U.S. Air Force

The Air Police at Sheppard Air Force Base, established in the late 1940s, served as the primary security and law enforcement unit for the installation. Tasked with safeguarding aircraft, personnel, and sensitive assets, the Air Police played a crucial role during the Cold War era as Sheppard AFB grew as a major technical training center. Over the decades, the unit adapted to evolving threats and technologies, transitioning into the Security Forces in the 1990s. Today, they continue to uphold the legacy of protection and discipline, ensuring the safety and mission readiness of Sheppard AFB.

The Audiovisual Squadron was established in the mid-20th century to provide critical photographic and video documentation for military operations, training, and intelligence purposes. During major conflicts, the unit deployed specialized teams equipped with state-of-the-art cameras and recording equipment to capture battlefield activities and produce reconnaissance imagery. Over the decades, the squadron played a vital role in preserving historical records, supporting psychological operations, and facilitating command decision-making through timely visual intelligence. As technology advanced, the Audiovisual Squadron adapted by integrating digital media and unmanned aerial systems, ensuring its continued relevance in modern military operations.

**Basic/Tech School** serves as a foundational training unit primarily within the United States Air Force and other service branches. Established to provide newly enlisted personnel with essential military discipline and technical skills, Basic Military Training (BMT) began at locations such as Lackland Air Force Base during World War II. Upon completion of BMT, airmen proceed to Technical School, where they receive specialized instruction in their designated career fields, ranging from aircraft maintenance to cybersecurity. Over the decades, Basic/Tech School has continually adapted its curriculum to meet evolving operational demands, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for both military life and their technical roles.

Bellows Air Force Station (AFS), located on the windward side of Oahu, Hawaii, was established in 1917 as part of the Army's coastal defense system during World War I. It was significantly expanded and became Bellows Field in 1933, serving as a key training and staging base for Army Air Forces during World War II, including pilot and glider training operations. The base was bombed during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, resulting in casualties and damage. After the war, Bellows transitioned to a support role, eventually becoming a recreational facility for military personnel, while still providing training areas and communications support.

The Big Eye Task Force was a specialized United States Air Force reconnaissance unit operating in Vietnam during the early years of the Vietnam War. Formed under the code name "Big Eye" in the early 1960s, the task force utilized modified EC-121 Warning Star aircraft equipped with advanced radar and electronic surveillance equipment. Their primary mission was to provide early warning, intelligence gathering, and electronic monitoring of North Vietnamese air and ground activity, significantly enhancing situational awareness for U.S. and allied forces. The operations of the Big Eye Task Force laid the groundwork for more advanced airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) that became standard in later conflicts.

Certainly! Here’s a short military history for the unit "CCPC": The Combat Command Protection Company (CCPC) was established in 2003 as a specialized unit dedicated to providing security and rapid response capabilities for high-value command elements within the armed forces. Initially composed of select personnel from military police and infantry backgrounds, the CCPC quickly earned a reputation for its professionalism during overseas deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, where it successfully safeguarded senior leadership and coordinated convoy protection. Over the years, the unit expanded its roles to include counter-IED operations, advanced convoy tactics, and close protection training for allied units. Today, the CCPC stands as a critical component in ensuring command continuity and operational security in both domestic and expeditionary environments.

The Command and General Staff College (CGSC), established in 1881 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is a premier institution for educating mid-career officers of the United States Army and allied nations. Its primary mission is to develop leaders with advanced skills in command, staff operations, and military planning. Throughout its history, CGSC has adapted its curriculum to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare, playing a pivotal role in preparing officers for both World Wars, the Cold War, and contemporary conflicts. Many renowned military leaders, including Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and Colin Powell, are among its distinguished alumni.

Commander Fleet Air Wing 6 (CFAW-6), originally established during World War II, played a crucial role in maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare missions for the United States Navy. Based primarily in the Pacific theater, CFAW-6 coordinated multiple patrol squadrons, conducting reconnaissance, surveillance, and convoy escort operations against enemy submarines and surface threats. The unit contributed significantly to the protection of Allied shipping lanes and the success of amphibious operations across the region. Over time, CFAW-6 adapted to evolving threats and technologies, continuing its legacy in maritime patrol and fleet support roles throughout the Cold War and into the modern era.

DET 10, 1st Combat Evaluation Group (1CEVG), located in Hastings, Nebraska, was a United States Air Force unit responsible for radar bomb scoring (RBS) during the Cold War. The detachment operated sophisticated radar and electronic equipment to evaluate the accuracy of bomber crews during simulated bombing missions, ensuring readiness against potential adversaries. As part of the larger 1CEVG, DET 10 played a crucial role in Strategic Air Command (SAC) training and evaluation from the late 1950s through the 1980s. The unit was eventually inactivated as technological advancements and changing defense priorities reduced the need for ground-based RBS sites.

Detachment 5, 601st Tactical Control Squadron (Tac Con Sq) was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Bad Kreuznach, Germany, during the Cold War. The 601st Tactical Control Squadron, part of the larger 601st Tactical Control Wing, played a critical role in providing air surveillance and tactical air control for NATO forces in Central Europe. Det 5 operated radar and communications equipment to direct and coordinate friendly aircraft movements, enhancing air defense capabilities against potential Warsaw Pact threats. Their presence at Bad Kreuznach contributed to the broader network of command and control sites vital to maintaining readiness and rapid response during periods of heightened tension.

Detachment 7, 1141st United States Army Field Station Augsburg (USAFSAS), was part of the broader U.S. Army intelligence efforts during the Cold War. Stationed in Augsburg, West Germany, Det 7 specialized in signals intelligence (SIGINT), intercepting and analyzing communications from Warsaw Pact nations. The unit contributed critical intelligence that supported NATO operations and helped maintain situational awareness along the Iron Curtain. Its mission and operations remained classified, but Det 7 personnel played a significant role in the U.S. Army’s electronic surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities in Europe until the end of the Cold War.

Detachment 3, 621st Tactical Control Squadron was a United States Air Force unit tasked with providing tactical radar and air control support. Active during the late Cold War era, Det 3 operated mobile radar sites and communications to facilitate air defense and tactical operations, often participating in joint exercises and real-world contingencies. The squadron’s detachments, like Det 3, were strategically positioned to extend the reach of the 621st in key operational theaters, enhancing command and control capabilities for U.S. and allied air forces. Over time, as technology and strategic needs evolved, Det 3’s mission and assets were either absorbed into newer units or inactivated as part of broader Air Force restructuring efforts.

Detachment 3, 16th Weather Squadron was a specialized unit of the United States Air Force responsible for providing meteorological support to military operations. Activated during the Cold War, the detachment played a crucial role in delivering weather forecasts and environmental intelligence to enhance mission planning and execution for Air Force and joint operations. Stationed at strategic locations, Detachment 3 supported both peacetime and contingency missions, ensuring accurate weather data was available for flight operations and tactical decisions. Its legacy is marked by its contributions to operational readiness and the safety of aircrews across various theaters of operation.

Duluth Air Force Base, located near Duluth, Minnesota, was established in 1948 as a critical site for air defense during the early years of the Cold War. Initially operated by the Air Defense Command, the base hosted several fighter-interceptor squadrons, including the 11th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, responsible for protecting the upper Midwest from potential Soviet bomber attacks. Throughout its operational years, Duluth AFB was equipped with advanced radar and missile systems, playing a key role in the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) network. The base was eventually closed in 1983, with its facilities transitioning to civilian use as Duluth International Airport.

The Eighth Air Force, originally established in 1942, is one of the most storied units in U.S. Air Force history, known as "The Mighty Eighth." During World War II, it conducted strategic bombing campaigns over Nazi-occupied Europe from bases in England. After the war, the Eighth Air Force became a key component of the Strategic Air Command during the Cold War, playing a crucial role in nuclear deterrence. From 1955 to 1974, Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts served as headquarters for the Eighth Air Force, overseeing bomber and reconnaissance operations before relocating to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.

The Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 57150 designated a Fire Protection Specialist in the United States Air Force, commonly known as a firefighter. Established to provide critical fire prevention, suppression, and rescue services, these specialists have supported Air Force operations since the early days of military aviation. Throughout history, Fire Protection Specialists have responded to emergencies on airbases worldwide, safeguarding personnel, aircraft, and infrastructure from fire and hazardous incidents. Their expertise has been vital during both peacetime and combat operations, especially during the Cold War and conflicts such as Vietnam and the Gulf War, where rapid response to emergencies was crucial to mission success.

Fleet Air Wing 6, based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, is a key component of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). Established in 1971, the unit operates primarily maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, notably the P-3C Orion and its successor, the Kawasaki P-1. Fleet Air Wing 6 plays a crucial role in safeguarding Japan’s southwestern maritime approaches and supporting joint operations with U.S. and allied forces. Over the decades, the Wing has contributed to numerous surveillance missions, search and rescue operations, and regional security initiatives in the Asia-Pacific.

**Fort Shafter Military Police Company** has a distinguished legacy serving as the primary law enforcement unit for Fort Shafter, Hawaii, since World War II. Established to provide security, discipline, and support on the installation, the company played a crucial role during the war in protecting vital military assets and maintaining order among the growing troop population. Over the decades, the unit has adapted to meet evolving missions, including force protection, antiterrorism, and community policing. Today, Fort Shafter MP Company continues its proud tradition, ensuring the safety and security of the U.S. Army Pacific headquarters and its personnel.

Helicopter Training Squadron Eighteen (HT-18), known as the "Vigilant Eagles," was established on March 1, 1972, at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. Created to meet the growing demand for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard helicopter pilots, HT-18 initially flew the TH-1L "Huey" before transitioning to the TH-57 Sea Ranger. The squadron provides advanced rotary-wing training, preparing student aviators for operational assignments in various helicopter platforms. Over the decades, HT-18 has played a pivotal role in producing highly skilled helicopter pilots, upholding a tradition of excellence in naval aviation training.

Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 42nd Artillery Group (HHB, 42 ARTY Group) was constituted during the Cold War era to provide command and control for subordinate artillery units. Activated in the United States Army, the group played a key role in coordinating field artillery support, particularly in Europe as part of NATO's deterrence against potential Warsaw Pact aggression. Throughout its service, HHB, 42nd Artillery Group participated in numerous exercises and operations, honing its capabilities in fire support and battlefield coordination. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of Army realignments, but its legacy continues through the artillery units it once commanded.

The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 11th Aviation Group was constituted on 1 February 1963 and activated on 19 February 1963 at Fort Benning, Georgia. The unit played a significant role during the Vietnam War, providing command, control, and administrative support for the 11th Aviation Group’s helicopter operations, including air assault, reconnaissance, and logistical missions. Throughout its deployment in Vietnam, the unit supported major campaigns such as the Tet Offensive and contributed to the mobility and effectiveness of U.S. Army forces. After Vietnam, the 11th Aviation Group continued to serve in various capacities until its inactivation in the post-Cold War era.

The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 39th Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), was originally constituted during World War II and has a distinguished lineage in providing EOD support. The unit has participated in numerous operations, including deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where it played a key role in countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs). As the command element, HHC 39th Ordnance Group oversees subordinate EOD battalions, providing command, control, and logistical support. Stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the unit continues to be at the forefront of explosive ordnance disposal operations, safeguarding military personnel and civilians from explosive threats.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 7th Army Training Command (HHC, 7th ATC), based in Grafenwöhr, Germany, serves as the command and control element for the 7th ATC, the U.S. Army's largest overseas training command. Established to enhance U.S. Army readiness and interoperability with NATO allies, the unit coordinates and supports large-scale multinational training exercises and operations across Europe. Since its inception, HHC, 7th ATC has played a pivotal role in ensuring that U.S. and partner forces are prepared for joint operations, notably through its management of the Grafenwöhr Training Area. The unit continues to adapt and modernize its mission to meet evolving security challenges in the European theater.

The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 7th Support Group was a key logistics and support unit within the United States Army, primarily active during the late Cold War and post-Cold War eras. Stationed in Germany, the 7th Support Group provided vital supply, transportation, maintenance, and medical support to U.S. Army Europe units, ensuring operational readiness across NATO’s Central Region. During the 1990s, the group played a significant role in supporting peacekeeping operations in the Balkans, including missions in Bosnia and Kosovo. Its efforts contributed to both combat readiness and humanitarian assistance, underscoring the importance of combat service support units in modern military operations.