U.S. Air Force

The 1st Combat Communications Group (1st CCG) was an elite communications unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated in 1952. Tasked with providing deployable communications and air traffic services, the group played a vital role in supporting global military operations, including contingency, humanitarian, and wartime missions. Over its history, the 1st CCG was stationed at several bases, most notably at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. The group earned numerous awards for its rapid response and technical excellence before being inactivated in 1991.

The 1st Combat Evaluation Group (1CEVG) was a United States Air Force unit established in 1961 under Strategic Air Command (SAC). Its primary mission was to assess and improve the effectiveness of SAC's bomber and missile forces through operational evaluations, radar bomb scoring, and electronic warfare training. The group managed several detachments and mobile teams equipped with sophisticated radar and scoring equipment, often simulating enemy defenses to sharpen aircrew skills. 1CEVG played a crucial role during the Cold War, ensuring SAC’s strategic forces maintained high readiness and accuracy until its inactivation in 1992 following the end of the Cold War and the restructuring of Air Force operations.

The 1st Tactical Fighter Wing (1st TFW) was established at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, in 1947, tracing its roots to the famed 1st Pursuit Group of World War I. Throughout the Cold War, the wing played a pivotal role in homeland defense and rapid deployment, operating aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-15 Eagle. The 1st TFW participated in numerous training exercises and was a key component of the United States’ air superiority strategy. In 1992, the wing was redesignated as the 1st Fighter Wing, continuing its legacy of excellence at Langley AFB.

The 2nd Mobile Communications Group (2nd MCG) was originally activated in 1966 at Clark Air Base, Philippines, as part of the United States Air Force's effort to provide rapid-deployment communications capabilities across the Pacific theater during the Vietnam War. The unit’s mission was to establish, operate, and maintain tactical communications in support of air operations, often deploying specialized teams and equipment to remote or contested locations to ensure command and control links. The 2nd MCG played a crucial role in supporting combat and humanitarian missions throughout Southeast Asia, adapting to advancements in communications technology over time. The unit was eventually inactivated in 1992, with its lineage and responsibilities transferred to successor communications units as part of the Air Force's post-Cold War restructuring.

The 394th Strategic Missile Squadron was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, initially constituted during World War II as a bombardment squadron. Reactivated during the Cold War, it was assigned to the management and training of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) operations, primarily at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The squadron played a pivotal role in overseeing test launches, missile crew training, and the development of operational tactics for the nation’s ICBM force. Its contributions significantly enhanced America's nuclear deterrence capabilities throughout the Cold War era before its eventual inactivation.

The 3rd Marine Amphibious Force (3rd MAF) was a major United States Marine Corps command during the Vietnam War, established in 1965. Headquartered in Da Nang, South Vietnam, 3rd MAF was responsible for all Marine operations in the I Corps Tactical Zone, the northernmost region of South Vietnam. The unit comprised the 1st and 3rd Marine Divisions, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and supporting elements, conducting combat operations, base defense, and civil affairs missions. 3rd MAF played a critical role in major campaigns such as the Battle of Khe Sanh and the defense of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) until its deactivation in 1971.

The **50th Tactical Fighter Wing** was a prominent United States Air Force unit stationed at Hahn Air Base, Germany, during the Cold War. Reactivated in 1953, the wing was tasked with providing air defense and tactical support for NATO forces in Europe, initially flying F-86 Sabres before transitioning to F-100 Super Sabres, F-4 Phantoms, and eventually the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Throughout its tenure at Hahn, the 50th TFW played a critical role in maintaining NATO’s deterrent posture against Warsaw Pact aggression. The wing was inactivated in 1991 following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe.

The 512th Airlift Wing, based at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, traces its origins to World War II, when it was first activated as the 1st Combat Cargo Group in 1944. Redesignated several times over the decades, the unit became the 512th Airlift Wing in 1965 as part of the Air Force Reserve. Throughout its history, the wing has provided vital strategic and tactical airlift in support of major operations, including Vietnam, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Today, the 512th Airlift Wing operates the C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, partnering with active-duty counterparts to deliver rapid global mobility for the United States Air Force.

80th Flying Training Wing

35 members

The 80th Flying Training Wing (80th FTW) was activated on January 1, 1973, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Its primary mission is to conduct undergraduate pilot training, notably hosting the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT), which began in 1981. This unique program brings together instructors and students from over a dozen NATO member nations, fostering international cooperation and standardizing pilot training among allies. Through its pivotal role, the 80th FTW has become a cornerstone of NATO airpower and international military collaboration.

932d Airlift Wing

35 members

The 932d Airlift Wing, based at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is an Air Force Reserve Command unit with a distinguished history dating back to its activation in 1963. Originally established as a troop carrier group, the wing has evolved to specialize in aeromedical evacuation and executive airlift missions. The 932d operates the C-40C aircraft, providing safe and reliable airlift for senior military and civilian leaders worldwide. Over the decades, the wing has supported numerous humanitarian, contingency, and VIP transport missions, earning recognition for its professionalism and operational excellence.

93rd Air Ground Operations Wing

35 members

The 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing (93rd AGOW) was activated on January 25, 2008, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, as part of the United States Air Force. It was formed to provide command and control of battlefield airmen, including tactical air control parties and battlefield weather units, enhancing air-ground integration for combat operations. The wing played a key role in supporting joint and coalition ground forces in both training and operational deployments, particularly in the Global War on Terrorism. In 2011, the unit was inactivated, and its mission and personnel were transferred to the reactivated 93rd Air Ground Operations Group.

The Air Weather Service (AWS) was established as a major command of the United States Air Force in 1943, initially tasked with providing critical weather support to military operations during World War II. Throughout the Cold War, AWS evolved to employ advanced meteorological techniques and technologies, supporting both strategic and tactical Air Force missions globally. The unit played a vital role in forecasting for air operations during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and its expertise was crucial in safeguarding aircrews and optimizing mission effectiveness. In 1997, AWS was redesignated as the Air Force Weather Agency, reflecting its expanded role in providing comprehensive environmental intelligence to the Air Force and Department of Defense.

The 16th Civil Engineer Squadron (16th CES) is a unit of the United States Air Force, historically assigned to Hurlburt Field, Florida, under the 16th Special Operations Wing. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron provided vital engineering support, including base construction, maintenance, and rapid runway repair, to enable special operations missions. Throughout its service, the 16th CES played a key role in supporting deployments, humanitarian missions, and contingency operations worldwide. The unit was inactivated in 2006 when the 16th Special Operations Wing was re-designated as the 1st Special Operations Wing, and its civil engineering functions were realigned accordingly.

The 20th Tactical Fighter Wing (20 TFW) was originally activated in 1947 as part of the United States Air Force. The unit served prominently during the Cold War, stationed at various bases in Europe, including RAF Wethersfield and RAF Upper Heyford in the United Kingdom, where it provided air defense and tactical fighter capabilities for NATO. Flying aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre, F-111 Aardvark, and later the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the 20 TFW participated in numerous training exercises and maintained a high state of combat readiness. In 1993, the wing was inactivated at RAF Upper Heyford but was later reactivated at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, continuing its legacy as the 20th Fighter Wing.

The 5th Combat Communications Group (5th CCG), known as the "Mobility Airmen," was activated in 1966 at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. Its primary mission is to provide rapidly deployable communications and air traffic control services in support of U.S. Air Force and joint operations worldwide. Over the decades, the 5th CCG has supported major military operations including Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and humanitarian relief efforts. Renowned for its readiness and versatility, the group continues to play a vital role in enabling command and control for deployed forces.

711th Human Performance Wing

34 members

The 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) was established in 2008 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, as part of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Formed through the merger of the Human Effectiveness Directorate and the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, the wing focuses on advancing human performance, aerospace medicine, and bioeffects research to enhance Air Force operational capabilities. The 711 HPW supports airmen readiness through studies in physiology, psychology, and technology integration, working closely with military and civilian partners. Its research contributes significantly to improving the safety, health, and effectiveness of Air Force personnel worldwide.

The 97th Bomb Wing was activated in 1947 as part of the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command. Initially stationed at Biggs Air Force Base, Texas, the wing operated B-29 and later B-47 and B-52 bombers, playing a key role in America's nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. Over the decades, the 97th participated in various strategic missions and training exercises, adapting to evolving technologies and aircraft. In 1992, the wing transitioned to Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where it shifted focus to air mobility and training missions as the 97th Air Mobility Wing.

The **105th Tactical Airlift Group (TAC), New York Air National Guard (NYANG)**, traces its origins to the post-World War II reorganization of the Air National Guard. Established in 1956, the unit was initially assigned a tactical airlift mission, operating aircraft such as the C-119 Flying Boxcar to support both state and federal missions. Throughout the Cold War, the 105th TAC played a crucial role in providing rapid airlift capabilities for personnel, equipment, and humanitarian aid, both domestically and abroad. Over the years, the unit has evolved in mission and equipment, later transitioning to larger transport aircraft and ultimately becoming the 105th Airlift Wing, based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York.

The 20th Security Police Squadron (20th SPS) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to provide base security and law enforcement at RAF Upper Heyford, England, during the Cold War. Activated in the 1950s, the squadron played a crucial role in safeguarding USAFE assets, including nuclear-capable aircraft and strategic resources. Throughout its tenure, the 20th SPS enforced security protocols, managed access control, and responded to potential threats, ensuring the operational readiness of the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing. The unit was inactivated following the closure of RAF Upper Heyford in the 1990s, marking the end of its distinguished service.

The 6913th Radio Squadron Mobile (RSM) was a United States Air Force signals intelligence unit activated in 1951 during the early years of the Cold War. Stationed primarily at Bremerhaven, Germany, the unit’s mission focused on intercepting and analyzing Soviet and Warsaw Pact communications as part of broader efforts to monitor potential threats to NATO forces in Europe. The 6913th RSM played a vital role in electronic surveillance, cryptologic operations, and providing intelligence support to U.S. and allied commands throughout its operational period. The unit was eventually inactivated in 1968 as technological advancements and strategic priorities led to the reorganization of Air Force intelligence assets.

908th Airlift Wing

33 members

The 908th Airlift Wing, based at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve Command. Established in 1963, the wing has primarily operated tactical airlift missions, notably flying the C-130 Hercules for several decades. The 908th has supported a wide range of operations, including humanitarian relief, disaster response, and overseas deployments in support of contingencies such as Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In recent years, the unit has begun transitioning to a new mission, preparing to train aircrew for the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter, marking a significant evolution in its operational role.

Keesler Air Force Base, home to the Air Training Command (ATC), was established in 1941 in Biloxi, Mississippi, as a vital training center for the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. The base quickly became renowned for its technical training programs, specializing in aircraft maintenance, electronics, and radar operations, which were crucial to Allied air superiority. Throughout the Cold War and into the modern era, Keesler AFB's ATC continued to evolve, adapting to new technologies and expanding its curriculum to include cyber and communications training. Today, Keesler remains a cornerstone of Air Force technical education, shaping generations of airmen for operational excellence.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is a bi-national military organization established in 1958 by the United States and Canada to provide aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and defense for North America. Originally created during the Cold War to detect and respond to potential Soviet bomber and missile attacks, NORAD’s headquarters is located at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado. Over the decades, the command has evolved to address new threats, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles and, more recently, aerospace threats including drones and potential space-based dangers. NORAD is well-known for its annual "NORAD Tracks Santa" program, but its core mission remains the vigilant defense of North American airspace through close U.S.-Canadian cooperation.

**Office of Special Investigations (OSI) – Military History** The United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI) was established on August 1, 1948, as a separate investigative agency modeled after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Its primary mission is to conduct criminal investigations, counterintelligence, and specialized investigative activities to protect Air Force and Space Force personnel and resources. Over the decades, OSI has played a critical role in uncovering espionage, combating terrorism, and supporting contingency operations worldwide. Today, OSI operates globally, providing essential security and investigative support to ensure the integrity and readiness of the U.S. Air and Space Forces.