U.S. Air Force

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 1835th Engineering Installation Squadron (EIS) is a United States Air Force unit with a distinguished history in communications and infrastructure support. Originally activated during the Cold War, the 1835th EIS specialized in installing, maintaining, and upgrading vital communications and electronic systems at Air Force bases and deployed locations worldwide. Throughout its service, the squadron played a critical role in ensuring reliable command, control, and communication capabilities for Air Force operations, particularly during periods of rapid technological advancement. The unit has contributed significantly to various missions, both at home and abroad, supporting the Air Force’s global mission until its eventual inactivation.

The 18th FMS, or 18th Field Maintenance Squadron, was a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, historically assigned to the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. Established during the Cold War era, the unit was responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft and support equipment, ensuring the operational readiness of the wing’s fighter squadrons. The 18th FMS played a key role during various regional crises and routine operations, supporting aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-15 Eagle. In the early 1990s, as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, the squadron was redesignated and merged into the 18th Maintenance Squadron, continuing its mission under a new structure.

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.

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 314th Supply, originally constituted during World War II, served as a vital logistics and supply unit for the United States Army. Activated in response to the increasing need for organized support operations, the unit was responsible for ensuring the timely provision of equipment, ammunition, and essential materials to frontline forces. Throughout its service, the 314th Supply played a crucial role in both European and Pacific Theaters, contributing to the operational effectiveness of combat units. After the war, the unit underwent several reorganizations, adapting to the evolving logistical demands of the U.S. military in subsequent conflicts and peacetime operations.

The 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (363rd Tac Recon Wing) was activated by the United States Air Force in 1947, originally designated as a bombardment and later as a reconnaissance unit. Throughout the Cold War, the wing was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, and played a critical role in providing aerial reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, particularly during crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. The wing operated a variety of aircraft over its history, including the RF-101 Voodoo and RF-4C Phantom II, to conduct tactical photo-reconnaissance missions. In the early 1990s, the 363rd shifted to a fighter role before its inactivation in 1993.

The 3707th Basic Military Training Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force, established at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Activated in the post-World War II era, the 3707th was responsible for training thousands of new Air Force recruits, instilling military discipline, physical fitness, and foundational skills necessary for Air Force service. As one of several training squadrons at Lackland, the 3707th played a critical role during periods of high enlistment, such as the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Over the decades, the squadron developed a reputation for excellence before being inactivated or redesignated as part of Air Force restructuring of basic training in the early 2000s.

The 3707th Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS), based at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, has long played a pivotal role in United States Air Force history. Established in the late 1940s, the 3707 BMTS became one of the primary units responsible for transforming civilians into airmen through rigorous basic military training. Over the decades, the squadron trained thousands of recruits, instilling the core values, discipline, and skills necessary for Air Force service. The 3707 BMTS is remembered for its enduring legacy in shaping generations of Air Force personnel before it was inactivated during a reorganization of training units.

The 376th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was a component of the United States Air Force, primarily associated with the 376th Bombardment Wing during the Cold War era. The squadron was responsible for the organizational-level maintenance of aircraft, notably the B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker, ensuring their readiness for strategic missions. Based at Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts, the 376 OMS played a crucial role in supporting the wing’s nuclear deterrence and aerial refueling operations. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of the post-Cold War drawdown and restructuring of Air Force units.

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 3rd Self-Propelled Gun (SPG) unit was established during World War II as part of the army’s push for increased mobile artillery support. Initially equipped with early-model self-propelled howitzers, the unit saw action on several key fronts, providing crucial firepower and supporting armored assaults. Over time, the 3rd SPG developed a reputation for rapid deployment and accuracy, contributing significantly to the success of several major offensives. In the postwar era, the unit modernized its equipment and continues to serve as a vital component of the army’s artillery forces.

The 410th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (410 OMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force that provided aircraft maintenance support, primarily for the 410th Bombardment Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, it was stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan, where it played a crucial role in maintaining the operational readiness of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers. The squadron ensured the wing’s aircraft were mission-ready for strategic deterrence and rapid response missions throughout its service. The 410 OMS was eventually inactivated following the restructuring and closure of K.I. Sawyer AFB in the mid-1990s as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

The 410th Combat Support Group was a United States Air Force unit activated on 1 February 1959 at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Michigan. Its primary mission was to provide essential support functions—including base operations, logistics, and maintenance—to the 410th Bombardment Wing, which operated B-52 Stratofortress bombers during the Cold War. The group played a vital role in maintaining the operational readiness of the base and its strategic assets as part of the Strategic Air Command. The 410th Combat Support Group remained active until it was inactivated on 1 August 1994, following the closure of K.I. Sawyer AFB.

The 432nd Security Police Squadron (SPS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with providing base security and law enforcement at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base during the Vietnam War. Activated in the 1960s, the squadron played a crucial role in safeguarding personnel, aircraft, and facilities against sabotage and enemy attack. Members of the 432nd SPS conducted perimeter defense, patrols, and quick reaction operations, often under the threat of enemy infiltration. The unit was inactivated in the late 1970s following the drawdown of U.S. forces in Southeast Asia.

The 443rd Military Airlift Command (MAC) was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily based at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Established during the Cold War era, the 443rd MAC played a pivotal role in training aircrews for strategic and tactical airlift missions, operating aircraft such as the C-141 Starlifter and C-5 Galaxy. The unit was responsible for preparing crews for worldwide air mobility operations, supporting both peacetime and contingency missions. In 1992, following Air Force restructuring, the 443rd MAC was inactivated and its mission was absorbed by the 97th Air Mobility Wing.

The 474th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was activated in 1952 as part of the United States Air Force, initially stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan, during the early Cold War. The wing was later based at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where it flew a variety of aircraft, including the F-111 Aardvark. During the Vietnam War, the 474th TFW deployed to Southeast Asia, providing crucial tactical air support and conducting interdiction missions. The unit was inactivated in 1989, having played a significant role in advancing tactical fighter operations and contributing to U.S. airpower throughout its history.

The 50th Civil Engineer Squadron (50th CES) is a vital support unit within the United States Space Force, previously operating under the United States Air Force as part of the 50th Mission Support Group at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. Established to provide engineering, emergency management, and installation support, the 50th CES has played a crucial role in maintaining and upgrading infrastructure critical to space operations. Over the years, the squadron has ensured mission readiness by delivering fire protection, environmental management, and rapid response capabilities. The 50th CES continues to adapt and innovate, supporting the evolving needs of space and cyber operations in the modern era.

The 50th Security Police Squadron (50th SPS) was a United States Air Force unit tasked with base security, law enforcement, and force protection duties. Stationed at Hahn Air Base, Germany, the squadron was part of the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing during the Cold War. Its mission included safeguarding tactical fighter aircraft, nuclear weapons, and critical infrastructure against potential Warsaw Pact threats. The 50th SPS played a vital role in NATO defense until Hahn AB’s closure and the unit’s inactivation in 1991.

The 55th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was an integral support unit within the United States Air Force, assigned to the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Activated during the height of the Cold War, the squadron was responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and readiness of the wing’s aircraft, including the famed RC-135 reconnaissance fleet. Its skilled airmen ensured mission-capable rates remained high, directly supporting vital intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations around the globe. The 55th OMS was eventually inactivated in the late 20th century as part of Air Force organizational restructuring, with its legacy carried forward by successor maintenance units.

The 56th Special Operations Wing traces its origins to World War II, when it was first activated as the 56th Fighter Group and achieved distinction in the European Theater. Renowned for its high number of aerial victories, the unit flew P-47 Thunderbolts and produced several flying aces. In the decades following the war, the unit underwent several redesignations and mission changes, eventually becoming the 56th Special Operations Wing. Today, it is recognized for its expertise in unconventional warfare, specializing in direct action, counterterrorism, and support of special operations forces worldwide.

The 6595th Aerospace Test Wing was established in 1960 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, as a unit of the Air Force Systems Command (AFSC). Its primary mission was the testing and evaluation of ballistic missile and space systems, including support for the development and launch of early U.S. military satellites. The wing played a key role in the advancement of space launch capabilities during the Cold War, particularly in support of the Atlas, Titan, and Thor missile programs. The 6595th Aerospace Test Wing was inactivated in 1979 as part of organizational restructuring within the Air Force’s space and missile operations.