U.S. Air Force

The 67th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (67th ARRS) was a United States Air Force unit established to conduct search and rescue operations. Activated in 1961, the squadron was initially stationed at Prestwick Air Base, Scotland, providing rescue coverage for both military and civilian operations across the North Atlantic. Over the years, the 67th ARRS operated a variety of aircraft, including the HC-130 Hercules and HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant" helicopters, playing a crucial role in numerous high-profile rescue missions. The unit was inactivated in 1988, having earned a distinguished record for its life-saving missions and contributions to aircrew recovery and humanitarian efforts.

The 6937th Communications Group was a United States Air Force unit stationed at San Vito dei Normanni Air Station, Italy, during the Cold War. Activated in the 1950s, the group was responsible for signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection and electronic surveillance, supporting U.S. and NATO operations in the Mediterranean region. The unit played a crucial role in monitoring Soviet and Warsaw Pact communications and contributed to intelligence efforts during regional crises, such as the Arab-Israeli conflicts. The 6937th Comm Group remained operational until its inactivation in the early 1990s, following the end of the Cold War and the drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe.

The 7th Security Police Squadron (7th SPS) is a United States Air Force unit historically assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Activated in the 1960s, the 7th SPS was responsible for providing security, law enforcement, and force protection for personnel, aircraft, and critical assets, particularly those associated with the Strategic Air Command’s B-52 and later B-1B bomber operations. The unit played a vital role during the Cold War, maintaining high readiness to defend against potential threats and participating in various training exercises and deployments. Over time, the squadron evolved into the 7th Security Forces Squadron (7th SFS), continuing its legacy of protecting the base and supporting global Air Force missions.

Space Command, originally established as United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) in 1985, was created to coordinate the nation's military space operations and ensure dominance in the increasingly critical domain of space. The command oversaw missile warning, satellite operations, and space control functions, integrating efforts across the Air Force, Army, and Navy. In 2002, USSPACECOM was inactivated and its responsibilities were absorbed by U.S. Strategic Command. However, recognizing the growing importance of space in modern warfare, it was reestablished as a unified combatant command in 2019, tasked with deterring aggression and defending U.S. and allied interests in space.

The 1155th Technical Operations Squadron (1155th Tech Ops) was a United States Air Force unit established during the Cold War era. Activated in the late 1950s, the squadron specialized in radiological monitoring, nuclear weapons accident response, and hazardous materials detection. Throughout its service, the 1155th Tech Ops played a crucial role in supporting national defense by ensuring the safety and security of nuclear operations at various installations. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader organizational changes and technological advancements in Air Force technical operations.

The 128th Air National Guard, officially known as the 128th Air Refueling Wing, is based at General Mitchell Air National Guard Base in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Established in 1947, the unit originally served as a fighter group before transitioning to air refueling missions in the 1960s. Throughout its history, the 128th has provided critical aerial refueling support for U.S. and allied aircraft during major operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. The unit operates KC-135 Stratotankers, ensuring global mobility and sustained air operations for the United States Air Force and its partners.

The 15th MAS (Mezzi d’Assalto), also known as the Decima MAS or Xª MAS, was an elite Italian naval commando unit formed during World War II. Established in 1939, the unit specialized in unconventional warfare, utilizing human torpedoes ("maiali"), explosive motorboats, and combat swimmers to infiltrate and attack Allied ships and installations, particularly in the Mediterranean. The 15 MAS gained international notoriety for its daring raids, such as the successful attack on British warships in Alexandria harbor in December 1941. After the 1943 Italian Armistice, the unit split, with some members joining the Allies and others continuing operations under the Italian Social Republic. The legacy of 15 MAS greatly influenced the development of modern naval special forces worldwide.

The 2nd Security Forces Squadron (2d SFS) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, under the 2nd Bomb Wing. The squadron traces its lineage to the base security units established during World War II, evolving through various designations as Air Police and Security Police before adopting its current title. The 2d SFS is tasked with providing integrated base defense, protecting personnel, resources, and aircraft—particularly the B-52 Stratofortress bombers stationed at Barksdale. Over the decades, the unit has deployed worldwide in support of operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, earning recognition for its commitment to security and force protection.

The 305th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was an integral support unit of the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the 305th OMS was responsible for the routine and specialized maintenance of aircraft such as the KC-135 Stratotanker and C-141 Starlifter at bases including Grissom Air Force Base and McGuire Air Force Base. The squadron played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of strategic airlift and aerial refueling missions during major conflicts and peacetime operations. As part of Air Force-wide organizational changes in the early 1990s, the 305th OMS was inactivated or redesignated, with its responsibilities integrated into consolidated maintenance groups.

The 35th Field Maintenance Squadron (35th FMS) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to Phan Rang Air Base in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Activated at Phan Rang in the late 1960s, the 35th FMS provided essential aircraft maintenance and support services for the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing’s F-100 Super Sabres and other assigned aircraft. The squadron’s skilled personnel ensured high sortie rates and aircraft readiness under challenging combat conditions, directly contributing to air operations against North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. The 35th FMS remained at Phan Rang until the base’s turnover to the South Vietnamese Air Force in 1971, when the unit was inactivated or reassigned as part of the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam.

The 363rd Fighter Wing was first activated during World War II as the 363rd Fighter Group in 1943, serving in the European Theater with the Ninth Air Force and flying reconnaissance and escort missions. After the war, the unit underwent several redesignations, including a period as a tactical reconnaissance wing during the Cold War. It became the 363rd Tactical Fighter Wing, operating from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, where it flew aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The wing played an active role in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, conducting combat missions over Iraq and Kuwait. The 363rd was inactivated in 1993, but its heritage continues through various successor units.

The 3703rd Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS) was a unit of the United States Air Force responsible for conducting basic military training for new enlisted airmen. Stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, the 3703 BMTS played a crucial role in shaping recruits into disciplined and capable airmen throughout the latter half of the 20th century. The squadron provided foundational instruction in military customs, physical fitness, and Air Force core values. In the 1990s, as part of an organizational restructuring, the 3703 BMTS was inactivated and its training responsibilities were consolidated into other training squadrons at Lackland.

The 39th Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit tasked with providing security and law enforcement for Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Established during the Cold War, the squadron played a critical role in safeguarding U.S. and NATO assets, including nuclear weapons, stationed at this strategic location. Over its history, the 39th Security Police Squadron supported various operations, including Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Northern Watch, ensuring the safety of personnel and resources. In 1997, the unit was redesignated as the 39th Security Forces Squadron, continuing its vital mission in base defense and force protection.

The 460th Field Maintenance Squadron (460th FMS) was an essential support unit within the United States Air Force, primarily associated with the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron was responsible for the maintenance and repair of aircraft and equipment, ensuring operational readiness for reconnaissance missions. Stationed at bases such as Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Vietnam, the 460th FMS played a crucial role in supporting aerial reconnaissance operations during the Vietnam War. The squadron's expertise in aircraft maintenance contributed significantly to the effectiveness and sustainability of U.S. Air Force missions in Southeast Asia.

The 51st Air Police Squadron was activated in 1948 as part of the United States Air Force to provide security and law enforcement for air bases, notably during the Korean War. Stationed at various times at Naha Air Base in Okinawa and later at Osan Air Base in South Korea, the squadron played a critical role in safeguarding personnel, resources, and aircraft against sabotage and enemy attacks. Throughout the Cold War and into the modern era, the unit evolved into the 51st Security Forces Squadron, adapting to changing threats and expanding its mission to include antiterrorism and force protection. The legacy of the 51st Air Police Squadron continues as an integral part of U.S. Air Force security operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

The **551st Airborne Early Warning Group (AEWG)** was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, activated in 1955 at Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts. Tasked with operating the EC-121 Warning Star aircraft, the group provided airborne radar surveillance and early warning against potential Soviet bomber attacks during the Cold War. The 551st AEWG played a critical role in continental air defense, maintaining round-the-clock patrols over the Atlantic approaches to North America. The unit was inactivated in 1969 as newer technologies and changes in defense strategy rendered its mission obsolete.

The 586th Engineering (Airfield Base) Battalion was a specialized unit within the military engineering corps, tasked primarily with the rapid construction, repair, and maintenance of airfields in forward operational areas. Activated during World War II, the 586th played a crucial role in enabling air operations by building and upgrading runways, taxiways, and associated infrastructure under combat conditions. The unit supported both Allied tactical and strategic air campaigns, often operating under enemy threat and in challenging environments. Following the war, the 586th continued to provide vital airfield engineering support during occupation duties and subsequent conflicts, earning commendations for their technical expertise and operational effectiveness.

The **63rd Security Police Squadron** was an integral unit assigned to Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California. Tasked with providing security and law enforcement, the squadron protected vital Air Force assets, including aircraft and sensitive areas, during the Cold War era. The unit supported the 63rd Military Airlift Wing and played a key role in base defense, anti-terrorism, and maintaining operational readiness. Following the closure of Norton AFB in 1994, the squadron was inactivated, concluding its distinguished service in Air Force security operations.

The 93rd Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit assigned to Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, as part of the 93rd Bombardment Wing. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron was responsible for providing law enforcement, base security, and protection of nuclear resources associated with B-52 Stratofortress operations. The unit played a key role in maintaining the security posture of the base, especially during heightened alert periods and exercises. The 93rd Security Police Squadron was eventually inactivated following the closure of the 93rd Bomb Wing and changes in Air Force organizational structure in the 1990s.

The Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) was established in 1942 during World War II to provide American radio programming to U.S. troops overseas, boosting morale and keeping service members informed. Initially broadcasting from England as the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS), the network rapidly expanded across Europe and the Pacific. In 1954, television services were introduced, and the name was officially changed to Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). Throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century, AFRTS has remained a vital link for deployed personnel, delivering news, entertainment, and information worldwide.

Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe (HQ USAFE), based at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, serves as the air component for U.S. European Command. Established in 1942 as the Eighth Air Force, it was reorganized and redesignated several times before becoming USAFE in 1945. Relocating to Ramstein AB in 1973, HQ USAFE has played a pivotal role in NATO operations, Cold War deterrence, and crisis response across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Today, it continues to provide airpower, support, and coordination for U.S. and allied forces throughout its area of responsibility.

The 106th Rescue Wing (106th RQW) is a distinguished unit of the New York Air National Guard, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York. Originally established during World War II as the 394th Bombardment Group, the unit underwent several redesignations before becoming a rescue wing in 1975. The 106th RQW specializes in combat search and rescue missions, notably participating in high-profile operations such as the rescue efforts during Hurricane Katrina and the NASA Space Shuttle program. Its pararescue personnel, known as PJs, have received numerous accolades for their bravery and lifesaving missions both at home and abroad.

The 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron (10th TFS) was an active unit of the United States Air Force, originally established during World War II. It was reactivated during the Cold War as part of the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing, stationed at Hahn Air Base, West Germany. The squadron primarily flew F-4 Phantom II and later F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, focusing on NATO air defense and tactical operations. The 10th TFS played a critical role in maintaining readiness during heightened tensions in Europe before its inactivation in the early 1990s following the end of the Cold War.

The 1827th Electronics Installation Squadron (EIS) is a unit of the United States Air Force specializing in the installation, maintenance, and support of communications and electronic systems. Established during the Cold War era, the 1827th EIS has played a vital role in setting up and upgrading secure communication networks at various Air Force installations worldwide. The squadron's expertise extends to radar systems, satellite communications, and air traffic control equipment, contributing to enhanced operational readiness. Over the years, the 1827th EIS has supported numerous missions, both stateside and overseas, demonstrating adaptability and technical proficiency in rapidly evolving technological environments.