U.S. Air Force

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 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, commonly referred to as the 16th Tac Recon, was a United States Air Force unit with a distinguished history in aerial reconnaissance. Activated during World War II, the squadron initially operated in the European Theater, conducting vital photo-reconnaissance missions to support Allied operations. After the war, the 16th Tac Recon participated in various Cold War assignments, adapting to new aircraft and technologies to gather intelligence on potential adversaries. The unit's legacy is marked by its contributions to intelligence gathering and its adaptability in the face of evolving reconnaissance challenges.

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 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 21st Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit responsible for law enforcement and security functions at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in safeguarding personnel, resources, and strategic assets, particularly those supporting air defense missions in the region. Members of the 21st SPS conducted patrols, controlled base entry, and responded to emergencies to ensure the security of the installation. The unit was eventually redesignated as the 21st Security Forces Squadron, continuing its legacy under the Air Force's modern security forces structure.

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.

The 379th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was a key support unit assigned to the 379th Bombardment Wing of the United States Air Force. Activated during the Cold War era, the 379th OMS was responsible for the organizational-level maintenance of the wing's strategic bombers and tanker aircraft, ensuring their readiness for global operations. Stationed primarily at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, the squadron played a vital role in supporting B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during both peacetime and heightened alert periods. The unit remained active until the restructuring and eventual closure of Wurtsmith AFB in the early 1990s.

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 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 601st Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit primarily stationed at Sembach Air Base, West Germany, during the Cold War. Activated in the early 1970s, the squadron was tasked with providing law enforcement, security, and force protection for U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) assets, including aircraft, personnel, and sensitive facilities. The squadron played a vital role in safeguarding resources against potential threats from Warsaw Pact forces and supporting NATO operations. The 601st Security Police Squadron was inactivated in the early 1990s as part of the post-Cold War drawdown and realignment of U.S. forces in Europe.

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

U.S. Air Force

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 **81st Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW)** was activated by the United States Air Force in 1954 and initially stationed at RAF Bentwaters, England, as part of United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE). Tasked with the defense of NATO airspace during the Cold War, the wing operated a variety of aircraft over the decades, including the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, and A-10 Thunderbolt II. The 81st TFW played a key role in maintaining a forward-deployed, combat-ready force in Europe, frequently participating in NATO exercises and readiness operations. The wing was inactivated in 1993 following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent realignment of U.S. forces in Europe.