U.S. Air Force

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 1839th Military Unit was established during World War II as a support and logistics battalion, primarily responsible for supplying frontline divisions with essential resources. Throughout the conflict, the unit distinguished itself in several European campaigns, earning commendations for efficiency and reliability under fire. After the war, the 1839th underwent several reorganizations, adapting to new technologies and expanding its mission to include transportation and engineering support. Today, the unit continues its legacy of excellence, providing critical logistical capabilities to joint operations around the world.

The 1973rd Communications Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force responsible for providing vital communications support to operations in its assigned region. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in maintaining secure and reliable communication links for command and control, particularly in overseas or forward-deployed locations. Throughout its service, the 1973rd Communications Squadron supported various Air Force missions, contributing to the effectiveness and readiness of U.S. military forces. The unit was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader communications and organizational restructuring within the Air Force.

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 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 405th Combat Support Group was an essential unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated in the mid-20th century. It provided critical base operations and logistical support for flying and combat operations, particularly for the 405th Fighter Wing. The group was stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines during the height of the Cold War, playing a key role in maintaining operational readiness in the Pacific theater. Throughout its service, the 405th Combat Support Group contributed significantly to the effectiveness and sustainability of U.S. Air Force missions in Southeast Asia before its inactivation.

The **46th Communications Group** was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for providing communications and information systems support. Activated during the Cold War era, the group played a critical role in ensuring secure and reliable communication channels for command and control functions. It was assigned to various major commands over its history, supporting both tactical and strategic operations, including deployments and exercises. The unit underwent several redesignations and inactivations as the Air Force reorganized its communications and information infrastructure in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

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 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 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 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.

The 1998th Communications Squadron was a specialized unit within the United States Air Force, primarily focused on providing secure and reliable communications support. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in maintaining command and control links for strategic operations in the Pacific region. Stationed at key overseas locations, the 1998th ensured uninterrupted communications for both peacetime and contingency missions. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force restructuring and modernization efforts in the late 20th century.

The 2849th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) was a United States Air Force unit, active primarily during the Cold War era. Stationed at various locations, including overseas bases, its mission focused on base construction, maintenance, and combat engineering support for USAF operations. The 2849 CES played a significant role in ensuring airfield readiness, rapid runway repair, and facility support under both peacetime and contingency conditions. Its personnel were recognized for their technical expertise and adaptability, contributing to the overall mission success of the Air Force during its period of activity.

The 31st Tactical Fighter Wing (31st TFW) was originally activated in 1947 at Turner Field, Georgia. It saw extensive service during the Cold War, operating a variety of fighter aircraft, including the F-84, F-100, and later, the F-4 Phantom II. The wing played a significant role in the Vietnam War, deploying personnel and aircraft to Southeast Asia for combat operations. In the late 20th century, the 31st TFW was stationed at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, before eventually being redesignated as the 31st Fighter Wing and moving to Aviano Air Base, Italy, where it remains active today.

The 320th Security Police Squadron (SPS) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to provide security and law enforcement services, primarily at Mather Air Force Base, California. Activated in the mid-20th century, the 320th SPS played a critical role in safeguarding strategic resources and personnel, especially during the Cold War era. The squadron was integral to base defense, including anti-sabotage patrols and response to potential security threats. The unit was inactivated following the closure of Mather AFB in 1993, concluding decades of dedicated service to the Air Force's mission.