U.S. Air Force

The 659th Tactical Hospital (659th TAC Hospital) was a United States Air Force medical unit activated during the Cold War era. It was assigned to support tactical fighter wings, providing comprehensive medical, dental, and emergency services to both military personnel and their families. Stationed primarily at Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas, the unit played a critical role in maintaining the operational readiness of USAF units by ensuring quality healthcare and rapid casualty response capabilities. The 659th TAC Hospital was inactivated as part of post-Cold War force reductions and realignments within the Air Force medical service structure.

The 65th Squadron, part of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, traces its origins to World War II, when it was first activated as the 65th Troop Carrier Squadron in 1943. During the war, it played a crucial role in airborne operations and logistics, supporting Allied campaigns in the European Theater. After several periods of inactivation and reactivation, the squadron was redesignated and eventually became part of the Air Force Reserve, focusing on air refueling and mobility missions. Today, the 65th Squadron upholds its legacy of excellence by providing critical support to U.S. and allied air operations worldwide.

The **661st Radar Squadron** was an Air Defense Command unit of the United States Air Force, activated in 1949. Stationed primarily at Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan, it was tasked with operating and maintaining radar systems for the early detection and tracking of potential airborne threats during the Cold War. The squadron played a vital role in North American air defense, providing continuous surveillance and contributing data to the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system. The unit was inactivated in 1974 as advances in technology and changes in defense priorities led to the reorganization of air defense assets.

The 66th Electronic Combat Wing (66th ECW) was an important unit of the United States Air Force specializing in electronic warfare. Activated in 1985 at Sembach Air Base, Germany, the wing operated EC-130H Compass Call aircraft to provide electronic countermeasures and suppression of enemy air defenses, supporting NATO operations during the Cold War. The wing played a vital role in disrupting enemy communications and radar systems, enhancing the effectiveness and survivability of allied air operations. The 66th ECW was inactivated in 1991 following the drawdown of US forces in Europe after the end of the Cold War.

The 671st Naval Air Squadron (NAS) was a Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm unit formed during World War II. Established in 1944, it specialized in glider operations and training, primarily based in India as part of the British efforts in the Southeast Asian theater. The squadron played a crucial role in preparing for airborne assaults, including potential operations in Burma, by training personnel in the use of military gliders like the Waco Hadrian. The 671st NAS was disbanded in November 1945 following the end of the war and the reduced need for glider-borne operations.

The 67th Security Police Squadron (67th SPS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for providing security and law enforcement at key Air Force installations. Activated during the Vietnam War era, the 67th SPS was stationed at Yokota Air Base in Japan, where its personnel protected critical assets and supported U.S. air operations in the Pacific theater. The squadron played a vital role in safeguarding aircraft, facilities, and personnel, ensuring base security during periods of heightened tension in the region. Over the years, the 67th SPS contributed to the overall mission readiness and operational effectiveness of the Air Force presence in Japan before its eventual redesignation as part of broader security force restructuring.

The 685th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (ACW Squadron) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the early years of the Cold War. Established in 1953, the squadron was tasked with operating radar sites for air defense, providing early warning and ground-controlled interception against potential aerial threats. The 685th ACW Squadron was assigned to various Air Defense Command sectors and played a crucial role in the continental air defense network. The unit was inactivated in 1963 as part of a broader reorganization and modernization of air defense systems.

The 689th Aircraft Control and Warning (AC&W) Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force activated during the early years of the Cold War. Established in 1953, the squadron was primarily tasked with radar surveillance and air defense operations, operating out of Mount Hebo Air Force Station in Oregon. Its mission was to detect, track, and identify potential airborne threats as part of the Air Defense Command's broader effort to safeguard North American airspace. The 689th AC&W Squadron played a critical role in early warning systems until it was inactivated in the late 1960s as newer technologies and organizational changes rendered many such squadrons obsolete.

The 68th Military Airlift Squadron was originally constituted as the 68th Troop Carrier Squadron in 1942, serving actively during World War II with missions in the Southwest Pacific Theater. The squadron played a crucial role in transporting troops, supplies, and evacuating casualties, contributing to Allied operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. Post-war, the unit underwent several redesignations and assignments, adapting to various airlift roles as part of the United States Air Force’s strategic and tactical mobility missions. In the Cold War era, the squadron operated under the Military Airlift Command, providing global airlift support before its eventual inactivation in 1993.

The 6911th Security Squadron was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Hahn Air Base, Germany, during the Cold War. Activated in the late 1950s, the squadron was part of the USAF Security Service, specializing in signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance operations aimed at monitoring Warsaw Pact communications. Its personnel played a critical role in gathering intelligence that supported NATO strategic planning and U.S. Air Force operations in Europe. The unit remained operational at Hahn AB until its inactivation or reassignment as part of broader USAF restructuring toward the end of the Cold War.

The 6927th Security Group was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era, tasked primarily with signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance operations. Established in the late 1950s, the group was stationed at Iraklion Air Station on the island of Crete, Greece, where it played a vital role in monitoring Soviet and Warsaw Pact communications in the eastern Mediterranean region. The unit operated a range of advanced listening and interception equipment, supporting both U.S. and NATO intelligence efforts. The group was inactivated in 1993 as part of post-Cold War force reductions and restructuring within the Air Force's intelligence community.

The 692nd Radon was a Soviet military unit specializing in radiological, chemical, and biological defense, primarily tasked with the detection and decontamination of hazardous materials. Established during the Cold War, the unit played a critical role in safeguarding Soviet forces against nuclear and chemical threats, often conducting training exercises and emergency response operations. Stationed in various strategic locations, the 692nd Radon was equipped with advanced detection instruments and protective gear. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the unit was either reorganized or its responsibilities absorbed into successor states' defense structures.

The 694th Aircraft Control and Warning (AC&W) Radar Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the early years of the Cold War. Established in 1956, the squadron was responsible for operating radar sites crucial to the air defense network, providing early warning and tracking of potential airborne threats. Stationed at Lewistown Air Force Station in Montana, the 694th played a key role in monitoring North American airspace as part of the Air Defense Command. The unit was inactivated in 1968 as technological advancements and changes in defense strategies led to a restructuring of U.S. air defense forces.

The 6968th Electronic Instrumentation Squadron (6968EIS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for supporting test and evaluation missions through advanced instrumentation and telemetry services. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in gathering and analyzing data from weapons tests and missile launches, contributing to the development and refinement of U.S. aerospace technology. Stationed at various locations, including Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, the 6968EIS worked closely with other test and evaluation units, ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of critical defense systems. The unit’s technical expertise in electronic instrumentation was instrumental in advancing the Air Force’s research and development capabilities until its eventual inactivation.

The 6983rd Radio Squadron, Mobile (6983D RADRONMO), was a United States Air Force signals intelligence unit activated during the early years of the Cold War. Stationed at March Air Force Base, California, the squadron played a critical role in monitoring and intercepting foreign communications to support national security operations. The unit was part of the broader Air Force Security Service, specializing in electronic intelligence gathering. Throughout its tenure, the 6983rd contributed significantly to the U.S. Air Force's global intelligence capabilities before being inactivated or redesignated as technology and organizational priorities evolved.

The 6988th Radio Squadron, Mobile (RSM), was a United States Air Force signals intelligence unit activated in 1951 during the Korean War. Stationed primarily at Yokota Air Base in Japan, the unit’s mission was to provide critical communications intelligence (COMINT) support by intercepting, analyzing, and reporting enemy radio transmissions. The 6988 RSM played a significant role in supplying real-time intelligence to United Nations forces, contributing to air operations and strategic planning throughout the conflict. After the Korean War, the unit continued its intelligence-gathering mission in the region until it was eventually redesignated and integrated into the evolving Air Force Security Service structure.

The 6993rd Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit active during the Vietnam War era. Established to provide security for sensitive USAF operations, it was primarily tasked with protecting personnel, equipment, and classified intelligence-gathering missions, particularly those involving airborne reconnaissance. The squadron played a vital role in safeguarding assets at key installations in Southeast Asia, including bases in Thailand and Vietnam. Its efforts contributed significantly to the overall security and success of U.S. Air Force signals intelligence operations during the conflict.

The 6th Air Defense Missile Squadron (6th ADMS) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era. Established in the late 1950s, the squadron was tasked with operating surface-to-air missile systems, notably the BOMARC missile, to provide air defense for strategic areas in the northeastern United States. Stationed at Suffolk County Air Force Base, New York, the 6th ADMS played a vital role in the nation's air defense network under the Air Defense Command. The unit was inactivated in 1964 as advancements in missile technology and changes in defense strategy led to the realignment of air defense forces.

The 6th Civil Engineer Squadron (6th CES) is a key support unit assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Established to provide comprehensive engineering, emergency management, and environmental services, the squadron plays a crucial role in maintaining base infrastructure and operational readiness. Throughout its history, the 6th CES has supported a wide range of missions, from rapid airfield repairs in contingency operations to disaster response and recovery efforts. The squadron’s expertise ensures the sustainment and security of vital Air Force assets, contributing significantly to national defense objectives.

The **6th Emergency Air Rescue Squadron (A.P.O. 245)** was activated during World War II to provide critical air-sea rescue operations across the Pacific Theater. Equipped with specialized aircraft such as the OA-10 Catalina and later the SB-17 "Dumbo," the squadron’s crews conducted daring missions to locate and recover downed airmen and stranded personnel, often under hostile conditions. Operating from various bases as Allied forces advanced, the 6th played a vital role in increasing the survival rates of aircrews during bombing raids and reconnaissance flights. Their valor and effectiveness earned them commendation, and they contributed significantly to the overall success of Allied air operations in the Pacific.

The 6th Shoran Beacon Squadron was a specialized unit established by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Tasked with operating SHORAN (Short Range Navigation) beacon equipment, the squadron provided critical navigational support for bomber and reconnaissance missions in the European Theater. By deploying and maintaining ground-based SHORAN transmitters, the unit enabled Allied aircraft to conduct precise bombing runs under adverse weather and low-visibility conditions. The 6th Shoran Beacon Squadron's contributions greatly improved the accuracy and effectiveness of air operations, supporting the broader strategic bombing campaign against Axis targets.

The 6th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, commonly referred to as the 6th MASS, is renowned for its pivotal role in the early days of the American Civil War. Mustered into federal service in April 1861, the regiment gained national fame when its troops were attacked by a pro-secession mob while passing through Baltimore, Maryland, resulting in the first Union casualties of the war. Throughout its service, the 6th MASS participated in various operations, including the defense of Washington, D.C., and the occupation of key Southern territories. The unit's actions exemplified swift mobilization and dedication, marking it as one of the most notable early-war regiments in Union history.

The 701st Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (701st ACWRON) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Defense Command (ADC). Activated in 1953, the squadron was responsible for operating radar sites to provide early warning and airspace surveillance during the Cold War, playing a key role in continental air defense. The unit was stationed at Fort Fisher Air Force Station, North Carolina, where it monitored and tracked potentially hostile aircraft approaching the U.S. East Coast. The 701st ACWRON was inactivated in 1970 as advances in radar technology and changes in defense priorities led to the consolidation of air defense assets.

**713th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (713 AMES)** The 713th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (713 AMES) traces its origins to the early years of the United States Air Force's expansion during the Cold War, established to provide critical maintenance support for frontline aircraft. Over the decades, the unit has supported a variety of aircraft platforms, ensuring operational readiness during key conflicts and deployments, including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Renowned for its technical expertise and commitment to excellence, the 713 AMES has earned multiple unit awards for outstanding performance. Today, the squadron continues its mission, maintaining advanced airframes and supporting global Air Force operations.