U.S. Air Force

Yokota Air Base, located in Fussa, Tokyo, Japan, has served as a vital hub for U.S. military operations in the Pacific since its establishment by the Imperial Japanese Army in 1940 and subsequent occupation by U.S. forces in 1945. Following World War II, the base was developed into a major U.S. Air Force installation, playing a significant role during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and throughout the Cold War as a strategic airlift and command center. Today, Yokota AFB is home to the 374th Airlift Wing and serves as the headquarters for United States Forces Japan and the Fifth Air Force. The base continues to support regional stability, humanitarian missions, and joint training exercises, underscoring its enduring importance in the U.S.-Japan security alliance.

The 1100th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. Activated in the mid-20th century, the 1100 CES was responsible for base civil engineering functions, including construction, maintenance, and emergency response in support of base operations. The squadron played a crucial role in supporting the unique mission requirements of the National Capital Region, ensuring the infrastructure and facilities at Bolling AFB remained operational and secure. The 1100 CES was eventually inactivated as part of organizational restructuring and base realignment efforts.

The 149th Fighter Wing, based at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is a unit of the Texas Air National Guard with a distinguished heritage dating back to its establishment in 1943. Originally activated as the 396th Fighter Squadron during World War II, the unit flew combat missions in the European Theater. Over the decades, the Wing has transitioned through various aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre and F-4 Phantom II, and today operates the F-16 Fighting Falcon, providing advanced pilot training and combat-ready capabilities. The 149th Fighter Wing has supported numerous federal and state missions, demonstrating excellence in homeland defense, disaster response, and overseas deployments.

The 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), or 19th SFG(A), is a unit of the United States Army National Guard and one of two National Guard groups that make up part of Army Special Forces. Constituted in 1961, the 19th SFG(A) has its headquarters in Draper, Utah, with subordinate battalions stationed across several western states. The group has participated in numerous operations, including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and other locations as part of the Global War on Terrorism. Renowned for its expertise in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and direct action missions, the 19th SFG(A) works closely with allied forces and supports both federal and state missions.

The 1st Supply Squadron (ADC) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Defense Command (ADC). Activated in the early years of the Cold War, the squadron was responsible for providing vital logistical and supply support to ADC units, ensuring operational readiness during a period of heightened tensions. The squadron managed procurement, storage, and distribution of equipment, spare parts, and other essential materials necessary for air defense missions. It played a crucial supporting role until its eventual inactivation as part of broader organizational changes within the Air Force logistics structure.

The 323rd Air Base Group (Air Training Command) was activated in 1952 at Mather Air Force Base, California, as part of the United States Air Force’s expanding Cold War training infrastructure. Tasked with providing essential base operations and support, the 323rd ABG played a critical role in sustaining navigator and electronic warfare officer training for the Air Training Command. Throughout its tenure, the unit ensured the smooth functioning of base services, security, and logistics for thousands of airmen and trainees. The group’s legacy is closely tied to the history of Mather AFB, supporting vital training missions until the base’s closure in 1993.

The 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron, known as the "Olympos," is one of the oldest and most distinguished fighter squadrons in the Hellenic Air Force. Established in 1943 in the Middle East during World War II, the unit initially operated under British command and flew Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire aircraft. Throughout its history, the squadron has participated in major conflicts, including World War II and the Greek Civil War, and later transitioned to flying modern jet aircraft such as the F-84, F-4 Phantom II, and most recently the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Renowned for its operational excellence, the 336th continues to play a vital role in Greece’s air defense and NATO missions.

The 33rd Communications Squadron (33rd Comm Sq) is a United States Air Force unit with a distinguished history in providing vital communications support. Activated in various forms since World War II, the squadron has been integral to enabling command and control operations, cyber defense, and secure communications for the 33rd Fighter Wing and its associated units. Over the decades, the 33rd Comm Sq has adapted to the rapidly changing landscape of military technology, transitioning from traditional radio and telephone systems to advanced digital and cyber systems. Its personnel have supported missions at home and abroad, ensuring seamless information flow essential for modern air operations and national defense.

The 341st Civil Engineering Squadron (CES), assigned to Strategic Air Command (SAC), was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. Tasked with supporting the base’s infrastructure, the 341 CES played a critical role in maintaining missile silos and facilities integral to the Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) mission during the Cold War. The squadron’s expertise ensured that the base remained operational and ready to respond to national security requirements at a moment’s notice. Over the years, the 341 CES has continued to provide vital engineering and emergency services in support of Malmstrom’s mission and the United States Air Force.

The **36th Security Police Squadron** was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, primarily stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Established during the Cold War, the squadron was responsible for base defense, law enforcement, and security operations, ensuring the safeguarding of U.S. assets and personnel in the Pacific region. Throughout its history, the 36th Security Police Squadron played a crucial role during major operations, including the Vietnam War and Operation Linebacker II, by providing security for strategic bombers and support units. The squadron later transitioned into the 36th Security Forces Squadron, continuing its legacy of excellence in force protection and security operations.

The 410th Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with providing security and law enforcement for the 410th Bombardment Wing, stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan, during the Cold War era. Activated during the rapid expansion of Strategic Air Command forces, the squadron played a key role in safeguarding nuclear weapons, aircraft, and critical infrastructure from potential threats. Its personnel participated in numerous base defense exercises and maintained a high state of readiness throughout its service. The 410th Security Police Squadron was inactivated following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent closure of K.I. Sawyer AFB in 1995.

The 449th Bombardment Wing (Strategic Air Command), activated in 1963, was based at Kincheloe Air Force Base, Michigan. Equipped primarily with B-52H Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers, the 449th BW played a key role in maintaining America's nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. The wing participated in several strategic alert and training missions, ensuring rapid response capabilities. The unit remained operational until 1977, when it was inactivated following the closure of Kincheloe AFB.

The 463rd Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for maintaining and supporting the aircraft assigned to the 463rd Airlift Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a vital role in ensuring the operational readiness of tactical airlift aircraft, notably the C-130 Hercules. Stationed at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, the 463rd FMS provided essential maintenance, repair, and logistical support for airlift missions worldwide. The unit contributed significantly to air mobility operations until its inactivation or reorganization during subsequent USAF structural changes.

The 49th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (49th FIS) was an active United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with air defense missions during the Cold War. Originally activated in 1941, the squadron saw service in World War II, operating in the Pacific Theater. Reactivated during the Cold War, the 49th FIS was stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base, New York, where it flew aircraft such as the F-106 Delta Dart to protect northeastern U.S. airspace. The unit was inactivated in 1987 as part of a broader restructuring of continental air defense forces.

The 6915th Security Group was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1974 at Sembach Air Base, West Germany, as part of the U.S. Air Force Security Service (USAFSS). Its primary mission was signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance during the Cold War, focusing on monitoring Warsaw Pact communications. The unit played a crucial role in gathering intelligence and providing early warning to U.S. and NATO forces in Europe. The 6915th Security Group was inactivated in 1991 following the end of the Cold War and restructuring of U.S. intelligence operations in Europe.

The 7025th Air Postal Squadron was a United States Air Force unit responsible for managing and distributing mail and postal services for U.S. military personnel stationed in Europe. Activated in the post-World War II era, the squadron played a crucial role in maintaining morale by ensuring reliable communication between service members and their families back home. Operating primarily from bases in Germany, the 7025th coordinated with both military and civilian postal agencies to handle the vast volume of mail generated by American forces during the Cold War. The squadron's efforts contributed significantly to the well-being and operational effectiveness of U.S. forces overseas until its eventual inactivation.

919th Special Operations Wing

32 members

The 919th Special Operations Wing (919 SOW) was established in 1963 and is headquartered at Duke Field, Florida. As an Air Force Reserve unit, it operates under Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), providing specialized airpower including infiltration, exfiltration, resupply of special operations forces, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Over the decades, the 919 SOW has operated various aircraft, such as the MC-130 and U-28A, supporting global contingency operations and humanitarian missions. The wing is renowned for its adaptability, professionalism, and its critical role in both peacetime and combat environments.

96th Test Wing

32 members

The 96th Test Wing, headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, traces its lineage to the 96th Bombardment Group formed during World War II. The unit played a pivotal role in the European theater, conducting strategic bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. Reactivated and redesignated over the years, it evolved to support the Air Force’s test and evaluation mission. Today, the 96th Test Wing is the Air Force's premier test organization, responsible for testing a wide array of air-delivered weapons, navigation and guidance systems, and command and control systems, ensuring U.S. air superiority.

Aerospace Defense Command (ADC) was a major command of the United States Air Force responsible for the air defense of North America. Established in 1946 as Air Defense Command and later renamed in 1968, ADC coordinated radar networks, interceptor aircraft, and missile sites to detect and counter potential aerial threats, particularly during the Cold War. The command played a pivotal role in developing and operating the North American Air Defense (NORAD) system in partnership with Canada. ADC was inactivated in 1980 as its functions were absorbed by other USAF commands, reflecting changing defense priorities and technological advancements.

The Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) was established in 1959 and is headquartered at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida. Its primary mission is to monitor compliance with nuclear test ban treaties by detecting and analyzing nuclear explosions worldwide, using a global network of sensors. During the Cold War, AFTAC played a crucial role in verifying Soviet nuclear tests and continues to provide vital scientific and technical expertise in nuclear event detection. Over the decades, AFTAC has evolved to include cutting-edge technologies, supporting both national and international security efforts.

EOD Group TWO (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group TWO) is a United States Navy unit established to provide command and control of EOD operations primarily in the Atlantic Fleet area of responsibility. Activated in 2003 and headquartered at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, EOD Group TWO oversees several EOD mobile units, companies, and detachments. Its personnel are trained to detect, identify, render safe, and dispose of explosive threats including conventional, chemical, biological, and nuclear ordnance. EOD Group TWO has played a critical role in supporting naval, joint, and combined operations, both at sea and ashore, including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other global hotspots.

**Strategic Air Command Headquarters (SAC HQ) Military History:** The Strategic Air Command Headquarters (SAC HQ) was established in 1946 at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, serving as the command center for the United States Air Force’s strategic bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) forces during the Cold War. SAC HQ played a pivotal role in the nation’s nuclear deterrence strategy, overseeing the operations, training, and readiness of long-range bombers and missile units capable of delivering nuclear weapons worldwide. Throughout its existence, SAC HQ coordinated numerous alert postures, exercises, and responses to international crises, ensuring rapid response capability against potential adversaries. In 1992, with the end of the Cold War and the restructuring of U.S. defense priorities, SAC HQ was inactivated and its responsibilities were assumed by the newly formed United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM).

The 108th Air Refueling Wing (108th ARW), part of the New Jersey Air National Guard, traces its origins to the 108th Fighter Group activated in 1956. Initially flying fighter aircraft, the unit transitioned to an air refueling mission in 1993, operating the KC-135 Stratotanker to support global air mobility and combat operations. The 108th ARW has participated in numerous operations, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing vital aerial refueling and support to U.S. and allied forces worldwide. Headquartered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the wing continues to play a crucial role in both national defense and humanitarian missions.

The 1837th Engineering Installation Squadron (EIS) is a United States Air Force unit tasked with installing, maintaining, and upgrading communications and electronic systems. Originally activated during the Cold War era, the unit played a crucial role in establishing secure communications infrastructure at various Air Force installations. Throughout its history, the 1837th EIS has deployed personnel to support both stateside and overseas operations, ensuring mission-critical communications capabilities in diverse environments. The squadron’s adaptability and technical expertise have made it a vital asset for Air Force missions and joint military operations.