U.S. Air Force

The 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (60th AMS) is a key unit of the United States Air Force, based at Travis Air Force Base in California. Established to provide maintenance support for the base’s air mobility fleet, the squadron ensures operational readiness of aircraft such as the C-5M Super Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, and KC-10 Extender. Throughout its history, the 60th AMS has played a vital role in supporting both peacetime and contingency airlift missions worldwide. Its dedicated personnel have contributed to numerous humanitarian operations and combat deployments, maintaining a reputation for excellence in aircraft maintenance and mission support.

The 60th Security Police Squadron was an essential unit assigned to Travis Air Force Base (TAFB), California, during the Cold War and beyond. Activated as part of the 60th Military Airlift Wing, the squadron was responsible for base security, law enforcement, and force protection of critical airlift operations. Throughout its service, the unit provided security for both personnel and strategic assets, including aircraft and nuclear resources, especially during periods of heightened alert. The squadron played a vital role in supporting global mobility missions and humanitarian operations until its redesignation as the 60th Security Forces Squadron in the late 1990s, reflecting broader changes in Air Force security operations.

The 615th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (615th AC&W Sq) was activated in 1948 as part of the United States Air Force's early Cold War air defense network. Stationed at several sites, including Colville Air Force Station in Washington, the unit was responsible for operating radar systems to detect and track potential aerial threats to North American airspace. The 615th played a vital role in the Air Defense Command’s mission, providing early warning and ground-controlled interception guidance during a period of heightened tensions with the Soviet Union. The squadron was inactivated in 1960 as technological advancements and restructuring led to the consolidation of air defense assets.

The 6200th Air Base Wing was a United States Air Force unit stationed in the Philippines, primarily at Clark Air Base, during the latter years of the Vietnam War and into the 1980s. Established in 1973, it was responsible for providing base operations support, including logistics, security, and facilities maintenance for Clark Air Base and its tenant units. The wing played a crucial role during Operation Babylift and Operation New Life in 1975, assisting with the evacuation and processing of Vietnamese refugees. The 6200th Air Base Wing was inactivated in 1991 following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo and the subsequent closure of Clark Air Base.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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 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.

**3711 Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS)** was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Established as part of the Air Training Command, 3711 BMTS was responsible for transforming civilian recruits into Airmen through rigorous basic military training. The squadron operated for several decades, playing a key role in shaping the discipline, physical fitness, and core military skills of thousands of enlisted personnel. In the 1990s, 3711 BMTS was inactivated as part of a restructuring of Basic Military Training at Lackland, with its legacy carried on by successor training squadrons.

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 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 525th Fighter Squadron, known as the "Bulldogs," was first activated in 1942 and distinguished itself in World War II flying P-38 Lightnings in the European Theater. After the war, the squadron saw various activations, flying aircraft such as the F-15 Eagle during the Cold War, and was stationed primarily in Europe, notably at Bitburg Air Base, Germany. The unit played a key role in NATO operations and air defense during the tense periods of the late 20th century. Today, the 525th Fighter Squadron is based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and operates the advanced F-22 Raptor, continuing its legacy of excellence in air superiority missions.

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 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.