Base, Spain, the 401st TFW provided vital tactical air power for NATO, operating aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The 58th OMS specialized in aircraft maintenance, ensuring that the wing’s fighters remained mission-ready for both deterrence and rapid response. Through its dedicated service, the 58th OMS contributed significantly to the operational effectiveness and readiness of the 401st TFW until the wing's inactivation in the 1990s.

The **5th Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion (5th LAAM Bn)** was a United States Marine Corps air defense unit activated in 1966 during the Vietnam War era. Its primary mission was to provide low- to medium-altitude air defense using the HAWK missile system, protecting Marine Corps forces and vital installations from enemy aircraft. The battalion was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, and participated in numerous training exercises to maintain combat readiness. After several years of service during the Cold War, the 5th LAAM Bn was ultimately deactivated as part of a broader realignment of Marine Corps air defense assets.

**6th Special Reconnaissance Wing (6 SRW) – Military History:** The 6th Special Reconnaissance Wing (6 SRW) was established as a highly specialized unit tasked with conducting advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Formed in response to growing global security challenges, the wing has played a crucial role in providing real-time intelligence support to joint and coalition operations. Throughout its history, the 6 SRW has leveraged cutting-edge technology and highly trained personnel to execute both overt and covert reconnaissance missions across multiple theaters of operation. Its contributions have significantly enhanced battlefield awareness and decision-making capabilities for commanders at all levels.

The 6003rd Air Intelligence Service Squadron (AISS), later redesignated as the 6003rd Air Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W), was a United States Air Force unit active during the Korean War era. Established in the early 1950s, the unit was primarily responsible for providing early warning, radar surveillance, and air control operations in the Korean theater. The squadron played a critical role in detecting enemy aircraft and coordinating air defense efforts for United Nations forces. After several years of service, the unit was eventually inactivated or absorbed into other air defense organizations as operational needs evolved.

**606 Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron (606 AC&W Sqdn)** was a unit of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) established during the early years of the Cold War. Activated in the early 1950s, its primary mission was to provide radar surveillance and airspace control as part of North American air defense, particularly within the Pinetree Line network. The squadron operated radar stations to detect and track potential Soviet bomber incursions, relaying critical information to interceptor aircraft and command centers. Disbanded in the 1960s as technology advanced and air defense strategies evolved, the 606 AC&W Squadron played a vital role in continental defense during its operational years.

The 607th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated in the early 1950s as part of the United States Air Force’s efforts to enhance continental air defense during the Cold War. Stationed primarily at Caswell Air Force Station, Maine, the squadron was responsible for operating radar sites to detect, track, and identify airborne threats entering North American airspace. The 607th AC&W provided vital radar surveillance and ground-controlled interception guidance to fighter aircraft under the Air Defense Command. The unit was inactivated in the 1960s as advances in radar technology and changes in strategic defense priorities led to the consolidation and reorganization of air defense assets.

The 608th Component Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (608 CAMS) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for the maintenance and readiness of aircraft components, primarily supporting the operations of larger wings such as the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in ensuring the operational capability of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and related equipment. Throughout its service, 608 CAMS maintained a reputation for technical excellence and contributed significantly to the strategic deterrence mission of the United States. The squadron was eventually inactivated or reorganized as part of Air Force restructuring in the 1990s.

The 611th Military Airlift Support Squadron (611 MASS) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to provide airlift support operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, where it played a crucial role in supporting Military Airlift Command (MAC) missions throughout the Pacific and Arctic regions. The 611 MASS facilitated cargo and personnel movements, aircraft servicing, and logistical support, ensuring rapid deployment capabilities for U.S. forces. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force restructuring and changes in global military priorities.

The 613th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (613th FBS) was activated during World War II as part of the 401st Fighter-Bomber Group. Initially flying the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, the squadron participated in combat operations in the European Theater, providing close air support, bomber escort, and interdiction missions. After the war, the unit was inactivated but later reactivated during the Cold War, transitioning to jet aircraft such as the F-84 Thunderjet. The 613th FBS contributed significantly to NATO defense strategies before its final inactivation as the U.S. Air Force restructured its tactical air forces.

The 613th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, operating under the 401st Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS). The squadron was notably assigned to Torrejon Air Base, Spain, during the later years of the Cold War, where it flew the F-16 Fighting Falcon in support of NATO commitments. The 613th TFS played a key role in maintaining air readiness and deterrence in Europe, conducting regular training exercises and participating in joint allied operations. Its partnership with the 401st AGS ensured the squadron’s aircraft remained mission-ready, highlighting the unit’s significant contribution to U.S. and NATO airpower until its inactivation in the early 1990s.

The 6214th Air Base Group/Operating Location Air Base (OLAB) was a United States Air Force unit active during the Cold War era. Stationed primarily at Tainan Air Base in Taiwan, the group provided critical base support, logistics, and administrative services to various USAF operations in the region. Its mission supported reconnaissance, intelligence, and tactical operations during a period of heightened tensions in East Asia. The 6214th played a vital role in maintaining USAF presence on Taiwan until the drawdown of American forces in the late 1970s.

The 624th Civil Engineer Squadron (624th CES) is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, assigned to the 624th Regional Support Group at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Activated in 1994, the 624th CES provides vital civil engineering support, including base infrastructure maintenance, emergency repair, and rapid airfield recovery capabilities. Over the years, the squadron has deployed personnel and resources to support both peacetime and contingency operations, including disaster response and overseas deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The 624th CES continues to play a crucial role in ensuring mission readiness and operational support for U.S. Air Force installations throughout the Pacific region.

The 62nd Fighter Squadron, known as the "Spikes," was activated in 1941 and saw distinguished service during World War II, flying P-47 Thunderbolts in the European Theater. The squadron participated in critical missions, including bomber escort, ground attack, and air superiority roles, contributing to the Allied victory. After the war, the 62nd has been inactivated and reactivated several times, adapting to new aircraft and missions during the Cold War and beyond. Today, stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, the squadron serves as a premier training unit for F-35A Lightning II pilots, continuing its legacy of excellence.

The 63rd Tactical Fighter Wing was an operational unit of the United States Air Force, first activated during the Cold War era. Established in the late 1950s, the wing was primarily tasked with air defense and tactical fighter operations, often equipped with aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre and later, the F-4 Phantom II. The 63rd played a key role in maintaining combat readiness and participated in various training exercises and deployments. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force organizational changes in the early 1970s, with its personnel and resources reassigned to other units.

The 635 Supply Squadron was a logistics unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during the Vietnam War era. Assigned to the 635th Combat Support Group, it was stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield in Thailand, providing essential supply and logistics support for air operations in Southeast Asia. The squadron was responsible for the management and distribution of critical materials, equipment, and fuel, directly supporting B-52 and KC-135 operations during the conflict. Following the end of major U.S. involvement in Vietnam, the 635 Supply Squadron was inactivated in the mid-1970s as part of the overall drawdown of American forces in the region.

The 636th Radar Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era as part of the nation’s air defense network. Established in 1947, the squadron was tasked with operating ground radar sites to detect and track potential enemy aircraft, contributing to continental air defense. The unit played a significant role in supporting the Air Defense Command, particularly during periods of heightened alert. The 636th Radar Squadron was inactivated in 1963 as advances in technology and changes in defense strategies led to the reorganization of radar units across the country.

The 6400th Air Depot Wing was a United States Air Force unit established in the early 1950s to provide critical logistics, maintenance, and supply support for USAF operations in the Far East during the Korean War. Initially activated at Showa Air Base, Japan, the unit played a vital role in depot-level aircraft repair, parts distribution, and technical support for combat units engaged in the conflict. The 6400th ensured the operational readiness of numerous aircraft, contributing significantly to the effectiveness of United Nations air operations. Following the end of major hostilities, the wing continued to support USAF activities in the region before its eventual inactivation as part of post-war restructuring.

The 644th Radar Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1948 as part of the nation’s growing air defense network during the early years of the Cold War. Stationed at various locations, including Richmond AFS, Florida, and later at Patrick Air Force Base, the squadron operated ground radar systems to detect, track, and identify potential airborne threats. As a component of the Air Defense Command, the 644th played a key role in safeguarding the southeastern approaches to the United States against possible Soviet bomber incursions. The unit was inactivated in 1968 as advances in technology and changes in air defense strategy led to the consolidation and closure of many radar sites.

The 646th Aircraft Control and Warning (AC&W) Squadron was activated by the United States Air Force during the early years of the Cold War, first organized in 1950. Stationed at Highlands Air Force Station, New Jersey, the squadron was tasked with providing radar surveillance and airspace control as part of the Air Defense Command’s network along the eastern seaboard. The 646th played a critical role in monitoring for potential Soviet bomber incursions and ensuring the integrity of U.S. airspace during a period of heightened geopolitical tension. The unit was inactivated in 1966 as technological advancements and changes in air defense strategy led to the consolidation of radar sites across the country.