U.S. Air Force

97th Air Mobility Wing

41 members

The 97th Air Mobility Wing (97th AMW), based at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, traces its origins to its activation as the 97th Bombardment Wing in 1947. Throughout the Cold War, the unit operated strategic bombers, including the B-29 and later the B-52, playing a key role in deterrence missions under Strategic Air Command. In 1992, the wing transitioned to Air Mobility Command, shifting focus to airlift and refueling missions with aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker. Today, the 97th AMW serves as the premier training center for Air Force aircrews, specializing in mobility and aerial refueling operations.

Dover Air Force Base (AFB), located in Dover, Delaware, was established in 1941 as Dover Army Airfield to support World War II training and coastal defense operations. During the war, it served as a training site for fighter and bomber crews and as a coastal patrol installation. Post-war, the base transitioned to an important hub for Military Air Transport Service (MATS) and later the Military Airlift Command (MAC), specializing in strategic airlift missions. Today, Dover AFB is home to the 436th Airlift Wing and the 512th Airlift Wing, operating the C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III, and is renowned for its role in global air mobility, as well as the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, which handles dignified transfers of fallen service members.

The 174th Fighter Wing (174 FW) is a unit of the New York Air National Guard, stationed at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York. Established in 1962, the wing originally flew the F-86 Sabre and later transitioned to aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The 174th has participated in numerous operations, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing critical air support. In recent years, the wing became the first Air National Guard unit to fly the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft, reflecting its ongoing evolution and commitment to both national defense and state emergency missions.

The 193rd Special Operations Wing (193 SOW) is a unit of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard stationed at Harrisburg International Airport, Middletown, Pennsylvania. Established in 1967, the wing is best known for operating the EC-130J Commando Solo aircraft, which conducts psychological operations and information warfare by broadcasting radio and television signals. The 193 SOW has participated in numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, providing critical airborne broadcast capabilities to support U.S. military objectives. Over the decades, the wing has earned multiple unit awards for its unique and vital contributions to national security and special operations missions worldwide.

The 317th Field Maintenance Squadron (317th FMS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily assigned to support the 317th Tactical Airlift Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron provided critical aircraft maintenance and logistical support for C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. Stationed at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, the 317th FMS played a vital role in ensuring the operational readiness of airlift missions, including deployments and humanitarian operations. The unit was eventually inactivated and its functions absorbed during Air Force organizational restructuring in the 1990s.

The 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing (3rd TFW) traces its origins to World War II, where it was first activated as the 3rd Bombardment Group in 1919 and later saw extensive combat in the Pacific Theater. Redesignated the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing during the Cold War, the unit became a key component of the United States Air Force's presence in Asia, particularly at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. The 3rd TFW flew a variety of aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-15 Eagle, participating in operations such as the Vietnam War and providing air defense and strike capabilities in the region. In 1991, the wing relocated to Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, where it continues its mission as the 3rd Wing, maintaining readiness for rapid deployment and air superiority.

The 42nd Bombardment Wing (Medium), commonly known as the 42nd BMW, was an integral unit of the United States Air Force during the Cold War era. Activated in the early 1950s, the wing was initially equipped with B-29 Superfortress bombers before transitioning to jet-powered B-47 Stratojets, reflecting the rapid technological advancements of the period. The 42nd BMW was stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Maine, serving as a strategic deterrent force under the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and maintaining readiness for nuclear and conventional missions. Throughout its service, the wing played a crucial role in SAC's global operations before being inactivated as part of post-Cold War restructuring.

The 5th Air Force, originally activated as the Philippine Department Air Force in 1941, is one of the oldest air forces in the United States Air Force. It played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, notably in the defense of the Philippines, the campaigns in New Guinea, and the liberation of the Philippines. After the war, the 5th Air Force became the primary U.S. air component in Japan and played a major role during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Today, headquartered at Yokota Air Base, Japan, the 5th Air Force continues to support U.S. interests and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

The 37th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was activated by the United States Air Force in March 1967 at Phù Cát Air Base, South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. The wing flew the F-100 Super Sabre, providing close air support, interdiction, and combat air patrol missions throughout Southeast Asia. After its Vietnam service, the 37th TFW was inactivated in 1970, but was later reactivated in 1981 at George Air Force Base, California, transitioning to the F-4G Wild Weasel and F-117A Nighthawk aircraft. Most notably, in 1991, the 37th TFW (Provisional) played a key role in Operation Desert Storm, flying the first combat missions with the F-117A stealth fighter.

445th Airlift Wing

39 members

The 445th Airlift Wing, based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is an Air Force Reserve unit with a distinguished history dating back to its activation in 1952. Originally established as a troop carrier wing, it has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, transitioning to heavy airlift operations. The wing operates the C-17 Globemaster III, providing vital strategic and tactical airlift capabilities, including the transport of troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid worldwide. Throughout its service, the 445th Airlift Wing has supported numerous operations, including Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and various disaster relief missions, exemplifying its commitment to global mobility and readiness.

The 605th Munitions Support Squadron (605th MASS) is a United States Air Force unit stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Historically, its primary mission has been to provide munitions support and logistics for U.S. and allied air operations in the Pacific theater. The unit plays a critical role in maintaining the readiness and rapid deployment capability of the base’s strategic bomber and fighter aircraft, such as the B-52 Stratofortress and B-1B Lancer. Over the decades, the 605th MASS has supported numerous joint and multinational exercises, ensuring the U.S. Air Force’s ability to project power and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

79th Medical Wing

39 members

The 79th Medical Wing was originally activated in 2006 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, succeeding the 89th Medical Group to provide comprehensive medical care for military personnel and VIPs in the National Capital Region. As part of the Air Force Medical Service, its mission included aeromedical evacuation, specialized clinical care, and support of presidential and high-level government operations. The wing played a vital role in supporting contingency operations, humanitarian missions, and disaster response. In 2017, the 79th Medical Wing was inactivated, with its personnel and responsibilities integrated into the newly established 11th Medical Group under the 11th Wing.

The Alaskan Air Command (AAC) was established on 18 December 1945 as a major command of the United States Air Force, tasked with the air defense of Alaska and the northern approaches to North America during the early Cold War. Throughout its existence, the AAC operated a network of radar sites, interceptor squadrons, and early warning systems to monitor and defend against potential Soviet incursions. The command played a vital role during the Korean War and throughout the Cold War, participating in exercises and maintaining readiness in the challenging Arctic environment. In 1990, the Alaskan Air Command was inactivated and its responsibilities were assumed by the newly formed Eleventh Air Force under Pacific Air Forces (PACAF).

The 100th Bomb Wing Field Maintenance Squadron was a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, primarily active during the Cold War. Activated at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire, the squadron provided essential maintenance and repair services for the 100th Bomb Wing’s fleet of B-47 Stratojet and later B-52 Stratofortress bombers. Their skilled technicians ensured aircraft readiness and mission capability, playing a crucial role in the United States’ strategic deterrence operations. The unit was inactivated as part of broader USAF organizational changes and transitions in strategic bomber operations.

The 111th Combat Support Squadron was established in the mid-20th century to provide essential logistical and operational support to combat units within its parent wing. Over the decades, the squadron has been deployed in multiple conflicts, offering services such as engineering, communications, and base defense in both domestic and overseas operations. Notably, the 111th played a critical role during Operation Desert Storm and later supported humanitarian missions in response to natural disasters. Today, the squadron continues to adapt to evolving military needs, maintaining readiness to support joint and coalition forces worldwide.

The 115th Fighter Wing, based at Truax Field Air National Guard Base in Madison, Wisconsin, is a unit of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. Established in 1948, the unit originally flew fighter and reconnaissance missions and has transitioned through various aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The 115th has supported both federal missions, such as Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, and state responses to emergencies and natural disasters. Continuously modernizing, the wing is slated to receive the F-35A Lightning II, enhancing its capabilities in both national defense and global operations.

The 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), or 20th SFG(A), was established in 1961 as part of the Army National Guard’s contribution to the U.S. Army Special Forces. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, the unit draws members from southeastern states and specializes in unconventional warfare, counter-terrorism, and foreign internal defense. The 20th SFG(A) has deployed to numerous global hotspots, including Afghanistan and Iraq, supporting both combat operations and training missions with allied forces. Over the decades, the group has built a distinguished reputation for adaptability, professionalism, and operational excellence within the U.S. Special Operations community.

The 363rd Supply Squadron was an integral support unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during the post-World War II era. It was primarily assigned to the 363rd Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The squadron provided logistics, supply chain management, and materiel support to ensure the operational readiness of combat aircraft and personnel. Over the decades, the 363rd Supply Squadron played a critical role during the Cold War and participated in various contingencies until its inactivation as part of broader Air Force restructuring initiatives.

The 432nd Wing, originally activated as the 432nd Observation Group in 1943, has a distinguished history within the United States Air Force. Over the decades, it has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, including service in Vietnam as a tactical reconnaissance and fighter wing. In 2007, the unit was reactivated at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, as the 432nd Wing, becoming the first U.S. Air Force unit dedicated solely to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations. Today, the 432nd Wing operates MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-170 Sentinel drones, providing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike capabilities in support of U.S. and allied operations worldwide.

The 6924th Security Squadron was a United States Air Force unit assigned to provide signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communications security during the Cold War. Activated in the early 1960s, the squadron was based at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, where it played a critical role in monitoring enemy communications and supporting U.S. and allied operations during the Vietnam War. The unit was part of the larger Air Force Security Service (AFSS), focusing on intercepting and analyzing North Vietnamese and Viet Cong transmissions. The 6924th Security Squadron was eventually inactivated as U.S. forces withdrew from Vietnam, but its legacy remains significant in the history of military intelligence operations.

The **6950th Electronic Security Command** was a United States Air Force unit tasked with signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic security operations during the Cold War. Activated in 1979, it was based at RAF Chicksands in the United Kingdom, playing a crucial role in monitoring Warsaw Pact communications. The unit operated advanced electronic surveillance equipment and contributed to NATO's strategic intelligence efforts. In 1991, following organizational changes, it was redesignated as the 6950th Security Squadron, continuing its intelligence mission until the closure of USAF operations at Chicksands in the mid-1990s.

The 6987th Security Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated in the late 1950s, primarily based at Shu Lin Kou Air Station near Taipei, Taiwan. Tasked with signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communications security, the squadron played a crucial role in monitoring military communications throughout East Asia during the Cold War. Its operations contributed valuable intelligence concerning the activities of regional adversaries, particularly the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union. The 6987th Security Squadron was inactivated in the late 1970s as part of broader realignments in U.S. military posture and intelligence operations in the Pacific region.

92nd Air Refueling Wing

38 members

The 92nd Air Refueling Wing (92 ARW), based at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington, traces its origins to World War II as the 92nd Bombardment Group, flying B-17 Flying Fortresses over Europe. Reactivated during the Cold War, the unit transitioned to Strategic Air Command, operating B-29 and later B-36 and B-52 bombers. In 1994, the wing shifted to its current primary mission of air refueling, employing the KC-135 Stratotanker to support global air operations. Today, the 92nd ARW provides vital aerial refueling, airlift, and support capabilities for U.S. and allied forces worldwide.

94th Airlift Wing

38 members

The 94th Airlift Wing, based at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Georgia, traces its origins to 1943 when it was activated as the 94th Troop Carrier Wing during World War II. The unit played a pivotal role in airborne operations and troop transport throughout its history, including support during the Korean War and the Berlin Airlift. Reactivated and redesignated several times over the decades, the 94th has operated various airlift aircraft, most notably the C-130 Hercules. Today, the wing remains an integral component of the Air Force Reserve Command, providing tactical airlift and humanitarian support missions worldwide.