U.S. Air Force

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

U.S. Air Force

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 United States Air Force Academy (USAF Academy), located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was established in 1954 to train and educate future officers for the United States Air Force. The first class of cadets entered in 1955, and the Academy graduated its inaugural class in 1959. Over the decades, the Academy has become renowned for its rigorous academic, military, physical, and character development programs, producing leaders who have served in conflicts such as Vietnam, the Gulf War, and operations in the Middle East. The institution continues to uphold its mission to develop leaders of character, ready to serve the nation in air, space, and cyberspace domains.

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.

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 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 22nd Bombardment Wing (SAC), originally activated in 1948, was a key unit of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) based at March Air Force Base, California. Initially equipped with B-29 Superfortresses, the wing transitioned to jet-powered B-47 Stratojets in the 1950s and later to the B-52 Stratofortress, reflecting the evolution of America's strategic bomber force during the Cold War. Throughout its service, the 22 BW maintained a constant state of readiness, supporting nuclear deterrence and participating in numerous training and alert missions. The wing played a vital role in SAC’s global reach until the restructuring of Air Force commands in the early 1990s.

The 28th Field Maintenance Squadron (28th FMS) was an essential support unit within the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron provided comprehensive aircraft maintenance, repair, and logistical support to the 28th Bomb Wing, ensuring the readiness of B-52 Stratofortresses and later B-1B Lancers. Throughout its history, the 28th FMS played a crucial role in sustaining the wing’s strategic bombing capabilities, both during peacetime operations and heightened alert periods. The squadron was eventually reorganized as part of USAF-wide restructuring, but its legacy of excellence in maintenance continues to be honored at Ellsworth AFB.

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 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 3rd Supply Squadron was an essential logistics unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during World War II to provide critical supply and materiel support to combat units. Its primary mission was to manage and distribute equipment, spare parts, and provisions, ensuring operational readiness for flying and support squadrons. Over the decades, the 3rd Supply Squadron played a vital role in supporting various operations and deployments, adapting to advances in logistics and supply chain management. Eventually, its functions were integrated into larger logistics and support organizations as part of Air Force restructuring and modernization efforts.

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.