U.S. Air Force

Lakehurst Naval Air Base, established in 1921 in New Jersey, quickly became a pivotal center for U.S. Navy lighter-than-air operations. The base gained historical significance as the site of the Hindenburg disaster in 1937, highlighting the end of the airship era. During World War II, Lakehurst played a vital role in anti-submarine patrols and the training of airship crews. In the postwar years, it continued to support naval aviation research, particularly in launching and recovery systems for aircraft carriers. Today, it is part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, supporting a variety of military operations and training missions.

The 146th Airlift Wing (146 AW) is a unit of the California Air National Guard, stationed at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station near Oxnard, California. Established in 1943 as the 373rd Fighter Group, the unit has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, notably transitioning to airlift operations in the post-World War II era. The 146th AW has participated in numerous humanitarian and combat missions, including aerial firefighting with its Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS), disaster relief, and overseas deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Today, the wing operates the C-130J Hercules, providing tactical airlift capabilities to both state and federal missions.

The 1964th Communications Group was a United States Air Force unit established to provide vital communications support within the Pacific theater. Activated during the Cold War, it played a key role in maintaining command and control capabilities for U.S. forces stationed in the region, particularly in the Philippines at Clark Air Base. The group managed a variety of communications systems, including radio, telephone, and secure data links, ensuring reliable information flow for both operational and administrative needs. Its contributions were critical during periods of heightened tension and conflict, notably during the Vietnam War, before the group was inactivated as part of broader post-Cold War restructuring.

The 1st USAF Hospital (ADC) was a United States Air Force medical unit assigned to the Air Defense Command (ADC). Established during the early Cold War period, its primary mission was to provide comprehensive medical care and support to Air Force personnel and their families stationed at key ADC installations. The hospital played a crucial role in maintaining the health and readiness of aircrews and ground personnel responsible for the continental air defense of the United States. Throughout its existence, the 1st USAF Hospital contributed significantly to the overall effectiveness and morale of the Air Defense Command until its eventual inactivation or reorganization as the Air Force's medical structure evolved.

The **3701st Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS)** was established at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, as part of the United States Air Force’s foundational training infrastructure. Activated in the late 1940s, the squadron was responsible for the initial military training of thousands of Air Force recruits, instilling discipline, physical fitness, and basic military skills. Over the decades, the 3701st BMTS adapted to changes in training doctrine and technology, playing a crucial role during periods of large-scale mobilization such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The unit’s legacy is marked by its contribution to shaping generations of Airmen before it was eventually inactivated and its lineage consolidated during Air Force training reorganizations.

The 6910th Security Wing was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1974 at Sembach Air Base, West Germany, during the Cold War. It operated under the United States Air Force Security Service (USAFSS), specializing in signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance missions focused on monitoring Warsaw Pact communications. The wing played a crucial role in intelligence-gathering efforts supporting NATO operations and maintaining situational awareness of Soviet military activities in Europe. In 1978, the 6910th Security Wing was inactivated, with its personnel and missions absorbed by other USAFSS units as part of a broader realignment of intelligence assets.

The 6927th Security Squadron was a United States Air Force unit established during the Cold War era, primarily tasked with signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance missions. Activated in the late 1950s, the squadron operated from Iraklion Air Station on the island of Crete, Greece. Its personnel played a crucial role in intercepting and analyzing communications from the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc nations, providing valuable intelligence to U.S. and NATO commanders. The 6927th remained active until the early 1990s when changing geopolitical conditions and technological advancements led to its inactivation and the closure of Iraklion Air Station.

Inshore Undersea Warfare Group One (IUWG-1) was a United States Navy unit established during the Cold War era to provide harbor defense and security in U.S. and allied ports. The unit specialized in inshore and nearshore undersea warfare, focusing on the detection and deterrence of enemy submarines and underwater threats, such as mines and sabotage divers. IUWG-1 operated a variety of sensors, patrol craft, and surveillance equipment, and was composed primarily of Navy Reserve personnel trained for rapid deployment. The group played a critical role in ensuring the safety of naval bases and harbors, particularly during heightened periods of tension, before being disestablished in the early 2000s as part of a Navy reorganization.

The 0306th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) was a unit of the United States Air Force specializing in aerial refueling operations. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron played a vital role in extending the range and endurance of strategic bombers and fighter aircraft, supporting both deterrence and rapid deployment missions. Stationed at various key bases, the 0306 ARS operated aircraft such as the KC-135 Stratotanker, participating in major exercises and real-world contingencies. The unit’s contributions enhanced the USAF’s global reach before its eventual inactivation as part of a force restructuring effort.

The 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard (113th DC ANG), traces its roots back to 1946 when it was established as the 352d Fighter Group (Air National Guard) and later redesignated as the 113th Fighter Wing. Headquartered at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, the unit has participated in a wide range of missions, including air sovereignty alert, homeland defense, and overseas deployments. The 113th Wing notably responded to the September 11 attacks by providing immediate air defense over the nation’s capital. Over the decades, the unit has operated a variety of aircraft, most recently flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon and supporting the nation’s air defense with both fighter and airlift capabilities.

The 18th Tactical Fighter Wing (18 TFW) is a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force with a lineage tracing back to World War II. Originally established as the 18th Fighter Group in 1927, it was redesignated several times before becoming the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing in 1964. Stationed at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, the 18 TFW played a pivotal role in air defense and tactical operations throughout the Pacific, including significant involvement in the Vietnam War. Over the years, the unit has operated a variety of fighter aircraft, most notably the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-15 Eagle, maintaining its reputation as a premier fighter wing in the Pacific theater.

The 1836th Engineering Installation Group (1836 EIG) is a specialized unit within the United States Air Force, known for its expertise in engineering, installing, and maintaining critical communications and information systems infrastructure. Established during the Cold War era, the unit has played a vital role in supporting Air Force operations by ensuring robust and secure communications capabilities at home and abroad. Over the decades, the 1836 EIG has deployed to numerous locations around the world, providing rapid-response support for both peacetime and contingency operations. Through its technical proficiency and dedication, the unit continues to be an essential component of the Air Force’s global communications network.

The 27th Tactical Fighter Wing (27th TFW) was established in 1947 and originally assigned to Kearney Army Airfield, Nebraska, flying P-51 Mustangs. The unit saw combat during the Korean War, flying F-84 Thunderjets on ground attack and escort missions. Over the decades, the 27th TFW transitioned through several aircraft, including the F-100 Super Sabre and F-111 Aardvark, and was stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. The wing played a significant role in tactical fighter operations until it was redesignated as the 27th Fighter Wing in 1991, reflecting broader changes within the U.S. Air Force.

The 301st Strategic Aerospace Command (SAC), originally constituted as the 301st Bombardment Group during World War II, played a significant role in strategic bombing campaigns over Europe, flying B-17 Flying Fortress missions against enemy targets. After the war, the unit was re-designated and integrated into the Strategic Air Command, reflecting the shift to a nuclear deterrence posture during the Cold War. Throughout its service, the 301st operated a variety of advanced aircraft, including the B-29 Superfortress and later bombers, contributing to America's global strategic reach. The unit underwent several reorganizations and inactivations as the U.S. Air Force adapted to changing defense needs.

The 321st Missile Security Squadron (321st MSS) was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, tasked with providing security for the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) facilities at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Activated in the 1960s during the height of the Cold War, the squadron played a vital role in safeguarding the 321st Strategic Missile Wing’s Minuteman missile silos and associated assets. Personnel of the 321st MSS conducted continuous patrols, rapid response operations, and security assessments to maintain the integrity of the nation’s nuclear deterrent. The unit remained active until the 1990s, when the deactivation of the 321st Strategic Missile Wing led to its inactivation.

The **381st Strategic Missile Wing** was activated in 1962 at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, as part of the United States Air Force’s Strategic Air Command. Its primary mission focused on maintaining and operating intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), initially the Titan II, as a critical element of America’s nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. The wing managed 18 missile silos and maintained a constant state of readiness until the Titan II system was phased out in the mid-1980s. The 381st was inactivated in 1986, following the decommissioning of its missile sites, marking the end of an important era in U.S. strategic defense.

The 400th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (400th MMS) was an Air Force unit responsible for the storage, maintenance, and readiness of nuclear and conventional munitions during the Cold War era. Activated in the early 1960s, the squadron played a crucial role in supporting the Strategic Air Command’s deterrence mission, primarily at bases in Europe and the United States. Its highly trained personnel ensured the safety, security, and rapid deployment capability of strategic weapons systems. The 400th MMS was eventually inactivated or redesignated as the Air Force underwent organizational changes in the later decades of the 20th century.

The 56th Combat Support Group was first activated in 1952 at Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan, as part of the 56th Fighter-Interceptor Wing. Its primary mission was to provide essential base support functions, including logistics, security, and maintenance, to ensure the operational readiness of fighter units during the early years of the Cold War. Over the years, the group underwent several redesignations and relocations in support of evolving Air Force missions. Eventually, its lineage and honors became associated with the 56th Mission Support Group at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where it continues to deliver vital support to flying training and operational squadrons.

The 602nd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for the maintenance and support of tactical aircraft during its period of activity. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was assigned to various wings, notably the 602nd Tactical Air Control Wing, and provided essential maintenance services to ensure aircraft readiness and mission capability. The 602nd OMS played a vital role in supporting air operations, including those related to forward air control and tactical reconnaissance missions. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader USAF organizational changes and restructuring in the late 20th century.

The 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (67th TAC) was a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force, with its origins tracing back to World War II. Initially activated in 1943, it provided crucial aerial reconnaissance support during major campaigns in the European Theater. Reactivated during the Cold War, the unit was stationed in Japan and South Korea, where it played a vital role in intelligence gathering and surveillance throughout the Korean War and the tense years that followed. The 67th TAC’s dedication to tactical reconnaissance made it an integral part of U.S. and allied air operations in the Pacific region until its eventual inactivation.

The 728th Tactical Control Squadron (TCS) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era. Established in the late 1950s, the squadron’s primary mission was to provide tactical air control and radar surveillance for air operations, supporting both air defense and ground forces. The 728th TCS was stationed at various locations, including Germany and other European bases, to bolster NATO’s air defense network during periods of heightened tension. The unit was eventually inactivated as advances in technology and restructuring of air control operations rendered its mission obsolete.

The 92nd Security Police Squadron (92nd SPS) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Activated during the Cold War, the 92nd SPS was responsible for base security, law enforcement, and the protection of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers of the 92nd Bombardment Wing. Squadron members participated in numerous exercises and real-world contingency operations, maintaining high readiness and adapting to evolving threats. The 92nd SPS was later redesignated as the 92nd Security Forces Squadron as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization in the late 1990s.

The 93rd Field Maintenance Squadron (93rd FMS) was a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, originally assigned to the 93rd Bombardment Wing at Castle Air Force Base, California. Activated during the Cold War era, the 93rd FMS provided essential aircraft maintenance and logistical support for the wing's fleet of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers. The squadron ensured the operational readiness and effectiveness of strategic bombing and aerial refueling missions, contributing to the United States' nuclear deterrence posture. The 93rd FMS was eventually inactivated following the restructuring and closure of Castle AFB in the early 1990s.

The 11th Weather Squadron was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing meteorological support to military operations. Activated during World War II, the squadron played a pivotal role in delivering weather forecasts and analyses crucial for planning air missions and ground operations. Over the decades, the unit supported various commands, adapting to technological advances in weather prediction and satellite observation. The 11th Weather Squadron was inactivated in 1992 as part of broader Air Force restructuring, with its mission and personnel absorbed by other weather units.