U.S. Air Force

Readiness Group Huntsville, Alabama, is a United States Army Reserve unit focused on supporting readiness and training for reserve component soldiers in the southeastern region. Originally established as part of the Army’s nationwide initiative to enhance the preparedness of reserve units, Readiness Group Huntsville provides administrative, training, and mobilization support. The unit coordinates with local reserve centers and active duty partners to ensure soldiers meet deployment standards. Over the years, Readiness Group Huntsville has played a vital role in preparing Army Reserve personnel for both stateside missions and overseas deployments, contributing significantly to the overall effectiveness of the Army Reserve force.

The Readiness Group Presidio San Francisco is a United States Army Reserve unit based at the historic Presidio of San Francisco, California. Established to provide training, mentorship, and administrative support, the unit plays a critical role in preparing Army Reserve Soldiers for mobilization and deployment. The unit traces its heritage to earlier Army Reserve support commands that have operated at the Presidio since the Cold War era. Today, the Readiness Group continues the legacy of military readiness and service at one of the nation’s oldest and most storied military posts.

Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 6 (RVAH-6), known as the "Fleurs," was a U.S. Navy squadron established in January 1951 as Composite Squadron Six (VC-6), later redesignated RVAH-6 in 1964. Initially flying the AJ Savage bomber, the squadron transitioned to the A3D Skywarrior and ultimately to the RA-5C Vigilante, specializing in carrier-based reconnaissance missions. RVAH-6 participated extensively in the Vietnam War, conducting high-risk photographic reconnaissance over hostile territory. The squadron continued its service through the Cold War until its deactivation on October 20, 1978.

RMAF Butterworth, located in Penang, Malaysia, was first established as a Royal Air Force base in 1941 and played a significant role during World War II and the Malayan Emergency. After the war, it served as a key airbase for British and Commonwealth forces, notably hosting Australian and New Zealand squadrons as part of the Far East Strategic Reserve. In 1988, control of the base was officially handed over to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), marking a new chapter in its history. Today, RMAF Butterworth remains a vital hub for Malaysia’s air defense operations and continues to support joint exercises with allied nations.

The Sacramento Air Logistics Center (SALC), located at McClellan Air Force Base in California, was established in 1938 as the Sacramento Air Depot. Throughout World War II, the center played a vital role in aircraft maintenance, repair, and supply for the U.S. Army Air Forces. Over the decades, it evolved into a major logistics hub, supporting a variety of Air Force weapon systems and providing depot-level maintenance for aircraft, engines, and electronic systems during the Cold War and beyond. The center remained operational until its closure in 2001 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, with its legacy continuing through civilian and government aviation activities at the former base.

**Samson Air Force Base** was established in 1950 near Geneva, New York, on the site of the former Sampson Naval Training Station. Activated during the Korean War, it primarily served as a Basic Military Training Center for new United States Air Force recruits. At its peak, Samson AFB trained tens of thousands of airmen, contributing significantly to the Air Force’s rapid post-war expansion. The base was closed in 1956, and its facilities were eventually repurposed for educational and civilian uses.

The Sig Opns Det (Benelux) AFCENT, or Signal Operations Detachment (Benelux) Allied Forces Central Europe, was established during the Cold War to provide critical communications support within NATO's command structure. Stationed in the Benelux region (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), the unit played a vital role in ensuring secure and reliable communications between AFCENT headquarters and subordinate commands. Its personnel specialized in signal operations, maintenance, and the deployment of advanced communication technologies. The detachment's efforts contributed significantly to NATO's readiness and interoperability in Western Europe throughout the latter half of the 20th century.

Sioux City Air Base, located in Sioux City, Iowa, was established during World War II as Sioux City Army Air Base in 1942. Originally, it served as a training center for B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator bomber crews, playing a crucial role in preparing airmen for combat in the European and Pacific theaters. After the war, the base was deactivated but later reactivated during the Cold War, becoming home to Air National Guard units, most notably the 185th Air Refueling Wing. Today, Sioux City Air Base continues its legacy by supporting aerial refueling missions and serving as a vital component of national defense and disaster response efforts.

**Soesterberg Air Base** (AFB), located in the Netherlands, has a distinguished military history dating back to its establishment in 1913 as one of the oldest airfields in the country. During World War II, it was occupied and utilized by the German Luftwaffe, and after liberation, it returned to Dutch control. In 1954, Soesterberg became a vital NATO installation, hosting the United States Air Force's 32nd Fighter Squadron, which served as a key component of Western European air defense during the Cold War. The base remained active in various roles until its closure in 2008, leaving a legacy of transatlantic cooperation and defense.

The 17th Reconnaissance Wing was a unit of the United States Air Force assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC), with a period of notable activity at RAF Alconbury, England, during the early years of the Cold War. Activated in 1952, the wing’s primary mission was to conduct strategic photographic and electronic reconnaissance over Europe, gathering vital intelligence on Soviet and Warsaw Pact activities. Operating aircraft such as the RB-45C Tornado and later the RB-47 Stratojet, the 17th Reconnaissance Wing played a crucial role in supporting NATO’s defense posture and informing U.S. strategic planning. The wing was inactivated in 1958 as part of a broader realignment of SAC’s reconnaissance assets.

The Strife Fighter Weapons School was established in the late 20th century as an elite training institution dedicated to advancing air combat tactics and doctrine. Modeled after similar programs such as the U.S. Navy’s TOPGUN, the school focused on honing the skills of fighter pilots through rigorous simulated combat scenarios and advanced weapons employment techniques. Over the decades, graduates of Strife Fighter Weapons School have played pivotal roles in numerous conflicts, providing tactical expertise and leadership across various theaters of operation. The school remains a cornerstone of air superiority, continuously adapting its curriculum to address emerging threats and evolving technologies in modern aerial warfare.

The Supply unit at Holloman Air Force Base has played a vital role in supporting U.S. Air Force operations since the base’s establishment in 1942. Originally formed to provide essential logistical and materiel support for training and operational missions, the unit ensured the continuous availability of everything from aircraft parts to daily consumables. Over the decades, the Supply unit adapted to support a range of missions, including test and evaluation activities and the transition to advanced aircraft such as the F-117 Nighthawk and F-22 Raptor. Today, it remains a critical component, efficiently managing resources to sustain the 49th Wing and its tenant units in both peacetime and contingency operations.

The Syracuse Air Defense Sector (SADS) was an Air Defense Command unit of the United States Air Force, established in 1956. Headquartered at Hancock Field in Syracuse, New York, the sector was responsible for coordinating the air defense of the Northeastern United States, primarily using interceptor aircraft and radar installations. SADS played a key role during the early years of the Cold War, integrating the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system to enhance detection and response capabilities against potential Soviet bomber threats. The sector was inactivated in 1963 as part of a broader realignment and consolidation of air defense units across the country.

The Tactical Air Warfare Center (TAWC) was established by the United States Air Force in 1966 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, to serve as the service’s principal organization for the development and testing of tactical air warfare tactics, doctrine, and technologies. Its mission encompassed the evaluation of new aircraft, weapons systems, and electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring their effectiveness in combat scenarios. TAWC played a vital role during the Vietnam War and the Cold War by integrating lessons learned into operational practices and training programs. In 1991, TAWC was redesignated as the Air Force Air Warfare Center, continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence in air combat operations.

Training Command at Lackland Air Force Base, located in San Antonio, Texas, has played a pivotal role in shaping the United States Air Force since its establishment during World War II. Originally activated as part of the Army Air Forces, Lackland became known as the "Gateway to the Air Force," serving as the primary site for Basic Military Training (BMT) for enlisted personnel. Over the decades, Training Command at Lackland has expanded its mission to include technical training, leadership development, and joint service instruction, adapting to the evolving needs of the Air Force. Its legacy is reflected in the millions of Airmen who have launched their military careers from its grounds.

TUSLOG Detachment 100 was a United States Air Force unit established as part of The United States Logistics Group (TUSLOG) in Turkey during the Cold War. Based at Eskisehir Air Base, Det 100 supported NATO operations and facilitated coordination between U.S. and Turkish air forces. Its mission included logistical support, communications, and assistance in maintaining readiness of both U.S. and allied aircraft. The unit played a vital role in strengthening U.S.-Turkish military relations until it was inactivated as American presence in Turkey was reduced in the late 20th century.

TUSLOG Detachment 120 was a United States Air Force Security Service (USAFSS) unit stationed at Sinop, Turkey, during the Cold War. Established in the late 1950s under the TUSLOG (The United States Logistics Group) umbrella, Det 120 played a vital role in signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection, monitoring Soviet and Warsaw Pact communications in the Black Sea region. The unit operated sophisticated listening equipment and worked in close coordination with other American and NATO intelligence assets. TUSLOG Det 120 remained active until the late 1970s, when political changes in Turkey and evolving intelligence priorities led to its deactivation and the closure of the Sinop site.

TUSLOG Detachment 30 (The United States Logistics Group, Det 30) was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Karamürsel Air Station near Istanbul, Turkey, during the Cold War. Established in the 1950s, Det 30 played a critical role in signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance, monitoring Soviet and Warsaw Pact communications across the Black Sea region. The unit supported broader NATO intelligence efforts and provided vital information to U.S. and allied commanders throughout its tenure. TUSLOG Det 30 remained operational until the late 1970s, when changing political conditions and advancements in technology led to its deactivation.

TUSLOG Detachment 48-4 was a United States Air Force unit stationed in Istanbul, Turkey, during the Cold War era. Established under the larger TUSLOG (The United States Logistics Group) umbrella, Det 48-4 played a key role in supporting American military operations and intelligence activities in the region. Its primary mission involved providing logistical, administrative, and communications support to U.S. personnel assigned in Istanbul, acting as a crucial link between NATO allies. The unit contributed to strengthening U.S.-Turkish relations and enhancing NATO’s southern flank security throughout its period of operation.

The Tyndall Security Police, originally stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, were tasked with safeguarding critical air defense assets and personnel during the Cold War. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a detachment was assigned to Duluth International Airport Air Force Base (Duluth IAP AFB) in Minnesota, where they became known as the Duluth IAP AFB Security Police. Their primary mission was to protect the base’s nuclear-armed interceptor aircraft and ensure the security of the NORAD air defense alert facilities. The unit played a crucial role in maintaining base security during heightened periods of tension, including incidents such as the 1979 false alarm, which underscored the importance of their vigilance and rapid response capabilities.

**Unified Command Intelligence (UCI)** was established in 1998 as a joint military intelligence unit, designed to enhance inter-service information sharing and operational coordination. Formed in response to the intelligence challenges identified during multinational operations in the 1990s, UCI integrates analysts and resources from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Since its inception, the unit has supported major operations including counterterrorism campaigns and humanitarian missions, providing timely and actionable intelligence to unified combatant commands. UCI has been recognized for pioneering advancements in intelligence fusion and for fostering seamless collaboration across the Department of Defense’s intelligence community.

US Air Base Erding, located near the town of Erding in Bavaria, Germany, was originally constructed by the Luftwaffe in the 1930s. After World War II, the base was taken over by the United States Air Force and became a key site for Air Defense Command operations during the early years of the Cold War. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Erding Air Base supported fighter-interceptor squadrons and maintenance units, playing a significant role in NATO's defense strategy in Europe. The base was gradually returned to German control in the 1970s, but its legacy remains as an important part of US-German military cooperation during the Cold War era.

The USA Engineer Reactor Group was a specialized unit within the United States Army Corps of Engineers, established in the early 1950s during the height of the Cold War. Its primary mission was to develop, operate, and maintain portable and stationary nuclear reactors to provide power for military bases and remote installations. The Group played a pivotal role in the Army Nuclear Power Program, overseeing projects such as the deployment of the PM-2A reactor in Greenland and the SM-1 reactor at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Their efforts contributed significantly to the advancement of military nuclear technology and set the groundwork for future applications of nuclear power within the Department of Defense.

The USAF 52nd Aero Medical Evacuation Unit has its origins in the rapid expansion of U.S. Air Force aeromedical capabilities during the Cold War. Established to provide critical in-flight medical care, the unit has supported numerous operations, including humanitarian missions, combat casualty evacuations, and peacetime patient transfers worldwide. Over the decades, the 52nd has utilized various aircraft and adapted to evolving medical technologies to ensure wounded and ill personnel receive timely, lifesaving treatment en route to definitive care. Their professionalism and dedication have earned them recognition as a vital component of the Air Force’s global mobility and medical response teams.