U.S. Air Force

The 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (Tactical), or 35 AMS (TAC), was an integral support unit at George Air Force Base, California, during the Cold War era. Tasked with maintaining and servicing tactical fighter aircraft, the squadron played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Throughout its tenure at George AFB, 35 AMS supported aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II, contributing to training and rapid deployment capabilities for U.S. Air Force tactical operations. The squadron was inactivated following the closure of George AFB in 1992, marking the end of its distinguished service.

The **35th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (35th MMS)** was a United States Air Force unit primarily active during the Cold War era. Stationed at various bases in Europe and the United States, the unit was responsible for the storage, maintenance, and handling of nuclear and conventional munitions in support of USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe) operations. The 35th MMS played a critical role in ensuring the readiness and reliability of munitions stockpiles for tactical and strategic missions, particularly during periods of heightened international tension. The squadron was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of Air Force organizational restructuring in the late 20th century.

The 35th Tactical Fighter Wing (35th TFW) traces its origins to World War II, initially activated as the 35th Fighter Group in 1940. It saw extensive combat in the Pacific Theater, supporting Allied operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. Reactivated and redesignated as the 35th TFW during the Cold War, the unit played a significant role in the Vietnam War, flying F-100 Super Sabres and later F-4 Phantoms from bases in Southeast Asia. Throughout its history, the 35th TFW has demonstrated adaptability and valor, contributing to U.S. airpower across multiple conflicts and regions.

The 3750th Air Base Group (ABG) was established by the United States Air Force and activated at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, in July 1948. Its primary mission was to provide base support services, including administration, logistics, and facility management, for units assigned to the base, particularly those involved in technical training. Throughout its history, the 3750th ABG played a key role in supporting Air Training Command’s mission by ensuring the smooth operation of Sheppard AFB. The unit was eventually inactivated in the late 1950s as part of a broader Air Force reorganization and consolidation of base support functions.

The 377th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) is a vital unit of the United States Air Force, stationed at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Established to provide engineering support, the squadron is responsible for base infrastructure, emergency response, and environmental management. Throughout its history, the 377th CES has played a key role in maintaining operational readiness by ensuring facilities and runways are mission-capable. The squadron has consistently supported both peacetime and contingency operations, contributing to the overall mission success of Kirtland AFB and the Air Force at large.

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 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 Fighter Wing, originally activated as the 3rd Bombardment Wing in 1940, has a distinguished history within the United States Air Force. During World War II, the unit played a significant role in the Pacific Theater, conducting bombing and strafing missions against Japanese forces. After the war, the wing transitioned to jet aircraft and participated in combat operations during the Korean War, achieving notable air-to-air and ground-attack successes. Today, stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, the 3rd Wing continues its legacy by providing air dominance, global mobility, and combat support as part of Pacific Air 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 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 412th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (412th MMS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for the storage, maintenance, and handling of munitions at Air Force installations, notably supporting the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The unit played a vital role in safely supporting flight test operations by providing munitions and armament services for a variety of aircraft. Throughout its history, the 412th MMS maintained a high standard of safety and readiness, directly contributing to the success of weapons testing and evaluation programs. The squadron's expertise ensured the operational effectiveness of the Air Force's most advanced weapon systems under test and evaluation.

The 435th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Originally activated in the mid-20th century, the unit has played a vital role in providing engineering support, rapid airfield repair, and infrastructure development for U.S. and NATO operations throughout Europe and beyond. The 435th CES specializes in airbase recovery, expeditionary engineering, and emergency management, frequently deploying in support of contingency operations and humanitarian missions. Over the years, the squadron has earned recognition for its contributions to both combat and peacetime missions, demonstrating versatility and expertise in a wide range of engineering disciplines.

The **436th Aerial Port Squadron** is a United States Air Force unit based at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. It was established to provide rapid and efficient air transportation support, specializing in aerial port operations such as cargo loading, passenger processing, and logistics management. The squadron has played a crucial role in major operations, including humanitarian missions, contingency deployments, and support for overseas combat operations. Its personnel are recognized for their expertise in managing the swift and secure movement of vital supplies and personnel, contributing significantly to the global reach of U.S. air mobility forces.

The 44th Self-Propelled Gun (SPG) unit was established during the height of the Cold War to provide mobile artillery support for armored and mechanized infantry formations. Equipped primarily with 152mm self-propelled guns, the unit played a crucial role in rapid deployment exercises and large-scale maneuvers, ensuring effective fire support under various combat scenarios. Throughout its service, the 44th SPG participated in several joint NATO exercises, demonstrating its operational readiness and tactical flexibility. The unit has since been modernized, integrating advanced targeting systems and upgraded vehicles, cementing its reputation as a key asset within its parent brigade.

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 50th Tactical Airlift Squadron was activated during World War II, originally constituted as a troop carrier unit. Throughout its service, the squadron provided vital airlift support, transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies to various theaters of operation. During the Cold War and into the Vietnam War era, the 50th played a key role in tactical airlift missions, utilizing aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of postwar restructuring and modernization of the U.S. Air Force's airlift capabilities.

The 608th Military Airlift Support Squadron (MASS) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to provide vital airlift support operations during the Cold War era. Activated in the mid-1960s, the squadron was stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where it played a key role in supporting Military Airlift Command (MAC) flights throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. The 608th MASS provided ground servicing, logistics, and passenger support for transient airlift missions, ensuring rapid and reliable movement of personnel and cargo. The unit was inactivated in the early 1990s as part of broader Air Force restructuring following the end of the Cold War.

The 619th Military Airlift Support Squadron (619 MASS) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era. Established to provide vital ground and logistical support for Military Airlift Command operations, the squadron facilitated the rapid movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies across global theaters. The 619 MASS played a key role in supporting airlift missions, especially during contingency and humanitarian operations. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader restructuring within the Air Force’s airlift and support units.

The 63rd Aerial Port Squadron is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, originally activated in 1953. Stationed at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, the squadron specializes in air transportation logistics, including cargo and passenger movement in support of global Air Mobility Command operations. Over the decades, the 63rd has played key roles in major contingencies and humanitarian missions, ensuring rapid deployment and sustainment of military forces worldwide. The unit's dedication to excellence has earned it multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, reflecting its vital contribution to U.S. airlift capabilities.

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 809th Security Police Squadron (809th SP Sq) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC). Activated during the Cold War, the squadron was primarily stationed at Malcolm Grow Hospital Complex, located at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. The 809th SP Sq provided security and law enforcement for SAC assets, including protection of nuclear weapons, aircraft, and key personnel. Throughout its service, the unit played a crucial role in maintaining the security and operational readiness of SAC’s strategic deterrent forces until its eventual inactivation.

The 81st Combat Support Group was activated in 1952 as part of the United States Air Force, primarily stationed at RAF Bentwaters, England. The group provided essential base operations support, logistics, and services to the 81st Fighter Wing and its attached units during the Cold War. Throughout its history, the 81st Combat Support Group played a vital role in sustaining NATO air defense operations in Europe. The unit was inactivated in 1993 following the drawdown of U.S. forces in the United Kingdom at the end of the Cold War.

The **86th Security Police Squadron** was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. It was responsible for providing law enforcement, security, and force protection for one of USAFE's largest and most strategically important installations during the Cold War and into the post-Cold War era. The squadron played a vital role in safeguarding critical resources, personnel, and nuclear assets, especially during periods of heightened threat in Europe. In the late 1990s, the unit was redesignated as the 86th Security Forces Squadron, continuing its mission with updated tactics and technology to address modern security challenges.

Inshore Undersea Warfare Group 1 (IUWG-1) was a United States Navy command established to provide harbor defense and coastal surveillance operations, primarily during the Cold War era. Activated in the late 1960s, IUWG-1 played a key role in organizing, training, and equipping Inshore Undersea Warfare Units (IUWUs) tasked with protecting U.S. and allied ports from underwater threats such as enemy divers and small craft. The group deployed various sensor technologies and patrol craft to detect and deter hostile activities in naval harbors and anchorages worldwide. IUWG-1 remained active into the 21st century, adapting its mission as maritime security needs evolved before eventually being disestablished as the Navy restructured its force protection commands.