U.S. Air Force

The 7235th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (MMS) was a United States Air Force unit active during the Cold War era, primarily stationed in Europe. Tasked with the storage, maintenance, and handling of munitions, including nuclear weapons, the squadron played a critical role in supporting NATO deterrence operations. The 7235th MMS operated at Sembach Air Base in Germany, working closely with tactical fighter wings to ensure combat readiness. Its mission was pivotal in maintaining the operational effectiveness of U.S. and allied air forces until its inactivation as part of broader USAFE realignments.

The 7272nd Air Police Squadron was activated at Wheelus Air Base, near Tripoli, Libya, during the height of the Cold War. Tasked with providing security and law enforcement, the squadron played a critical role in safeguarding U.S. Air Force personnel, aircraft, and strategic assets at one of America’s most important overseas bases in North Africa. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the 7272nd Air Police Squadron conducted base defense, patrols, and emergency response operations, contributing to the overall security of NATO and U.S. interests in the Mediterranean region. The unit remained active until the U.S. withdrawal from Wheelus Air Base in 1970, following political changes in Libya.

The 72nd Aircraft Maintenance and Munitions Squadron (AMMS) was a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, originally activated to provide aircraft maintenance and munitions handling for assigned wings. Stationed at Ramey Air Force Base, Puerto Rico, during the Cold War, the 72nd AMMS supported strategic bomber and tanker operations under the Strategic Air Command (SAC). The squadron played a key role in maintaining the operational readiness of B-52 Stratofortresses and KC-135 Stratotankers, ensuring rapid deployment capabilities in response to global contingencies. The unit was eventually inactivated following the closure of Ramey AFB in 1973, as part of the post-Vietnam War realignment of U.S. military forces.

The 73rd Tactical Communications Flight (73 TCF) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing tactical communications and air traffic control support. Established during the Cold War era, the 73 TCF played a critical role in ensuring secure, reliable communications for deployed forces and command elements. The unit was assigned to various locations and participated in numerous exercises and operations, enhancing the Air Force’s rapid deployment capabilities. Over time, the 73 TCF’s mission and assets were integrated into larger communications and control groups as military technology and organizational structures evolved.

The 7366 Combat Support Group was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War to provide essential support to forward-deployed air operations in Europe. Stationed primarily at Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany, the group’s mission included base security, logistics, communications, and engineering services, ensuring sustained air mobility and operational readiness for USAF and allied forces. The 7366 CSG played a crucial role during periods of heightened tension, facilitating rapid deployment and maintenance of air assets. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of post-Cold War force reductions and restructuring in the early 1990s.

The 7368 Combat Support Group was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Rhein-Main Air Base, West Germany, during the Cold War era. Activated in the early 1950s, the group provided essential base support services, including logistics, security, and maintenance, for USAF operations in Europe. The 7368 CSG played a crucial role in sustaining airlift and operational readiness for both tactical and strategic missions, particularly during periods of heightened tension between NATO and Warsaw Pact forces. The unit was eventually inactivated in the early 1970s as part of broader USAF organizational realignments in Europe.

The 739th Radar Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1950 during the early years of the Cold War. Stationed at Wadena Air Force Station, Minnesota, its primary mission was to provide general radar surveillance for air defense as part of the Air Defense Command. The squadron operated various radar systems to detect and track potential air threats over the northern United States. It remained active until 1970, when advances in technology and changes in defense strategy led to its inactivation.

The 74th Air Control Squadron (74 ACS) is a United States Air Force unit specializing in providing command and control capabilities for air operations. Activated in the late 20th century, the squadron has played a crucial role in supporting both training exercises and real-world contingencies by managing airspace, coordinating aircraft movements, and integrating air defense assets. The 74 ACS has deployed personnel and equipment to various theaters, contributing to operations such as Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Renowned for its expertise in radar surveillance and battle management, the squadron continues to enhance the effectiveness of joint and coalition air missions.

The 7402nd Munitions Support Squadron (7402 MUNSS) is a United States Air Force unit tasked with providing custodial support for U.S. nuclear weapons at NATO bases in Europe. Activated as part of the U.S. commitment to NATO's nuclear sharing policy, the 7402 MUNSS operates alongside allied air forces to ensure the security, maintenance, and readiness of special munitions. The unit is responsible for the storage, handling, and potential release procedures for these weapons under joint operational plans. Over the years, the 7402 MUNSS has played a critical role in strengthening transatlantic defense and nuclear deterrence within the NATO alliance.

The 7406th Support Squadron was a United States Air Force unit established during the Cold War, primarily stationed in Europe. Activated in the 1950s, the squadron was tasked with providing specialized support for reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering missions, often operating out of bases such as Rhein-Main Air Base in West Germany. The unit played a crucial role in signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations, supporting aerial reconnaissance flights along the borders of the Eastern Bloc. The 7406th Support Squadron continued its vital work until it was inactivated in the late 1970s, following changes in U.S. intelligence operations in Europe.

The 74th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (FIS) was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Thule Air Base, Greenland, during the early years of the Cold War. Reactivated at Thule in 1952, the squadron was tasked with providing air defense for the strategic Arctic outpost, operating aircraft such as the F-89 Scorpion to intercept potential Soviet bombers approaching North America over the polar route. The 74th FIS played a critical role in the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)'s early warning network, contributing to continental air security. The squadron remained at Thule until its inactivation in 1958, as advancements in missile technology shifted the focus of air defense strategies.

The 74th Tactical Fighter Squadron (74th TFS), known as the "Flying Tigers," traces its lineage to the famed American Volunteer Group that fought in China during World War II. Reactivated in the postwar era, the 74th TFS served with distinction during the Cold War, flying aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre and F-4 Phantom II. The squadron saw combat during the Vietnam War, providing close air support and interdiction missions. In later years, the 74th transitioned to flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II and continues its legacy as a premier attack squadron within the United States Air Force.

The 75th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (75 FIS) was an Air Defense Command unit stationed at Dow Air Force Base, Bangor, Maine, during the Cold War. Activated at Dow AFB in 1955, the squadron was equipped with various interceptor aircraft, including the F-86D Sabre and later the F-101B Voodoo, to defend the northeastern United States against potential Soviet bomber attacks. The 75 FIS played a crucial role in North American air defense, standing alert for quick-response interception missions. The unit remained active at Dow AFB until it was inactivated in 1968 as part of a broader reorganization of US air defense forces.

The **7504th Air Support Wing** was a United States Air Force unit activated during the early years of the Cold War. Established in 1954 and stationed at Fürstenfeldbruck Air Base in West Germany, the wing provided critical air support and operational training for USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe) units. Its primary mission included overseeing tactical air control operations, supporting NATO ground forces, and enhancing air-ground integration. The 7504th Air Support Wing played a key role in strengthening NATO defense posture in Central Europe before its inactivation in 1957 as part of USAFE’s organizational restructuring.

The 7520th Security Police Flight was a United States Air Force unit active during the Cold War era. Stationed at Wheelus Air Base, Libya, the unit was responsible for providing security and law enforcement for the installation, which was a key Strategic Air Command facility in North Africa. The 7520th played a crucial role in safeguarding U.S. assets, personnel, and nuclear weapons stored at the base during a period of heightened tensions with the Soviet Union. The unit was eventually inactivated following the withdrawal of American forces from Libya in the early 1970s.

The 756th Military Airlift Squadron (MAS) was constituted during World War II, originally activated as a bombardment unit. It was later redesignated and assigned to airlift missions, becoming an integral part of the Military Airlift Command during the Cold War era. The unit provided critical strategic and tactical airlift support, transporting troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid across global theaters of operation. Throughout its service, the 756th MAS earned recognition for its operational excellence before ultimately being inactivated during a period of post-Cold War restructuring.

The 75th Tactical Control Flight (75th TCF) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era. Its primary mission was to provide tactical air control and radar support for air operations, ensuring effective coordination between ground and air forces. The 75th TCF was often deployed to support exercises and real-world contingencies, enhancing the responsiveness and accuracy of airpower. The unit played a key role in advancing tactical air control systems before its eventual inactivation as part of broader force restructuring.

The 76th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (76 ARRS) was an Air Force unit primarily tasked with combat search and rescue operations. Activated in the early 1950s, the squadron initially supported Strategic Air Command bomber operations, providing recovery services for aircrews in distress. Throughout the Vietnam War and Cold War eras, the 76 ARRS operated a variety of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, conducting numerous high-risk rescue and humanitarian missions, often under hostile conditions. The squadron was eventually inactivated in the 1990s as part of Air Force restructuring, but its legacy endures through its distinguished record of saving lives and supporting U.S. military operations worldwide.

The 77th Group Airborne, based at Fort Bragg, traces its origins to World War II, when it was first activated to provide specialized airborne infantry capabilities. Throughout its distinguished history, the unit has participated in numerous combat operations, including major airborne assaults in Europe and later rapid deployment missions during the Cold War and beyond. Renowned for its rigorous training and esprit de corps, the 77th played a vital role in developing modern airborne tactics. Today, the group continues its legacy at Fort Bragg, maintaining readiness for global deployment in support of U.S. military objectives.

The 782nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was a United States Air Force radar unit activated during the early years of the Cold War. Established in 1951, its primary mission was to provide early warning and ground-controlled interception as part of the continental air defense system, monitoring for potential Soviet bomber incursions. The squadron was stationed at Minot Air Force Station in North Dakota, where it operated radar equipment and coordinated with interceptor aircraft. The 782nd AC&W Squadron was inactivated in 1963 as advances in technology and strategic priorities led to the consolidation of air defense assets.

The 785th Radar Squadron was an Air Force radar unit established during the Cold War era as part of the United States' Air Defense Command. Activated in 1951, the squadron was stationed at Finley Air Force Station, North Dakota, where it operated long-range radar systems to detect and track potential airborne threats. Its primary mission was to provide early warning and ground-controlled interception guidance against Soviet bomber attacks. The squadron was inactivated in 1979 as technological advancements and changes in defense strategy rendered many radar stations obsolete.

The 791st Radar Squadron was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Hanna City Air Force Station, Illinois. Activated in 1951, the squadron was responsible for operating radar systems as part of the nation’s Air Defense Command, providing early warning and airspace surveillance during the Cold War. The unit played a critical role in detecting and tracking potential airborne threats and guiding interceptor aircraft in defense of the Midwest region. The 791st Radar Squadron was inactivated in 1968 as advances in technology and changes in defense priorities led to the deactivation of many radar sites across the country.

The 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron (7th LRS) is a key support unit assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Its origins trace back to earlier logistics and supply organizations that have supported the base's mission since the mid-20th century. The squadron is tasked with providing comprehensive logistics, supply, fuels, and transportation services, ensuring the operational readiness of B-1B Lancer bombers and other personnel at Dyess AFB. Over the decades, the 7th LRS has played a critical role in supporting numerous global deployments and exercises, contributing significantly to U.S. Air Force operations.

The 7th Services Squadron was an Air Force unit originally constituted as part of the United States Army Air Forces. Activated in 1940, it provided essential base support and services, including logistics, maintenance, and personnel support for flying operations. The squadron supported the 7th Bombardment Group during World War II, playing a crucial role in sustaining air missions in the China-Burma-India Theater. After its wartime service, the unit underwent several redesignations and inactivations as part of broader Air Force organizational changes.