U.S. Air Force

The 376th Bombardment Wing was established in 1951 as part of the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command during the early years of the Cold War. Originally stationed at Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas, the wing flew B-29 Superfortress bombers before transitioning to the B-47 Stratojet, focusing on strategic deterrence and global strike missions. Throughout its service, the 376th participated in various training exercises and alert duties to maintain readiness against potential Soviet threats. The wing was inactivated in 1965, but its lineage and honors were later consolidated with the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing, which served in Southwest Asia during the Global War on Terror.

The 379th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMS) was an integral unit of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan. Activated during the Cold War, the 379 AMS provided critical maintenance and support for the B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 379th Bombardment Wing. The squadron ensured aircraft readiness for nuclear deterrence and global strike missions, playing a vital role in SAC's alert force posture. The unit remained active at Wurtsmith AFB until the base's closure and the inactivation of SAC in the early 1990s.

The 390th Strategic Missile Wing (390 SMW) was activated in 1962 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, as part of the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command. The wing operated LGM-25C Titan II intercontinental ballistic missiles, serving as a key component of America’s nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. At its peak, the 390th managed eighteen Titan II missile silos, maintaining high readiness through rigorous training and alert status. The wing was inactivated in 1984 following the decommissioning of the Titan II system, marking the end of its distinguished service in strategic missile operations.

The 3rd Aerial Port Squadron was first activated in 1952, supporting airlift operations during the Korean War and subsequent Cold War missions. Based at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, the unit specialized in air cargo handling, passenger movement, and aerial delivery operations for the United States Air Force. Over the years, the squadron has played a critical role in major military operations, including deployments for Operation Desert Storm and humanitarian missions worldwide. Renowned for its rapid mobility and logistical expertise, the 3rd Aerial Port Squadron continues to support global air mobility and contingency operations.

The 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron (3rd CES) is a vital unit within the United States Air Force, stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The squadron traces its origins to the post-World War II era, supporting air operations in the challenging Arctic environment. Over the decades, 3rd CES has been responsible for constructing, maintaining, and repairing critical infrastructure, ensuring operational readiness in both peacetime and contingency operations. Their expertise has been pivotal during numerous deployments and disaster response efforts, making them an essential part of the base and broader Air Force mission.

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 40th Tactical Group was a United States Air Force unit active during the early 1960s. Established in 1963 at Aviano Air Base, Italy, the group was tasked with providing command, control, and support for deployed tactical fighter and reconnaissance units in Southern Europe. The 40th Tactical Group played a crucial role in supporting NATO operations during the Cold War, maintaining readiness and facilitating joint training exercises with allied forces. In 1964, the unit was redesignated as the 40th Tactical Support Wing, continuing its vital mission in the region.

The 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing was first activated by the United States Air Force in 1953, originally tasked with tactical reconnaissance missions during the Cold War. The wing saw significant action during the Vietnam War, being reactivated at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand in 1966, where it operated RF-4C Phantom II aircraft to gather vital intelligence for U.S. and allied forces. Throughout its deployment, the 432nd conducted thousands of successful reconnaissance sorties over hostile territory, often under heavy enemy fire. The wing was inactivated in 1976, but its legacy of courage and innovation in aerial reconnaissance endures in Air Force history.

The 485th Electronic Installation Group (EIG), based at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York, played a key role in supporting United States Air Force communications and electronic systems during the latter part of the 20th century. Established in response to growing demands for advanced electronic infrastructure, the unit specialized in the installation, maintenance, and upgrade of secure command and control networks across various Air Force facilities. During its tenure at Griffiss AFB, the 485th EIG contributed significantly to Cold War readiness and modernization efforts, ensuring robust and reliable communications for critical missions. The group’s expertise and dedication helped lay the groundwork for today’s advanced Air Force cyber and electronic warfare capabilities.

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 602nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was a United States Air Force unit activated in the early 1950s during the height of the Cold War. Its primary mission was to provide radar surveillance, early warning, and airspace control, guarding against potential Soviet bomber incursions. The squadron was stationed at various locations, including sites in Alaska and the continental United States, as part of the broader Air Defense Command network. The 602nd AC&W Squadron was eventually inactivated as advancements in radar technology and changes in defense strategy led to the consolidation of air defense assets.

The 6940th Air Base Group (USAFSS) was a United States Air Force Security Service unit stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, during the Cold War. Activated in the early 1960s, its primary mission was to provide administrative and logistical support to USAFSS personnel engaged in intelligence and cryptologic training. The group played a vital role in preparing airmen for signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations worldwide. The 6940th AB Group remained active until the reorganization of USAFSS units in the late 1970s, after which its functions were absorbed by other support organizations at Goodfellow AFB.

The 6970th Support Group was a United States Air Force unit active during the Cold War era, primarily tasked with providing operational and logistical support to intelligence-gathering missions. Established in the late 1950s, the group was headquartered at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, and worked closely with the Air Force Security Service and the National Security Agency. Its personnel conducted and supported signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations, contributing to the monitoring of Soviet and other foreign communications. The 6970th played a critical role in advancing U.S. electronic surveillance capabilities until its inactivation and reorganization in the late 1970s.

The 86th Civil Engineer Squadron (86th CES) is a vital unit of the United States Air Force stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, under the 86th Airlift Wing. Established to provide comprehensive engineering, emergency response, and base support services, the squadron traces its heritage to earlier engineer units serving U.S. interests in Europe during and after the Cold War. The 86th CES is renowned for its rapid airfield repair, infrastructure maintenance, and firefighting capabilities, supporting both routine operations and contingency missions across the European and African theaters. Over the years, the unit has played a crucial role in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and operations supporting NATO and U.S. Air Force objectives abroad.

Certainly! The Air Force Communications Service (AFCS) was established in 1961 as a major command of the United States Air Force, tasked with providing, managing, and maintaining global communications and information systems for Air Force operations. Originally formed from the Airways and Air Communications Service, the AFCS played a crucial role during the Cold War, supporting command and control, strategic communications, and technological advancements in military networking. Throughout its history, the AFCS was instrumental in enabling secure and reliable communications during crises such as the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. In 1991, the AFCS was reorganized and redesignated as the Air Force Communications Command (AFCC), reflecting its evolving mission in the digital age.

Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&H Squadron), El Toro, was a key administrative and support unit stationed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro in California. Established during World War II, H&H Squadron provided essential command, control, and logistical support to the air station and its tenant aviation units. Throughout the Cold War and into the 1990s, the squadron played a vital role in coordinating base operations, personnel management, and mission readiness for Marine aviation forces on the West Coast. The unit was decommissioned in 1999 following the closure of MCAS El Toro under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

Little Rock Air Force Base (AFB), located in Jacksonville, Arkansas, was officially opened in 1955 and quickly became a key installation for the United States Air Force. Initially established as a Strategic Air Command base, it later transitioned to Tactical Air Command and eventually Air Mobility Command. The base is renowned as the home of the C-130 Hercules, hosting the 19th Airlift Wing and serving as a premier center for C-130 training and operations. Over the decades, Little Rock AFB has played a critical role in supporting global airlift and humanitarian missions, earning a reputation for excellence in mobility and training.

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Midway Island was established during World War II as a critical U.S. Navy installation on Midway Atoll in the central Pacific Ocean. Its strategic location made it pivotal during the Battle of Midway in June 1942, where U.S. naval and air forces, operating from the facility, played a decisive role in defeating the Japanese fleet. After the battle, NAF Midway Island continued to serve as a key refueling, communications, and staging point for naval and air operations throughout the Pacific theater. The facility remained active during the Cold War era before being decommissioned in 1993, and today, the island is primarily a wildlife refuge.

The 102nd Fighter Interceptor Wing (102nd FIW) traces its origins to the post-World War II reorganization of the Air National Guard, being officially established in 1946. Initially equipped with piston-engine fighters, the unit transitioned to jet aircraft during the early Cold War and was tasked with the air defense of the northeastern United States. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the 102nd FIW operated various interceptor aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre and F-102 Delta Dagger, maintaining a constant alert status during periods of heightened tension. The unit continued its air defense mission into the late 20th century, later redesignated and re-missioned as part of broader Air Force restructuring.

The 107th Fighter Wing, part of the New York Air National Guard, traces its origins to the 107th Aero Squadron, formed during World War I in 1917. The unit was reactivated during World War II, serving with distinction in both the European and Pacific Theaters. In the postwar years, the 107th transitioned through various aircraft and mission roles, including air defense and airlift operations. Today, the 107th Fighter Wing operates from Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, supporting both state and federal missions, including homeland defense and overseas deployments.

The 125th Fighter Interceptor Group was established as part of the Air National Guard in the post-World War II era, officially activated in 1956. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, the unit was tasked with the air defense of the southeastern United States during the early years of the Cold War. Flying aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre and later the F-102 Delta Dagger, the 125th played a crucial role in maintaining continental air sovereignty against potential Soviet threats. Over the decades, the group evolved into the 125th Fighter Wing, continuing its legacy of homeland defense and operational excellence.

The 134th Air Refueling Group, part of the Tennessee Air National Guard, was established in 1957 and is based at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base near Knoxville, Tennessee. Originally activated as the 134th Fighter-Interceptor Group, it transitioned to an air refueling mission in 1964 with the acquisition of the KC-97 Stratofreighter, later upgrading to the KC-135 Stratotanker. The group has supported numerous operations, including Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, by providing vital aerial refueling capabilities to U.S. and allied aircraft. Over the decades, the 134th has earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and continues to play a key role in both state and national defense missions.

The 148th Fighter Wing, based in Duluth, Minnesota, is a unit of the Minnesota Air National Guard. Established in 1948 as the 179th Fighter Squadron, the unit has undergone several redesignations and has operated a range of aircraft, including the F-51 Mustang, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and most recently, the F-35A Lightning II. The 148th has supported both federal and state missions, including air defense of the United States, overseas deployments for Operations Northern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, and domestic disaster response. Renowned for its professionalism and operational excellence, the wing continues to play a vital role in national defense and community support.

The 14th Aerial Port Squadron was an Air Force Reserve unit tasked with providing air transportation support, including cargo and passenger handling, at various locations. Activated in the 1960s, the squadron played a crucial role in supporting airlift missions during the Vietnam War era and subsequent Cold War operations. The unit was responsible for the rapid movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies, ensuring mission readiness for U.S. and allied forces. Over time, the 14th Aerial Port Squadron was inactivated as part of broader Air Force restructuring efforts, but its legacy endures in the vital role aerial port units play in global mobility operations.