U.S. Air Force

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 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 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 **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 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 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 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 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.

The 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron (19th TASS) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Vietnam War era. Established in 1963, the squadron's primary mission was to provide forward air control (FAC) and close air support (CAS) for ground forces, operating mainly the O-1 Bird Dog and later the O-2 Skymaster aircraft. The 19th TASS played a crucial role in directing air strikes, reconnaissance, and coordinating air-ground operations across Southeast Asia, particularly in South Vietnam and Laos. The squadron was inactivated in 1972 following the drawdown of U.S. operations in the region.

The 1st Aerospace Communications Group was a United States Air Force unit activated in the 1960s to provide specialized communications support for space and missile operations. Stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, the group played a pivotal role in ensuring secure and reliable communications for early warning, command and control, and satellite tracking missions during the Cold War. It supported a variety of national defense initiatives, including the safeguarding of aerospace assets and facilitating rapid decision-making. The unit was eventually inactivated as technological advancements and restructuring led to the consolidation of its functions into other organizations.

The 2052nd Communications Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era, tasked with providing secure and reliable communications support for critical Air Force operations. Stationed at various strategic locations, the squadron played a pivotal role in maintaining command and control links, especially during heightened periods of geopolitical tension. Its personnel specialized in advanced communications technology, ensuring continuous information flow between command centers and deployed units. The 2052nd Communications Squadron was eventually inactivated as part of a broader restructuring of Air Force communications assets, with its legacy carried on by successor units in the modern era.