U.S. Air Force

The **513th Security Police Squadron** was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing security and law enforcement at operating bases, most notably at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom. Activated in the mid-20th century, the squadron played a vital role during the Cold War, safeguarding critical assets, aircraft, and personnel. Its airmen conducted base defense, anti-terrorism operations, and coordinated closely with host nation forces. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader force restructuring, but its legacy of vigilance and professionalism remains recognized in Air Force security history.

The 57th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (57th FIS), known as "The Black Knights of Keflavik," was stationed at Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, from 1954 to 1995. Tasked with the air defense of Iceland and the North Atlantic, the unit operated various interceptor aircraft, including the F-89 Scorpion, F-102 Delta Dagger, and most notably the F-4 Phantom II and F-15 Eagle. The 57th FIS played a critical role during the Cold War, routinely intercepting and identifying Soviet aircraft probing NATO airspace. The squadron was inactivated in March 1995, marking the end of a significant chapter in the United States’ aerial defense of the North Atlantic region.

The 6510th Security Police Squadron was an essential unit stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, during the Cold War era. Tasked with providing law enforcement, base security, and force protection, the squadron safeguarded vital assets, including experimental aircraft and sensitive research projects. Throughout its service, the 6510th played a crucial role in supporting the Air Force Flight Test Center by ensuring the safety of personnel and infrastructure. The unit was eventually redesignated as part of broader Air Force organizational changes, continuing its legacy under a new designation.

The 6922nd Radio Group Mobile (RGM) was a United States Air Force signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit active during the Cold War. Stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, it was established in the early 1950s to monitor and intercept communications in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly during times of heightened regional tension. The unit played a key role in providing intelligence support for U.S. operations throughout Southeast Asia, including during the Vietnam War. The 6922nd RGM was eventually redesignated as part of broader USAF intelligence reorganizations in the 1970s, contributing to the foundation for modern Air Force intelligence capabilities in the Pacific theater.

927th Air Refueling Wing

26 members

The 927th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Originally activated in 1963 as the 927th Troop Carrier Group, the unit has undergone several mission changes, transitioning from troop transport to aerial refueling. Since 1992, the wing has operated the KC-135 Stratotanker, providing vital aerial refueling support to U.S. and allied aircraft worldwide. The 927th ARW has participated in numerous operations, including Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, demonstrating its readiness and global reach.

944th Fighter Wing

26 members

The 944th Fighter Wing (944 FW) is an Air Force Reserve Command unit stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Established in 1963, the unit has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, eventually focusing on fighter training and operations. Throughout its history, the 944 FW has supported various contingencies and operations, providing combat-ready airmen and aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon and, more recently, the F-35 Lightning II. The wing plays a vital role in training reserve and active-duty pilots, ensuring the continued readiness and effectiveness of U.S. airpower.

The Headquarters Military Airlift Command (HQ MAC) was established in 1966 as a major command of the United States Air Force, with its headquarters located at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Its primary mission was to provide global airlift capability, managing both strategic and tactical airlift operations to support U.S. military and humanitarian missions worldwide. HQ MAC oversaw a fleet of iconic aircraft, including the C-141 Starlifter, C-130 Hercules, and C-5 Galaxy, ensuring rapid deployment of troops, equipment, and supplies. In 1992, following the end of the Cold War, MAC was inactivated and its responsibilities were transferred to the newly formed Air Mobility Command (AMC).

Laughlin Air Force Base, located near Del Rio, Texas, was established in 1942 as Laughlin Army Air Field, serving as a training base for World War II pilots. After a brief closure following the war, the base was reopened in 1952 in response to the Korean War and the increasing need for trained pilots during the Cold War. Throughout the decades, Laughlin AFB has been a premier site for undergraduate pilot training, operating under the Air Education and Training Command. Today, it is home to the 47th Flying Training Wing, which continues to produce highly skilled pilots for the United States Air Force and allied nations.

TUSLOG Detachment 94/95 was part of the United States Air Force presence in Turkey during the Cold War under the TUSLOG (The United States Logistics Group) umbrella. Established in the 1950s, these detachments played a key role in supporting NATO operations and maintaining American military interests in the region. TUSLOG Det 94 was based at Sinop Air Station, while Det 95 operated at Samsun, both on the northern Turkish coast along the Black Sea. Their primary missions included signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection, early warning, and communications support, contributing significantly to surveillance of Soviet activities during a tense period of East-West rivalry. Both detachments were eventually closed as part of the post-Cold War drawdown in the early 1990s.

The USAF Hospital traces its origins to the establishment of dedicated medical units within the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, created to provide specialized care for airmen. With the founding of the United States Air Force as a separate branch in 1947, these medical facilities were reorganized and officially designated as USAF Hospitals, supporting both peacetime operations and combat missions worldwide. Over the decades, USAF Hospitals have played a critical role in advancing aerospace medicine, rapid trauma care, and global humanitarian response. Today, they continue to provide comprehensive medical services to Air Force personnel, their families, and veterans, upholding a proud tradition of excellence and innovation.

The 116th Bomb Wing was originally activated as the 116th Fighter Group in 1946, part of the Georgia Air National Guard. During the Korean War, the unit was federalized and served in combat, flying F-84 Thunderjets. In 1950, it was redesignated as the 116th Bomb Wing and later transitioned to flying B-1B Lancer bombers as part of the Air National Guard’s strategic bombing force. Over the decades, the unit has played a critical role in both national defense and state emergencies, adapting to evolving missions and advanced aircraft technologies.

The 1369th AVS Squadron (MAC), or the 1369th Audio Visual Squadron, was activated in the late 1960s under the Military Airlift Command (MAC) of the United States Air Force. Its primary mission was to provide comprehensive audiovisual support, including documentation, training films, and operational briefings, for MAC's global airlift operations. Stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, the unit played a key role in capturing and disseminating critical mission footage during events such as the Vietnam War and numerous humanitarian airlift missions. The squadron was eventually inactivated as technological advancements and organizational changes led to the consolidation of audiovisual resources within the Air Force.

The 319th Bomb Wing was originally activated in 1942 as the 319th Bombardment Group, participating in World War II campaigns in North Africa, Italy, and the Mediterranean. Reactivated during the Cold War, the unit was stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, and operated a variety of bomber aircraft, including the B-52 Stratofortress and later the B-1B Lancer. The wing played a critical role in nuclear deterrence and strategic bombing missions throughout its history. In the 1990s, the 319th transitioned to air refueling operations before ultimately being redesignated as the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

The 3345th Technical Training Group was an Air Force unit established during the Cold War era, primarily stationed at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. Its core mission was to provide specialized technical training for airmen in aircraft maintenance, electronics, and various support specialties crucial to Air Force operations. Throughout its active years, the group played a vital role in preparing thousands of personnel to maintain and support a wide range of Air Force weapon systems and equipment. The unit was eventually inactivated in the early 1990s as part of broader post-Cold War realignment and the closure of Chanute AFB.

The **401st Field Maintenance Squadron (401st FMS)** was a unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated as part of the 401st Fighter Wing. Established during the Cold War, it provided vital aircraft and equipment maintenance support to fighter operations, ensuring mission readiness and operational effectiveness. The squadron was stationed at several locations, most notably at Torrejon Air Base in Spain, where it supported USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe) missions. The 401st FMS played a crucial role in maintaining the wing's fighter aircraft, such as the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-16 Fighting Falcon, before it was inactivated or redesignated during subsequent Air Force reorganizations.

The 432nd Munitions Maintenance Squadron (432nd MMS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for the storage, maintenance, and handling of munitions. Activated during the early years of the Cold War, the squadron played a vital role in supporting tactical fighter wings, notably the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at bases such as Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base during the Vietnam War. The 432nd MMS ensured the safe and effective delivery of ordnance for combat missions, contributing to U.S. air operations in Southeast Asia. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader force reductions and organizational changes post-Vietnam.

The 43rd Bomb Wing was originally established as the 43rd Bombardment Wing in August 1947, inheriting the legacy of the 43rd Bombardment Group, a distinguished unit from World War II. During the Cold War, the wing operated strategic bombers such as the B-29 Superfortress and later the B-47 Stratojet, playing a vital role in America’s nuclear deterrence strategy under Strategic Air Command. The wing participated in numerous training missions and readiness exercises, maintaining a high level of combat preparedness throughout its history. Eventually, the wing was redesignated and its mission evolved, but its legacy as a key component of U.S. Air Force strategic bombing capabilities remains significant.

The 463rd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily tasked with maintaining and supporting the aircraft of the 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a vital role in ensuring the readiness and operational capability of C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The 463rd OMS supported airlift missions, including troop and cargo transport, both in the continental United States and overseas deployments. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader USAF organizational changes in the late 20th century.

The 525th Military Intelligence Group was first activated during World War II as the 525th Interrogation Team, later redesignated and expanded due to evolving intelligence needs. During the Korean War, the unit played a crucial role in gathering and interpreting enemy information, significantly aiding United Nations forces. In the Vietnam War, the 525th Military Intelligence Group provided critical intelligence support for U.S. Army operations, focusing on counterintelligence and human intelligence (HUMINT) activities. Over the years, the unit has continued to adapt, supporting a variety of intelligence missions in different theaters, and remains an essential component of U.S. Army intelligence operations.

The 6314th Support Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force assigned to the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron operated primarily out of Osan Air Base, South Korea. Its primary mission was to provide logistical and operational support to USAF units stationed in the region, especially during periods of heightened tension on the Korean Peninsula. The 6314th played a crucial role in ensuring base readiness and supporting air operations until its inactivation in the late 1970s.

The 63rd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (63rd OMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force assigned to the 63rd Military Airlift Wing. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron was stationed at Norton Air Force Base, California, and was responsible for the organizational-level maintenance of the wing's aircraft, primarily the C-141 Starlifter. The 63rd OMS played a critical role in supporting global airlift missions, ensuring the operational readiness of aircraft for deployments, humanitarian aid, and strategic airlift operations. The unit remained active throughout much of the late 20th century before being inactivated following the closure of Norton AFB in the early 1990s.

The 6925th Security Group was a United States Air Force unit activated in the late 1950s, primarily tasked with signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance during the Cold War. Stationed at Wheeler Air Force Base in Hawaii, the group played a crucial role in monitoring and intercepting communications in the Pacific theater, contributing to U.S. intelligence efforts against potential adversaries. The 6925th operated various advanced listening and processing equipment to collect, analyze, and disseminate information vital to national security. The unit was eventually reorganized and redesignated as part of broader Air Force intelligence restructuring in the 1970s.

The 7th Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry was originally constituted on 1 March 1966 and activated during the Vietnam War as a part of the 17th Aviation Group. The squadron served with distinction, providing aerial reconnaissance, security, and support missions, most notably in Vietnam from 1967 to 1973. Throughout its history, the 7th Squadron flew a variety of helicopters, including the OH-6A Cayuse and AH-1 Cobra, exemplifying the Air Cavalry’s mobility and versatility. After Vietnam, the unit continued to serve in various capacities, including deployments in support of operations during the Gulf War and other contingencies, upholding its motto, "Out Front."

The 96th Supply Squadron was a vital logistics unit in the United States Air Force, originally activated during the post-World War II era. It played a key role in providing supply support to the 96th Bombardment Wing, ensuring the availability of critical materials, equipment, and munitions for strategic operations. Stationed primarily at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, the squadron supported various missions throughout the Cold War, contributing to the wing’s readiness and effectiveness. Over time, as the Air Force reorganized its logistics and support structures, the 96th Supply Squadron was eventually inactivated or redesignated, but its legacy of excellence in supply chain management endures.