U.S. Air Force

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.

**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 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 **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 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.

The 6916th Electronic Security Squadron (6916th ESS) was a United States Air Force signals intelligence unit active primarily during the Cold War. Stationed at Rhein-Main Air Base in West Germany, the unit played a crucial role in intercepting and analyzing Soviet and Warsaw Pact communications. The squadron operated as part of the larger United States Air Force Security Service (later Electronic Security Command), contributing vital intelligence for NATO operations. The 6916th ESS was eventually inactivated as part of post-Cold War reorganizations and the drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe.

The **6933rd Security Wing** was a United States Air Force unit primarily engaged in signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations during the Cold War. Activated in the late 1970s, the unit was stationed at Karamürsel Air Station in Turkey, where it played a pivotal role in monitoring Soviet and regional communications. The 6933rd worked closely with the National Security Agency (NSA) and contributed significantly to US and NATO intelligence gathering efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The wing was eventually inactivated as part of broader USAF restructuring and changes in intelligence priorities in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The 79 Engineer Group was a British Army formation established in 1967 as part of the Royal Engineers. Its primary role was to provide engineering support, including construction, infrastructure development, and combat engineering tasks, across various locations in the United Kingdom and Germany. The Group played a vital role during the Cold War, supporting British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) operations with mobility, counter-mobility, and survivability solutions. The unit was eventually disbanded in 1992 as part of the post-Cold War restructuring of the British Army.

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.