U.S. Air Force

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.

**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 38th Air Rescue Squadron was originally activated in 1952, providing vital search and rescue (SAR) capabilities for the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Reactivated during the Vietnam War, the unit played a crucial role in combat rescue operations, often flying HH-3 and HH-53 helicopters into hostile territory to recover downed airmen. The squadron earned multiple commendations for its bravery, including the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor. Over the years, the 38th Air Rescue Squadron has continued its legacy of excellence in personnel recovery and humanitarian missions wherever it has been stationed.

The 405th Fighter Wing was originally activated as part of the United States Air Force in 1952, succeeding earlier World War II-era units. Stationed at several bases throughout its history, including Laon Air Base in France and later Clark Air Base in the Philippines, the wing played a key role in tactical fighter operations during the Cold War. Equipped primarily with aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre and later the F-4 Phantom II, the 405th supported a variety of missions, including air defense, close air support, and tactical bombardment. The wing was inactivated in 1974, but its legacy continues through its contributions to U.S. air power and Cold War deterrence in the Pacific and European theaters.

The **4392nd Aerospace Support Group (SAC)** was an organizational unit of the United States Air Force, established in 1962 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Assigned to Strategic Air Command (SAC), the group provided essential support to missile and space operations, including maintenance, logistics, and facility management for intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and space launch activities. The 4392nd played a key role during the early years of the United States' strategic missile and space programs, supporting both training and operational missions. The group was inactivated in 1966 and its responsibilities were absorbed by the 4392nd Aerospace Support Wing.

The **475th Air Base Wing (ABW)** was originally activated as the 475th Fighter Group in 1943, serving with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, notably flying P-38 Lightnings. After the war, the unit underwent several redesignations and periods of inactivation before being reactivated as the 475th Air Base Wing in 1971 at Yokota Air Base, Japan. As an ABW, its primary mission was to provide base support and administrative services for U.S. Air Force and allied personnel in the region. The wing played a critical role in sustaining U.S. operations in Japan during the Cold War until its inactivation in 1992 as part of Air Force restructuring.

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 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadron was originally activated in 1941 as part of the United States Army Air Forces. During World War II, it served in the Pacific Theater, providing air defense and escort missions. In the Cold War era, the squadron was reactivated and assigned to the Air Defense Command, flying various interceptor aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre and F-102 Delta Dagger to protect North American airspace. The unit was inactivated in 1968 after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

The 5th Mobility Communications Squadron is a United States Air Force unit specializing in rapid deployment and tactical communications support. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron has provided critical voice, data, and satellite communications to command and control elements in diverse operational environments. Over its history, the 5th Mobility Communications has supported numerous contingency operations, humanitarian missions, and joint exercises worldwide. Renowned for its technical expertise and adaptability, the unit continues to ensure global mobility and connectivity for U.S. and allied forces.

The 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), also known as the "Legion," was activated in 1961 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and is now headquartered at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The unit gained distinction during the Vietnam War, conducting unconventional warfare, counterinsurgency, and direct action missions. Since then, the 5th SFG(A) has played key roles in operations across the Middle East, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Renowned for their expertise in foreign internal defense and special reconnaissance, the 5th Special Forces Group remains a vital component of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

The 60th Field Maintenance Squadron, Military Airlift Command (60 FMS MAC), was an integral support unit stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron provided essential maintenance and logistical support for the aircraft assigned to the 60th Military Airlift Wing. Its technicians ensured the readiness and reliability of C-5 Galaxy, C-141 Starlifter, and later C-17 Globemaster III aircraft for global airlift missions. The 60 FMS MAC played a crucial role in sustaining air mobility operations, supporting both strategic deployments and humanitarian missions around the world.

The 6910th Radio Group Mobile was a United States Air Force signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit activated during the early years of the Cold War. Established in 1951, the unit was initially stationed at Landsberg Air Base in West Germany, where it played a key role in monitoring and intercepting Warsaw Pact communications. The 6910th was part of the larger USAF Security Service, providing critical intelligence to support both European and NATO operations during a period of heightened East-West tensions. In 1970, the unit was inactivated as part of a broader restructuring of U.S. Air Force intelligence operations in Europe.

The 6950th Radio Group Mobile (RGM) was a United States Air Force signals intelligence unit activated in the early 1950s during the height of the Cold War. Stationed at RAF Chicksands in England, the unit's primary mission was to conduct communications interception and electronic surveillance operations targeting Soviet and Warsaw Pact activities. The 6950th RGM played a crucial role in gathering intelligence for the National Security Agency (NSA) and U.S. European Command, supporting both strategic and tactical decision-making. The unit was later redesignated and eventually inactivated as technological advancements and organizational changes transformed U.S. Air Force intelligence operations.

7th Bomb Wing

22 members

The 7th Bomb Wing, activated in 1947, is a storied unit of the United States Air Force with a distinguished legacy in strategic bombardment. Initially flying B-29 Superfortresses, the wing played a significant role during the early Cold War, transitioning to B-36 Peacemakers and later to B-52 Stratofortresses. In 1993, the 7th Bomb Wing relocated to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, where it became the first operational B-1B Lancer unit. Today, it remains an integral part of the Air Force Global Strike Command, providing long-range bombing capabilities and supporting global deterrence missions.

The 7th Psychological Operations Group (7th POG) was activated on October 16, 1975, and is headquartered at Moffett Field, California. As part of the U.S. Army's Psychological Operations forces, the 7th POG specializes in planning and executing information and influence operations to affect the perceptions and behaviors of foreign populations in support of U.S. objectives. The unit has deployed personnel in support of major operations including Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism, with missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 7th POG continues to play a vital role in shaping the information environment and supporting strategic communication efforts worldwide.

The 91st Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) was an essential support unit under the Strategic Air Command (SAC), stationed at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Tasked with maintaining and constructing facilities, the 91st CES ensured the operational readiness of missile silos and support structures for the 91st Strategic Missile Wing during the Cold War. The squadron played a critical role in base infrastructure, emergency response, and environmental management, directly supporting the nation's nuclear deterrence mission. Over the years, the 91st CES adapted to evolving technologies and mission requirements, remaining a vital component of the U.S. Air Force's strategic capabilities.

939th Air Refueling Wing

22 members

The 939th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) was a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve Command, originally activated in 1963 as the 939th Troop Carrier Group. Over the decades, it underwent several redesignations, adapting from tactical airlift to air refueling missions. Stationed at Portland Air Reserve Station, Oregon, the wing operated the KC-135 Stratotanker, providing critical aerial refueling support for U.S. and allied aircraft. The 939th ARW played a vital role in both training and operational deployments until its inactivation in 2008 as part of Air Force restructuring.

The 117th Air Refueling Wing (117 ARW) is a unit of the Alabama Air National Guard, stationed at Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama. Established in 1923 as the 117th Observation Squadron, the unit has served in various roles, including reconnaissance and tactical operations during World War II and the Korean War. In 1994, it was redesignated as the 117th Air Refueling Wing and equipped with KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, focusing on aerial refueling missions to support U.S. and allied air operations worldwide. The 117 ARW has participated in numerous operations, including Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing critical air mobility and refueling support to combat and humanitarian missions.

The 122nd Fighter Wing (122nd FW) is a unit of the Indiana Air National Guard, stationed at Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Established in 1947, the unit has transitioned through various aircraft, currently operating the A-10C Thunderbolt II in a close air support role. Throughout its history, the 122nd FW has participated in numerous federal activations, including deployments for Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. The Wing has earned distinction for its operational excellence and continues to support both state and national missions.

The 147th Fighter Interceptor Group was established in 1957 as part of the Texas Air National Guard, based at Ellington Field near Houston, Texas. Initially equipped with F-86 Sabres, the unit was tasked with air defense missions during the Cold War, safeguarding the Gulf Coast against potential Soviet threats. Over the decades, the Group transitioned through various aircraft, including the F-102 Delta Dagger and later the F-4 Phantom II, reflecting evolving technological and strategic requirements. Redesignated several times, the unit has continued its legacy into the 21st century as the 147th Attack Wing, operating MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft in support of both homeland defense and overseas contingency operations.

The **14th Combat Support Group** was originally activated in 1953 as part of the United States Air Force, providing essential base operations and support services for the 14th Fighter Wing at various locations, including Japan and later the United States. Throughout its active years, the group was responsible for logistics, civil engineering, security, and other crucial functions that enabled air combat units to maintain readiness and operational capability. It played a significant role during the Cold War period, ensuring that tactical fighter squadrons were fully supported in their missions. The 14th Combat Support Group was inactivated in 1972, with its functions absorbed by successor organizations as part of USAF restructuring efforts.