U.S. Air Force

The **36th United States Army Field Artillery Detachment (USAFAD)** was a unit of the United States Army assigned to NATO during the Cold War. Activated in the early 1960s, the 36th USAFAD was stationed in Germany, where it was responsible for the custody and control of nuclear warheads assigned to Belgian Army artillery units under NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements. The detachment played a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and security of these weapons in accordance with U.S. and NATO protocols. The unit was inactivated at the end of the Cold War as NATO restructured and reduced its nuclear forces in Europe.

The 37th USAF Dispensary (DISP), assigned to the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), was stationed at Phu Cat Air Base, Republic of Vietnam (RVN), during the Vietnam War. Activated in the late 1960s, the dispensary provided critical medical, dental, and preventive health services to U.S. Air Force personnel, allied forces, and sometimes Vietnamese civilians at the base. The unit supported combat operations by ensuring the health and readiness of aircrews and ground personnel, often operating under challenging conditions, including enemy attacks and tropical diseases. The 37th USAF Dispensary remained at Phu Cat AB until the base was turned over to South Vietnamese control as part of the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam.

The 3706th Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS) was a unit of the United States Air Force based at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron was responsible for providing basic military training to thousands of Air Force recruits each year. Throughout its history, the 3706 BMTS played a critical role in shaping enlisted personnel, instilling discipline, and preparing airmen for their future assignments. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of broader organizational changes within Air Force basic training operations.

The 3775th Student Squadron was a United States Air Force training unit activated at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, during the post-World War II era. It was part of the broader Air Training Command, responsible for preparing airmen in technical and specialized skills essential to Air Force operations. The squadron played a key role in conducting technical training for new recruits and airmen, particularly in aircraft maintenance and support roles. Over time, as training programs were reorganized and consolidated, the 3775th Student Squadron was eventually inactivated, with its mission absorbed into other training units at Sheppard AFB.

The 3785 Field Training Wing was a unit of the United States Air Force, established during the post-World War II era to provide advanced training for aircrews and support personnel. Activated at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, the wing played a critical role in preparing service members for operational assignments during the early years of the Cold War. Its curriculum included technical instruction in aircraft maintenance, electronics, and other essential specialties vital to Air Force readiness. The 3785 Field Training Wing was eventually inactivated as part of a broader reorganization of Air Training Command in the 1950s, with its mission absorbed by successor units.

The 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron (379th ESFS) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, typically based at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. Established to provide integrated base defense and law enforcement, the 379th ESFS has played a vital role in safeguarding coalition personnel and resources in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility since the early 2000s. The unit is responsible for force protection, perimeter security, and antiterrorism operations, often working alongside international partners. Through multiple deployments, the 379th ESFS has distinguished itself by maintaining high readiness and adaptability in a dynamic operational environment.

The 37th Air Defense Missile Squadron was an integral unit of the United States Air Force during the Cold War era. Activated in 1960, the squadron was stationed at Kincheloe Air Force Base, Michigan, and operated the BOMARC surface-to-air missile system. Its primary mission was to provide air defense for the upper Midwest region against potential Soviet bomber attacks. The unit remained active until 1972, when advances in technology and shifting defense priorities led to its inactivation.

The 380th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS), assigned to the 68th Air Refueling Group (AREFG), traces its origins to the post-World War II era, originally activated to support the growing needs of Strategic Air Command. Equipped primarily with aerial refueling aircraft such as the KC-97 Stratofreighter and later the KC-135 Stratotanker, the squadron played a vital role in extending the range and endurance of U.S. bomber and reconnaissance missions during the Cold War. As part of the 68th AREFG, the 380th ARS participated in numerous key exercises and operations, providing critical air refueling support to both nuclear deterrence and conventional missions. The unit’s legacy is marked by its adaptability and professionalism, contributing to U.S. Air Force global reach before its eventual inactivation as the Air Force reorganized its refueling assets.

The 38th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMSq), assigned to the Air Transport Command (ATC), played a crucial support role during the early years of the United States Air Force's global airlift operations. Activated in the late 1940s, the squadron was responsible for providing organizational-level maintenance to aircraft within its assigned transport wings, ensuring the readiness and reliability of vital airlift missions. Stationed at key ATC bases, the 38th OMSq supported operations ranging from routine cargo flights to critical humanitarian and military airlifts during the early Cold War period. The unit's contributions helped maintain the operational tempo and effectiveness of the ATC until its eventual inactivation or reorganization as the Air Force modernized its logistical structure.

39th Communications Maintenance Squadron (39 CAMS) has a distinguished history within the United States Air Force. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron was tasked with providing critical communications-electronics maintenance support to ensure the reliability of command and control systems across its assigned areas. Throughout its service, 39 CAMS played a vital role in maintaining and upgrading communications infrastructure for both peacetime operations and contingency deployments. The unit's expertise contributed significantly to mission readiness and operational effectiveness until its inactivation or reorganization as part of broader Air Force restructuring initiatives.

The 392nd Aircraft Maintenance Group (AMG) was a unit of the United States Air Force responsible for the upkeep and readiness of assigned aircraft. Activated during the late stages of the Cold War, the group provided maintenance support for strategic bombers and refueling aircraft, ensuring their operational capability for deterrence missions. The 392nd AMG played a critical role during major readiness exercises and deployments, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Air Force’s global reach. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of organizational restructuring and modernization efforts within the Air Force.

The 394th Bomb Group was an American unit of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, activated in March 1943. Assigned to the Ninth Air Force, it operated Martin B-26 Marauder medium bombers in the European Theater. The group participated in key campaigns including the Normandy invasion, the Battle of the Bulge, and the crossing of the Rhine, earning a Distinguished Unit Citation for its performance. The 394th flew its last combat mission in May 1945 and was inactivated later that year.

The 3960th Supply Squadron (3960 Sup Sq) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Strategic Air Command. Activated in the 1950s, the squadron was based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, where it played a crucial role in supporting SAC's bomber and tanker operations during the Cold War. The unit was responsible for the procurement, storage, and distribution of essential supplies and equipment, ensuring sustained mission readiness. The 3960th Supply Squadron was eventually inactivated as part of post-Vietnam War force reductions and organizational restructuring in the 1970s.

The 39th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (39th MMS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with the storage, maintenance, and handling of nuclear and conventional munitions during the Cold War era. Activated in the early 1960s, the squadron played a critical role in supporting Strategic Air Command (SAC) operations, ensuring the readiness and security of vital armaments. Stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, the 39th MMS maintained rigorous standards for safety and efficiency in all aspects of munitions management. The unit was inactivated as the USAF restructured its munitions operations and consolidated maintenance functions in the late 20th century.

The 3rd Airborne Command and Control Squadron (3rd ACS) traces its origins to World War II, first activated to provide critical airborne command and control capabilities. Historically, the unit has operated a variety of specialized aircraft, enabling senior commanders to direct air and ground operations from the sky. Throughout the Cold War and into the modern era, the 3rd ACS has played key roles in strategic communications, nuclear command and control, and contingency operations. Today, the squadron continues its legacy of excellence, ensuring resilient, survivable airborne command capabilities for U.S. military operations worldwide.

The 3rd Radio Relay Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the early years of the Cold War. Established in 1950, the squadron was responsible for providing long-range radio communications and relay services, crucial for command and control functions. It operated primarily in Europe, supporting U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) and NATO operations by maintaining robust communication links across dispersed bases. The squadron contributed significantly to allied readiness and interoperability before being inactivated as communications technology evolved and organizational needs changed.

The 4th Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment (4-228 AVN) is a U.S. Army aviation unit stationed at Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras. Activated in the 1980s, the battalion supports Joint Task Force-Bravo and provides rotary-wing aviation support for humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and security cooperation missions across Central America. The unit operates UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, enabling rapid response and mobility in challenging terrain. Over the years, 4-228 AVN has played a critical role in regional stability, disaster response operations, and building partnerships with host nation militaries throughout Latin America.

The 401st Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS), specifically its 614th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU), played a pivotal role during the late Cold War period and into the 1990s. Stationed at Torrejon Air Base, Spain, the 614th AMU was responsible for the maintenance and generation of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron. The unit supported NATO operations, rapid deployment exercises, and provided critical airpower during contingency operations in Europe and the Mediterranean. The 401st AGS and its 614th AMU were inactivated in the mid-1990s as part of the post-Cold War force reductions and the closure of Torrejon AB.

The 402nd Intelligence Squadron is a United States Air Force unit specializing in signals intelligence and cyber operations. Activated in 1993, the squadron is stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan, and operates under the 692nd Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group. Its primary mission is to provide timely and relevant intelligence support to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and allied forces, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making capabilities. Over the years, the 402nd has played a vital role in regional security and intelligence operations throughout the Pacific theater.

The 4045th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was a support unit assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) of the United States Air Force during the Cold War era. Activated in the late 1950s, the 4045th OMS was stationed at Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan, where it provided essential maintenance and logistical support to SAC's bomber and refueling aircraft. The squadron played a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and operational capability of the B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker fleets, contributing to America's strategic deterrence posture. The unit was eventually inactivated in the early 1960s as part of an Air Force reorganization and realignment of SAC support functions.

The 4050th Air Base Group (SAC) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Strategic Air Command. Activated in the early 1950s, it provided essential base support and administrative services at Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts. The group played a crucial role in supporting SAC’s nuclear deterrent mission during the Cold War, ensuring the operational readiness of bomber and tanker units stationed at the base. The 4050th was later redesignated as part of organizational changes within SAC, reflecting evolving strategic needs.

The 407th Transportation Group was activated during World War II to provide crucial logistical and transportation support for U.S. Army operations in the European Theater. Tasked with the movement of troops, equipment, and supplies, the unit played a vital role in sustaining frontline forces during key campaigns. Following the war, the group underwent several reorganizations and redesignations, adapting to the evolving needs of the U.S. Army's logistical missions. Throughout its history, the 407th Transportation Group has exemplified adaptability and excellence in military transportation operations.

The 4080th Strategic Wing (4080 SW) was an important unit of the United States Air Force, established in 1956 at Turner Air Force Base, Georgia. The wing is most notable for its role in operating the Lockheed U-2 reconnaissance aircraft during the Cold War, conducting high-altitude intelligence-gathering missions over the Soviet Union and other adversaries. In 1957, the unit moved to Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, where it continued its vital strategic reconnaissance operations. The 4080th SW also operated the RB-57D Canberra aircraft and contributed significantly to intelligence efforts until it was discontinued in 1966, with its operations absorbed by other strategic units.

The 40th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (40th CSSB) is a logistics unit within the United States Army, traditionally assigned to provide comprehensive sustainment support to combat forces. The battalion traces its lineage to World War II, where it supported operations in the European Theater, ensuring the steady flow of supplies, maintenance, and transportation. Over the decades, the 40th CSSB has participated in numerous operations, including deployments to Southwest Asia during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, where it played a critical role in sustaining coalition forces. Today, the 40th CSSB continues its mission of enabling combat readiness through logistical excellence, supporting both domestic and overseas missions.