U.S. Air Force

The 187th Fighter Wing is an Air National Guard unit based at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Alabama. Established in 1962, the wing traces its lineage to the 160th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, which served in World War II. Throughout its history, the 187th has transitioned through various aircraft, including the RF-84F Thunderflash, F-4 Phantom II, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon, reflecting its evolving mission from reconnaissance to fighter operations. The wing has participated in multiple deployments, supporting operations such as Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, and has earned recognition for its operational excellence and contributions to national defense.

The 1962 Communications Group was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era to provide vital communications support to Air Force operations. Established in 1962, the group was tasked with managing, operating, and maintaining communications-electronics equipment, ensuring secure and reliable command and control for U.S. air units. Over its period of service, the 1962 Communications Group supported various missions, including contingency operations and readiness exercises, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force restructuring initiatives, with its functions absorbed by successor organizations.

The 43rd Strategic Aerospace Wing (43rd SAC) was a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during World War II as the 43rd Bombardment Group. Renowned for its operations in the Pacific Theater, the unit participated in key missions, including bombing campaigns against Japanese forces. During the Cold War, the 43rd was re-designated as the 43rd Strategic Aerospace Wing and assigned to Strategic Air Command (SAC), operating B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers for nuclear deterrence and global strike missions. The wing played a vital role in maintaining America’s strategic readiness until its inactivation in the early 1990s.

The 58th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was activated in 1969, inheriting a distinguished legacy from predecessor units. Initially based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, the wing trained pilots and maintained combat readiness with aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-16 Fighting Falcon. During the Vietnam War era, elements of the wing deployed personnel and resources to Southeast Asia, supporting allied operations. In the subsequent decades, the 58th TFW focused on advanced fighter training and played a crucial role in preparing pilots for frontline service before its redesignation as the 58th Fighter Wing in 1991.

The 610th Military Airlift Support Squadron (610 MASS) was a unit of the United States Air Force that provided airlift support and logistical services, primarily during the Cold War era. Activated in the 1960s, the squadron was stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan, under the Military Airlift Command (MAC). Its mission included managing cargo and passenger operations, maintenance support, and coordination of strategic and tactical airlift missions across the Pacific theater. The 610 MASS played a vital role in supporting U.S. military operations and humanitarian missions in the Asia-Pacific region until its inactivation in the early 1990s due to post-Cold War restructuring.

The 68th Bomb Wing was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1951 during the early years of the Cold War. Initially based at Lake Charles Air Force Base, Louisiana, the wing operated B-29 and later B-47 Stratojet bombers as part of Strategic Air Command's nuclear deterrent force. In 1963, the wing transitioned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, where it was equipped with B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, supporting both strategic bombing and aerial refueling missions. The 68th Bomb Wing remained active until 1982, when it was inactivated as part of a broader reorganization of SAC units.

The 81st Security Police Squadron traces its origins to its activation at RAF Bentwaters, England, in 1952 as part of the United States Air Force’s efforts to secure its European airbases during the Cold War. Tasked with base defense, law enforcement, and security of nuclear weapons storage areas, the squadron played a pivotal role in safeguarding USAF assets and personnel throughout its tenure. The 81st Security Police Squadron was recognized for its professionalism and effectiveness during heightened tensions and frequent security threats. Following the end of the Cold War, the unit was inactivated in the early 1990s as part of the broader reduction and realignment of U.S. forces in Europe.

The 86th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was a prominent unit of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), activated in 1948 and originally based at Neubiberg Air Base, Germany. Over the years, the wing flew a variety of aircraft including the F-84 Thunderjet and later the F-4 Phantom II, playing a key role in NATO’s air defense during the Cold War. In the 1970s and 1980s, the 86th TFW operated from Ramstein Air Base, supporting rapid deployment and readiness missions throughout Europe. The wing was eventually redesignated as the 86th Fighter Wing in 1991, shifting focus to airlift and support missions as the global security environment evolved.

MacDill Air Force Base, located near Tampa, Florida, was established in 1939 as Southeast Air Base, Tampa, and later named in honor of Colonel Leslie MacDill. During World War II, the base served as a vital training location for bomber crews, particularly for B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-26 Marauders. In the Cold War era, MacDill became a Strategic Air Command base, hosting B-47 Stratojets and KC-135 Stratotankers. Today, MacDill AFB is home to the 6th Air Refueling Wing and serves as headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), playing a crucial role in global military operations.

The USASA Support Group was a unit within the United States Army Security Agency (USASA), which was responsible for providing direct support to ASA field units engaged in signals intelligence and electronic warfare operations. Established during the Cold War, the Support Group played a crucial role in the logistical, technical, and administrative backing of worldwide intelligence missions. They ensured the effective deployment and maintenance of sophisticated communications and cryptographic equipment, supporting both tactical and strategic objectives. The group's efforts contributed significantly to the United States' intelligence capabilities during a period marked by heightened global tensions and rapid technological change.

The **10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing** (10th TRW) was activated by the United States Air Force in 1952, initially stationed at Toul-Rosières Air Base in France. Its primary mission was to conduct tactical aerial reconnaissance during the Cold War, providing vital intelligence for U.S. and NATO operations in Europe. The wing later moved to RAF Alconbury in the United Kingdom, where it operated a variety of aircraft, including the RB-66 Destroyer and the RF-4C Phantom II. The 10th TRW distinguished itself through participation in multiple NATO exercises and remained an essential intelligence asset until its inactivation in 1992 following the end of the Cold War.

The 1989th Communications Squadron was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing critical communications support to military operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a vital role in managing secure and reliable communications at its assigned installations. Its personnel maintained and operated various communications systems, ensuring uninterrupted command and control for both peacetime and contingency missions. The 1989th Communications Squadron was eventually inactivated or redesignated as communications technology and organizational structures evolved within the Air Force.

The 2049th Communications Group was a United States Air Force unit tasked with providing vital communications support for military operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the group was responsible for managing and maintaining secure voice, data, and radio communications across its assigned region. The 2049th played an essential role in ensuring the reliability and security of communications for command and control functions, particularly in support of strategic and tactical missions. Over time, its mission and assets were integrated into broader communications and information systems organizations as technology and organizational structures evolved.

The 384th Air Refueling Squadron (384 ARS) traces its origins to World War II, when it was first activated as the 584th Bombardment Squadron in 1943. Re-designated and organized under its current name in 1955, the unit became a key component of the U.S. Air Force’s Strategic Air Command, providing aerial refueling support to bombers and fighter aircraft. Throughout the Cold War, the 384th ARS played a crucial role in extending the global reach of American airpower, participating in numerous operations and exercises. Today, stationed at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, the squadron continues its mission using modern KC-135 Stratotankers, supporting U.S. and allied air operations worldwide.

The 410th Bombardment Wing, usually referenced as the 410th BWU (Bombardment Wing Unit), was first activated by the United States Air Force during the Cold War era. Stationed primarily at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan, the unit was tasked with operating strategic bombers, notably the B-52 Stratofortress, as part of the Strategic Air Command’s nuclear deterrence mission. Throughout its service, the 410th BWU played a critical role in maintaining American readiness and participating in deterrence patrols during heightened periods of international tension. The wing was inactivated in the mid-1990s following the end of the Cold War and subsequent reorganization of U.S. strategic forces.

The 437th Military Airlift Command (437 MAC) traces its origins to the 437th Troop Carrier Group, first activated during World War II in 1943. The unit played a crucial role in major airborne operations, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy and Operation Market Garden. Reactivated during the Cold War, the 437th was assigned to Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, providing global airlift support for personnel, equipment, and humanitarian missions. As part of the Military Airlift Command, it contributed significantly to U.S. military operations, peacekeeping, and disaster relief efforts worldwide.

The **544th Reconnaissance Technical Wing (RTW)** was established by the United States Air Force in the early years of the Cold War, with its origins tracing back to 1950. Stationed primarily at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, the unit played a crucial role in processing, analyzing, and disseminating aerial and satellite reconnaissance imagery for the Strategic Air Command (SAC). The 544th RTW provided vital intelligence support for national defense and strategic planning during pivotal events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and throughout the Vietnam War. Over the decades, its mission evolved alongside advancements in reconnaissance technology, eventually leading to its reorganization into other intelligence and analysis units within the USAF.

The 604th Military Airlift Support Squadron (MASS) was an important logistics unit within the United States Air Force, originally activated to provide airlift support operations in the Pacific region. Established during the Vietnam War era, the squadron played a crucial role in managing and supporting cargo and personnel movements through key airbases such as Yokota Air Base, Japan. The 604th MASS was responsible for coordinating airlift missions, refueling, and maintenance, ensuring the rapid and efficient transport of troops and equipment. The unit’s efforts contributed significantly to the effectiveness of U.S. military operations in the Pacific theater before it was eventually inactivated as part of broader organizational restructuring.

The 60th Field Maintenance Squadron (60th FMS) was a vital support unit assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, California. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was responsible for maintaining and repairing a diverse fleet of aircraft, including C-5 Galaxies, KC-10 Extenders, and C-141 Starlifters. Throughout its history, the 60th FMS played a crucial role in ensuring aircraft readiness for global airlift and refueling missions, supporting operations from Vietnam through Operation Desert Storm and beyond. The unit exemplified technical excellence and teamwork until its functions were eventually merged into broader maintenance groups during Air Force organizational restructuring.

The 62nd Aerial Port Squadron (62nd APS) is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Established in 1957, the squadron is tasked with providing air transportation support, including cargo handling, passenger services, and aerial delivery operations. Throughout its history, the 62nd APS has supported numerous military operations and humanitarian missions worldwide, such as Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. The squadron continues to play a vital role in ensuring rapid global mobility for the U.S. Air Force and its allies.

The 6921st Radio Group, Mobile (RGM), was a United States Air Force Security Service (USAFSS) signals intelligence unit, activated in 1950 during the Korean War. Stationed primarily at Misawa Air Base, Japan, the unit was responsible for intercepting, analyzing, and reporting on enemy communications, providing critical intelligence support to United Nations and U.S. forces in the region. The 6921st RGM played a vital role in Cold War intelligence-gathering throughout the 1950s and 1960s, adapting to emerging technologies and evolving threats. In 1979, the unit was redesignated as the 6921st Electronic Security Group, reflecting its expanded mission and capabilities within the Air Force's intelligence network.

The 824th Combat Support Group was an Air Force unit activated in 1966 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, as part of the United States' response to increasing tensions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. The group provided vital base operating support, including security, engineering, supply, and services, to both permanent and deployed forces. Its mission was to ensure the readiness and sustainability of air operations in the Pacific theater. The 824th Combat Support Group was inactivated in 1971 as the U.S. adjusted its force posture in the region.

99th Air Base Wing

30 members

The **99th Air Base Wing** was originally activated in 1942 as the 99th Bombardment Group, participating in key campaigns in North Africa and Italy during World War II. After several redesignations and periods of inactivation, the wing was reactivated in 1947 and played a significant role throughout the Cold War, operating strategic bombers and later transitioning to support roles. In 1995, the unit was redesignated as the 99th Air Base Wing and assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Today, the 99th Air Base Wing provides essential installation support, security, and infrastructure management for Nellis AFB, serving as a vital component of the United States Air Force's operational readiness and training capabilities.

Headquarters Strategic Air Command (HQ SAC) was established in March 1946 as the command center for the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command, initially located at Bolling Field, Washington, D.C., before moving to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, later that year. Its mission was to oversee America's strategic bomber and intercontinental ballistic missile forces, serving as a critical component of U.S. nuclear deterrence throughout the Cold War. HQ SAC directed operations, training, and readiness for its subordinate units, ensuring rapid response capability during crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. The command was inactivated in 1992 following the end of the Cold War, with its functions absorbed by the newly established United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM).