U.S. Air Force

The 26th Civil Engineering Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to the 26th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Zweibrücken Air Base, West Germany, during the Cold War. Activated to provide essential engineering support, the squadron was responsible for base construction, maintenance, and emergency response, ensuring mission readiness and operational capability in a forward-deployed environment. The 26th CES played a critical role in sustaining infrastructure and supporting NATO operations until the closure of Zweibrücken Air Base in the early 1990s. Following the end of the Cold War, the unit was inactivated as part of broader U.S. force reductions in Europe.

The 314th Field Maintenance Squadron (314th FMS) was an integral support unit within the 314th Airlift Wing, stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron provided essential aircraft maintenance, repair, and logistical support for C-130 Hercules aircraft and related missions. Throughout its history, the 314th FMS ensured operational readiness for global airlift and training operations, supporting U.S. Air Force and allied forces. The unit's dedication to excellence contributed significantly to the mission success of the 314th Airlift Wing until its reorganization and consolidation under broader maintenance structures in line with Air Force modernization efforts.

The 3700th Air Base Group (3700th ABGP) was established by the United States Air Force in 1948 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Its primary mission was to provide base support and administration for the rapidly expanding Air Force Basic Military Training program during the early Cold War period. The unit played a crucial role in managing facilities, logistics, and personnel services for new recruits and staff. In 1952, the 3700th ABGP became part of the larger 3700th Air Base Wing, continuing its support mission as Lackland remained the gateway for Air Force enlisted personnel.

The 40th Special Purpose Forces (SPF), also known as the 40th Spetsnaz Brigade, was established in the late Soviet era to conduct reconnaissance, direct action, and counter-terrorism operations. Based primarily in the Central Asian region, the unit played a pivotal role during the Soviet-Afghan War, where its operatives undertook high-risk missions behind enemy lines, disrupting Mujahideen supply routes and gathering critical intelligence. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the 40th SPF continued to serve under the Russian military, adapting to new threats and participating in counterinsurgency operations in the Caucasus. Renowned for its rigorous selection and advanced training, the 40th SPF remains an integral part of Russia’s special operations capability.

The 4950th Test Wing was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1971 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Its primary mission was to conduct flight testing and evaluation of avionics, electronic warfare systems, and modifications on a variety of aircraft, including cargo and tanker platforms. The wing played a crucial role in supporting advancements for the Air Force Logistics Command and later the Air Force Materiel Command. The 4950th Test Wing was inactivated in 1994 as part of Air Force restructuring and consolidation of test and evaluation functions.

The 507th Tactical Air Control Center (TACC) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing command and control of tactical air operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the 507th TACC played a key role in coordinating airpower for joint and combined operations, often participating in major training exercises and contingency operations. The unit’s mission included managing the flow of information between airborne assets and ground commanders, ensuring effective employment of air support. Over its history, the 507th TACC contributed to the development and refinement of modern air control doctrine before its eventual inactivation or redesignation as part of force restructuring.

The 554th Civil Engineer Squadron (RED HORSE), commonly known as 554 CES RED HORSE, is a highly mobile civil engineering unit of the United States Air Force, based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Activated in 1965 during the Vietnam War, the unit provided rapid heavy construction support in Southeast Asia, building airfields, roads, and critical infrastructure under combat conditions. Over the decades, 554 CES RED HORSE has supported a wide range of operations across the Pacific and worldwide, including disaster relief, humanitarian missions, and contingency operations. Renowned for their self-sufficiency and speed, the squadron continues to play a vital role in enabling Air Force and joint-force mission readiness through innovative engineering and construction capabilities.

The 559th Artillery Group (SETAF) was a United States Army artillery unit activated in Europe under the Southern European Task Force (SETAF) during the Cold War. Formed in the late 1950s, the group was stationed primarily in Italy, where it played a key role in NATO’s southern flank defense strategy. The 559th was responsible for the command and control of nuclear-capable artillery units, overseeing Honest John and later Sergeant missile systems. The unit was inactivated in the early 1970s as part of US force reductions and the restructuring of NATO’s nuclear posture in Europe.

The 6950th Security Squadron, later known as the 6950th Security Group and then the 6950th Electronic Security Group, was a United States Air Force unit established in the 1960s. Based at RAF Chicksands in the United Kingdom, the unit played a key role in signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations during the Cold War, monitoring and analyzing communications related to Soviet and Warsaw Pact activities. The 6950th operated the iconic "Elephant Cage" AN/FLR-9 antenna array, collecting vital intelligence for U.S. and NATO commanders. The unit was inactivated in the mid-1990s as the U.S. Air Force reorganized its intelligence operations following the end of the Cold War.

The 6988th Security Squadron was a United States Air Force signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit activated in the early 1950s during the Korean War. Stationed primarily at Yokota Air Base, Japan, the squadron played a crucial role in monitoring and intercepting enemy communications throughout the Far East. Its personnel operated sophisticated electronic surveillance equipment aboard airborne and ground platforms, providing vital intelligence to U.S. and allied commanders. The 6988th contributed significantly to the U.S. Air Force Security Service’s mission until its eventual inactivation and consolidation into other intelligence units in the 1970s.

The 91st Security Police Squadron was activated as part of the United States Air Force, tasked with providing security and law enforcement for the 91st Strategic Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Its primary mission centered on safeguarding the base's Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) complexes and personnel. The unit played a critical role during the Cold War, maintaining high readiness to deter and respond to potential threats against strategic nuclear assets. Over time, the squadron evolved into the 91st Security Forces Squadron, continuing its legacy of protection and security operations into the present day.

920th Rescue Wing

28 members

The 920th Rescue Wing (920 RQW) is a combat search and rescue unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, headquartered at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida. Established in 1956, the wing has a proud tradition of saving lives, providing rescue support during both peacetime and combat operations. Its personnel operate HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130J Combat King II aircraft, executing search and rescue missions worldwide, including in Afghanistan, Iraq, and during natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey. Renowned for their motto “That Others May Live,” the 920th Rescue Wing has saved thousands of lives through its courageous and selfless actions.

The 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (9th SRW) was activated on November 25, 1965, at Beale Air Force Base, California, as part of the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command. Tasked with conducting high-altitude reconnaissance, the unit became renowned for operating the SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest and highest-flying operational aircraft in the world. Throughout the Cold War, the 9th SRW provided crucial intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities, supporting national security and strategic decision-making. In 1991, the wing was redesignated as the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, continuing its legacy of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions with aircraft such as the U-2 Dragon Lady.

Lowry Air Force Base (AFB), located in Denver, Colorado, was established in 1938 and named after 2nd Lt. Francis Lowry, a Denver native and World War I aviator. Initially serving as a technical training center, Lowry AFB played a critical role during World War II, providing training for bombardiers, photographers, and later, missile crews during the Cold War. The base continued its mission as a center for technical and intelligence training throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After more than five decades of service, Lowry AFB was officially closed in 1994 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

The 1095th Support Squadron is a logistics and support unit within the United States military, established to provide comprehensive sustainment operations for its parent command. Activated in the late 20th century, the squadron has played a vital role in supplying, maintaining, and transporting equipment and personnel during both peacetime and contingency operations. The unit has supported numerous training exercises and overseas deployments, ensuring mission readiness and operational effectiveness. Over the years, the 1095th Support Squadron has earned recognition for its adaptability, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to supporting the warfighter.

The 126th Air Refueling Wing (126 ARW) is a unit of the Illinois Air National Guard, stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Originally activated in 1942 as the 344th Bombardment Group, the unit served with distinction during World War II in the European Theater. In the postwar era, it was redesignated and realigned multiple times, becoming the 126th Air Refueling Wing in 1961 and transitioning to the KC-135 Stratotanker mission. Today, the 126 ARW provides essential aerial refueling capabilities, supporting U.S. and allied operations worldwide.

The 15th Airlift Platoon Squadron (15th APS) was established in the late 20th century as a vital component of its nation's tactical airlift capability. Tasked primarily with rapid deployment and logistical support, the unit has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian relief missions and multinational exercises. Over the years, the 15th APS has operated a variety of transport aircraft, adapting to evolving mission requirements and technological advancements. Its professionalism and operational excellence have earned the unit several commendations and a respected reputation within the armed forces.

The 185th Tactical Fighter Group, originally established as the 185th Fighter Group, traces its roots to the Iowa Air National Guard in Sioux City, Iowa, with federal recognition dating back to 1962. The unit initially flew the F-100 Super Sabre, later transitioning to the A-7D Corsair II during the 1970s, and eventually the F-16 Fighting Falcon in the 1990s. The group has participated in numerous deployments, including support for Operations Desert Storm, Northern Watch, and Enduring Freedom, reflecting its active role in both national defense and overseas contingency operations. In 1992, the unit was redesignated as the 185th Fighter Group and later the 185th Air Refueling Wing, shifting its mission to aerial refueling with the KC-135 Stratotanker.

The **188th Wing** of the Air National Guard (ANG), based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, traces its origins to the establishment of the 188th Tactical Fighter Group in 1962. Originally flying the F-100 Super Sabre, the unit participated in various missions and training exercises during the Cold War, later transitioning to the A-10 Thunderbolt II in the early 2000s. Following realignment in 2014, the 188th Wing shifted from manned aircraft to missions including Remotely Piloted Aircraft (MQ-9 Reaper), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and targeting operations. The unit continues to provide vital support to national defense, leveraging cutting-edge technology and highly trained personnel in support of both state and federal missions.

The 191st Supply Squadron was established as part of the Air National Guard to provide critical logistics and supply support to its parent wing. Throughout its history, the squadron played a vital role in ensuring the availability and distribution of equipment, spare parts, and materials necessary for mission readiness. The unit supported various operations, both domestically and overseas, adapting to evolving logistics technologies and procedures. Known for its efficiency and dedication, the 191st Supply Squadron contributed significantly to the operational success of its associated flying missions until its eventual redesignation as part of broader Air Force logistics transformations.

The 19th Bombardment Wing (BW), Strategic Air Command (SAC), was activated in 1948 and became an integral part of America's Cold War nuclear deterrence force. Stationed primarily at Pinecastle (later Orlando) AFB, Florida, and later at Homestead AFB and Robins AFB, the unit operated heavy bombers such as the B-29 Superfortress, B-47 Stratojet, and B-52 Stratofortress. Throughout its SAC tenure, the 19th BW participated in numerous training missions, strategic alerts, and overseas deployments to demonstrate U.S. global strike capabilities. The wing's legacy is marked by its readiness and contributions to maintaining peace and deterrence during tense periods of the 20th century.

The 2044th Communications Group was a United States Air Force unit established during the height of the Cold War, tasked with providing essential communications support to strategic and tactical operations. Activated in the early 1960s, the group played a vital role in maintaining secure and reliable communications links for command and control across multiple Air Force installations. Throughout its history, the 2044th supported numerous operations and exercises, adapting to technological advancements in communications systems. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of a broader realignment and modernization of Air Force communications capabilities.

The 23rd Tactical Air Support Squadron (23rd TASS) was first activated in 1966 during the Vietnam War, where it played a crucial role in directing air strikes and providing close air support for ground forces. The squadron operated primarily North American OV-10 Bronco and Cessna O-2 Skymaster aircraft, specializing in forward air control missions in Southeast Asia. After the Vietnam War, the 23rd TASS continued its service in various training and operational roles, including support for joint exercises and NATO commitments. The unit was inactivated in 1991 as part of post-Cold War restructuring, but its legacy endures as a pioneer in tactical air support operations.

The 2nd Munitions Squadron is a United States Air Force unit with a distinguished history in munitions support and logistics. Originally activated during World War II, the unit has undergone several redesignations and assignments, adapting its mission to meet evolving Air Force requirements. Today, the squadron is responsible for the storage, maintenance, and delivery of conventional munitions, ensuring combat readiness for its parent wing. Through its history, the 2nd Munitions Squadron has played a crucial role in supporting both training and operational missions across multiple theaters.