U.S. Air Force

The 40th Fighter Squadron, known as the "Javelinas," was first activated in 1940 and served with distinction during World War II, flying combat missions in the Pacific Theater. Throughout its history, the unit has operated various aircraft, including the P-39 Airacobra, P-47 Thunderbolt, and later the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The squadron participated in key campaigns such as the defense of the Philippines and the liberation of the Dutch East Indies, earning multiple commendations. Today, the 40th Fighter Squadron continues its mission as part of the United States Air Force, focusing on maintaining combat readiness and supporting global operations.

The 413 Field Training Detachment (FTD) is a United States Air Force unit specializing in technical training and support for maintenance personnel. Historically, FTDs like the 413th have played a vital role in ensuring aircrews and ground crews receive up-to-date instruction on aircraft systems and maintenance procedures. The 413 FTD has supported various USAF aircraft platforms over the decades, adapting its curriculum to new technologies and mission requirements. Through its expert cadre of instructors, the unit has contributed significantly to the operational readiness and effectiveness of Air Force units worldwide.

The 413th Aeromedical Staging Squadron (ASTS) is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, assigned to the 413th Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. The squadron's primary mission is to provide medical support, including the staging and movement of patients, during aeromedical evacuation operations. Activated in the early 2000s, the 413th ASTS has participated in numerous training exercises and supported operations both in the United States and abroad. Through its dedicated medical personnel, the unit plays a critical role in ensuring the health and safe transport of wounded or ill service members during contingency and humanitarian missions.

The 415th Bomb Squadron was first activated during World War II, serving as part of the 98th Bombardment Group. Flying B-24 Liberators, the squadron participated in key campaigns across the Mediterranean Theater, including missions in North Africa, Italy, and the Balkans. After distinguished service and earning multiple commendations, the unit was inactivated following the war’s end. Over the decades, the 415th has been reactivated and redesignated several times, reflecting changes in U.S. Air Force organizational structure and mission requirements.

The 4175th Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit assigned to Shemya Air Force Station in Alaska during the Cold War era. Activated in the 1960s, its primary mission was to provide security and law enforcement for the strategic and sensitive operations at the remote Shemya installation, which played a crucial role in intelligence gathering and early warning systems. The squadron was responsible for safeguarding both personnel and critical assets against potential threats, including espionage and sabotage. The 4175th Security Police Squadron was eventually inactivated as part of broader force reductions and changes in mission requirements in the late 20th century.

The 41st Air Rescue Squadron was first activated in 1952 as part of the United States Air Force’s growing air rescue capabilities during the Korean War era. The unit’s primary mission was to conduct search and rescue (SAR) operations, often recovering downed airmen and supporting humanitarian missions in challenging environments. Over the decades, the squadron has operated a variety of aircraft, including helicopters such as the HH-3 and later HH-60 Pave Hawk, adapting to evolving technological and tactical demands. The 41st has earned distinction for its valor and professionalism, continuing its legacy as a vital component of combat search and rescue operations worldwide.

The 41st Civil Affairs Battalion is a specialized unit in the United States Army, activated to support military operations by bridging the gap between military forces and civilian populations. Established as part of the Army’s broader Civil Affairs structure, the battalion has provided expertise in governance, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction efforts in various theaters, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Its soldiers are trained in cultural awareness, negotiation, and coordination with non-governmental organizations to facilitate stability and peace. Over the years, the 41st Civil Affairs Battalion has played a crucial role in enabling mission success by fostering cooperation between the military and local communities.

The 41st Flying Training Squadron, originally activated during World War II in 1940, has a distinguished history in the United States Air Force. Initially, it served as a combat unit, operating aircraft such as the B-25 Mitchell in the Pacific Theater. After the war, the squadron underwent several reorganizations and mission changes, eventually being reactivated as a flying training squadron. Today, stationed at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, the 41st Flying Training Squadron specializes in training new pilots using advanced trainer aircraft, continuing its legacy of excellence in preparing Air Force aviators.

The 426th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (426th MMS) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era. The squadron played a crucial role in managing, maintaining, and safeguarding nuclear munitions at various Strategic Air Command (SAC) bases. Notably, it supported bomber and missile operations, ensuring the readiness and reliability of the nation's strategic deterrent forces. The 426th MMS was eventually inactivated as part of post-Cold War force reductions and changes in U.S. nuclear posture.

429 Expeditionary Combat Squadron (429 ECS) is a unit within the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), originally formed during the Second World War. Established in 1942 as No. 429 (Bomber) Squadron, it participated in bombing operations over Europe as part of RAF Bomber Command. The squadron was disbanded after the war but later reactivated to fulfill various transport and expeditionary roles. Today, 429 ECS supports global Canadian Armed Forces operations, specializing in tactical airlift and combat support missions.

**43 Aircraft Repair and Recovery Squadron (43 ARR Sq)** is a specialized unit within the Indian Air Force, tasked with the critical role of recovering, repairing, and maintaining aircraft that have been damaged or grounded in operational environments. Established in response to the growing need for rapid and reliable aircraft recovery during both peacetime and conflict, 43 ARR Sq has played a pivotal role in ensuring air assets are swiftly restored to operational status. The squadron has been actively involved in various major operations, providing essential technical support and contributing significantly to the IAF's overall mission readiness. Over the years, 43 ARR Sq has earned a reputation for technical excellence, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to the Air Force’s operational effectiveness.

The 438th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron (438 EMS) is a United States Air Force unit with a history rooted in supporting expeditionary air operations. The squadron has played a crucial role in maintaining and repairing aircraft, ensuring mission readiness and operational effectiveness in deployed environments. During its deployments, the 438 EMS provided essential maintenance support for various airframes, contributing to successful combat and support missions. Its commitment to excellence has helped sustain air power projection for U.S. and allied forces in multiple theaters of operation.

The 4401st Reconstitution Unit was a provisional United States Air Force organization, activated in the aftermath of World War II. Its primary mission was to assist in the demobilization, repatriation, and administrative processing of returning service members and equipment to the United States and allied nations. The unit operated across several theaters, including Europe and the Pacific, facilitating the transition from wartime operations to peacetime status. Although short-lived, the 4401st played a crucial role in ensuring the orderly drawdown of military forces and supporting postwar reconstruction efforts before its eventual inactivation.

The 445th Airlift Wing (445 ABW) is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Originally activated in 1952 as a troop carrier wing, the unit has undergone several redesignations, reflecting its evolving airlift missions, including support for tactical, strategic, and aeromedical operations. The 445 ABW has participated in numerous major operations, such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing vital airlift and logistical support worldwide. Today, the wing operates the C-17 Globemaster III, continuing its legacy of rapid global mobility and support for U.S. and allied forces.

The 450th Air Police Squadron was activated at Foster Air Force Base, Texas, in the early 1950s as part of the 450th Fighter-Bomber Wing. Tasked with providing security and law enforcement, the squadron protected aircraft, personnel, and vital installations during the height of the Cold War. Its personnel conducted base defense, access control, and emergency response operations, maintaining constant readiness. The unit remained active until Foster AFB's closure in 1959, after which the squadron was inactivated alongside the base’s drawdown.

The 4510th Civil Engineering Squadron was an Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era, primarily stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The squadron was responsible for the maintenance, repair, and construction of base facilities, supporting the operational readiness of the flying training missions at Luke AFB. Throughout its service, the 4510th CES played a crucial role in ensuring the infrastructure needs of the base were met, particularly during periods of high pilot training activity. The unit was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader Air Force organizational changes in the 1970s.

The 4520th Supply Squadron was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, during the height of the Cold War. Activated in the mid-1950s, the squadron was responsible for providing essential logistical and supply support to the various flying and training units assigned to Nellis, including those involved in advanced combat training and weapons testing. The unit played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of aircraft and personnel, particularly as Nellis became a premier site for fighter pilot instruction and tactical development. The 4520th Supply Squadron was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader USAF organizational changes in the 1970s, with its legacy continuing in successor supply units at the base.

The **454th Bombardment Group** was activated during World War II as part of the United States Army Air Forces, flying B-24 Liberators in combat missions across the Mediterranean Theater, including critical strategic bombing operations over southern Europe. Following the war, the group was inactivated as the military reorganized and downsized its forces. The **635th Security Police Squadron** was a United States Air Force unit active primarily during the Vietnam War, responsible for base security, law enforcement, and force protection at key installations such as U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield. Although the two units operated in different eras and roles, both exemplified dedication and professionalism in supporting U.S. military objectives abroad.

The 4600th Air Base Wing Group (ABWG) was a United States Air Force unit activated in the late 1950s to manage base operations and support services for key USAF installations. Primarily stationed at Ent Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the 4600 ABWG played a critical role in supporting North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Air Defense Command (ADC) headquarters during the height of the Cold War. The group provided essential administrative, logistical, and security functions—ensuring uninterrupted operations for strategic command and control missions. The 4600 ABWG was eventually inactivated as part of broader USAF organizational changes and the closure of Ent AFB in 1976.

The 460th Security Forces Squadron (460th SFS) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. Established to provide security and law enforcement for the installation, the squadron plays a vital role in protecting critical space-based assets and personnel. The 460th SFS has supported both stateside and deployed operations, adapting to evolving security challenges in the modern era. Its members maintain high readiness through rigorous training and have earned recognition for their professionalism and dedication to mission success.

The 4632nd Support Squadron was an Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era to provide logistical and administrative support for classified operations. Stationed primarily at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, the squadron played a crucial role in supporting flight testing and training programs associated with advanced aircraft and weapons systems. Its personnel managed supply chains, maintenance, and operational security for highly sensitive projects, including those linked to the development of stealth technology. The 4632nd Support Squadron was eventually inactivated as mission requirements evolved and its functions were absorbed by other units.

The 4677th Defense Systems Evaluation Squadron (ADC) was an essential United States Air Force unit activated in the late 1950s during the height of the Cold War. Assigned to the Air Defense Command (ADC), its primary mission was to provide realistic electronic countermeasure (ECM) training and evaluation for air defense forces. The squadron operated modified aircraft, such as the EB-57 Canberra, to simulate enemy electronic warfare tactics and test the effectiveness of American radar and missile sites. The 4677th played a vital role in maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of North America's air defenses until its inactivation in the late 1970s.

The 4684th Air Base Group was a United States Air Force unit active during the height of the Cold War. Stationed at Thule Air Base in Greenland, the group was responsible for base operations, support, and security for U.S. and allied forces in the strategic Arctic region. Its mission included maintaining vital infrastructure to support early warning radar systems as part of North America's air defense network. The 4684th played a crucial role in sustaining American presence and readiness in the far north before being inactivated as Air Force organizational structures evolved.

The 46th Aerial Port Squadron is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, first activated in 1966. Its mission has focused on providing air transportation support, including cargo and passenger handling, airdrop operations, and logistics management in support of global air mobility operations. Over its history, the squadron has participated in numerous exercises and deployments, supporting both peacetime and contingency operations such as humanitarian relief and overseas deployments. The 46th Aerial Port Squadron is currently assigned to the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts, where it continues to play a vital role in the Air Force's rapid global mobility efforts.