U.S. Air Force

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 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 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 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 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 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.

The **1987th Communications Squadron (1987th COMM SQ)** was a unit of the United States Air Force responsible for providing communications and information systems support. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in ensuring secure and reliable communication channels for command and control functions. Stationed at various locations over its history, the 1987th COMM SQ supported both tactical and strategic operations, contributing to mission readiness and information security. The unit was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader Air Force communications restructuring efforts.

The 2045th Communications Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated in the mid-20th century to provide vital communications support for air operations. Stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, the squadron played an essential role in maintaining secure and reliable communications for command and control functions, particularly during the Cold War era. The unit was responsible for operating, maintaining, and securing a range of communications equipment, ensuring seamless connectivity for senior military and government leaders. The 2045th Communications Squadron was eventually inactivated as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization and modernization of communications units.

The 27th Fighter Wing was established in 1947 as part of the post-World War II reorganization of the United States Air Force. Initially stationed at Kearney Army Airfield, Nebraska, the wing was equipped with the F-51 Mustang before transitioning to jet aircraft such as the F-84 Thunderjet. Throughout the Korean War, the 27th Fighter Wing played a significant role in providing air support and escort missions. Over the decades, the wing has been based at various locations and flown multiple advanced fighter aircraft, continuing its legacy of excellence in air combat and defense operations.

The 27th Security Police Squadron, originally activated as part of the 27th Fighter Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, has a proud history of providing base security and force protection since its establishment. Throughout the Cold War and into the modern era, the unit has safeguarded critical Air Force assets, personnel, and resources, adapting to evolving threats and missions. Members of the squadron have deployed in support of various operations, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where they provided expeditionary security and law enforcement. Over the decades, the 27th Security Police Squadron, later redesignated as the 27th Security Forces Squadron, has maintained a reputation for excellence, readiness, and dedication to the defense of the United States Air Force and its missions.

The 27th Transportation Squadron was initially activated during World War II to support the rapid movement of supplies and personnel for the United States Army Air Forces. Tasked with logistics and ground transportation, the squadron played a vital role in enabling air operations by ensuring timely delivery of equipment and materiel. Over the decades, the unit adapted to evolving mission requirements, supporting various operations during the Cold War and beyond. Today, the 27th Transportation Squadron continues to provide essential transportation and logistics support, contributing to the overall mission readiness of its parent wing.

The 2849th Security Police Squadron (SPS) was a United States Air Force unit tasked with providing law enforcement and security services, primarily during the Cold War era. Stationed at various Air Force installations, the squadron’s main responsibilities included safeguarding personnel, resources, and sensitive assets, including nuclear weapons and strategic facilities. The 2849th SPS played a critical role in base defense, emergency response, and ensuring the overall security posture of its assigned locations. Over its period of service, the unit contributed significantly to the security mission of the Air Force before being inactivated or re-designated as part of broader organizational changes within the service.

The 2951st Combat Logistics Support Squadron (CLSS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with depot-level maintenance and rapid repair of aircraft and equipment. Activated during the height of the Cold War, the 2951st CLSS specialized in deploying skilled teams worldwide to support urgent operational needs and enhance aircraft readiness. Stationed at McClellan Air Force Base, California, the squadron played a crucial role in sustaining the Air Force’s fleet by providing technical expertise and logistical support during both peacetime and contingency operations. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of post-Cold War restructuring and the closure of McClellan AFB in the late 1990s.

The 2nd Combat Communications Group (2 CCG) was an Air Force unit activated in 1952, originally stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. Its primary mission was to provide deployable communications, air traffic control, and information systems in support of U.S. and allied air operations worldwide. Throughout the Cold War and into the modern era, 2 CCG played a vital role in contingency operations, humanitarian missions, and exercises, notably supporting operations in Grenada and the Gulf War. The group was inactivated in 2013 as part of Air Force restructuring, concluding over six decades of distinguished service.

The 2nd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (2nd OMS) was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, primarily responsible for the maintenance and readiness of aircraft assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. Established during the Cold War era, the 2nd OMS played a crucial role in supporting strategic bomber operations, particularly for the B-52 Stratofortress fleet. The squadron provided comprehensive organizational-level maintenance, ensuring aircraft were mission-ready for both training and real-world deterrence missions. The 2nd OMS continued its vital support work until it was inactivated or reorganized as part of broader USAF restructuring efforts in the late 20th century.

The 3216th Test Squadron was an Air Force unit assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, during the Cold War period. Activated in the 1950s, its primary mission was to conduct operational testing and evaluation of new aircraft, weapons systems, and related equipment for the United States Air Force. The squadron played a critical role in ensuring that emerging technologies met performance and safety standards before entering widespread service. Eventually, the 3216th Test Squadron was inactivated or redesignated as part of broader Air Force organizational changes, with its mission absorbed by other test and evaluation units at Eglin AFB.