U.S. Air Force

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 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.

The 3246th Test Wing was an Air Force unit established in 1970 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, as part of the Air Force Systems Command. Its primary mission was to conduct flight testing and evaluation of weapons, electronic systems, and aircraft modifications for the U.S. Air Force. The wing played a significant role in advancing air combat capabilities throughout the 1970s and 1980s, supporting a wide range of test programs including those for precision-guided munitions and electronic warfare systems. The 3246th Test Wing was inactivated in 1992, with its functions and personnel absorbed by the 46th Test Wing during a broader reorganization of Air Force test activities.

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 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 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (432nd AMS) is a unit of the United States Air Force, assigned to the 432nd Maintenance Group at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. Established in 2007, the squadron provides comprehensive maintenance and support for MQ-9 Reaper and MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted aircraft, critical for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. The 432nd AMS ensures the operational readiness of these systems, supporting both training and combat operations globally. Through its dedication and technical expertise, the unit plays a vital role in advancing the Air Force’s remotely piloted aircraft capabilities.

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 Ground Electronics Engineering Installation Agency (GEEIA) Squadron was activated in the 1950s to provide specialized engineering and installation support for Air Force communications and electronics systems worldwide. Throughout the Cold War, the squadron played a vital role in establishing, maintaining, and upgrading critical command, control, and communications infrastructure for United States Air Force operations. In later years, the unit was redesignated as the 485th Electronics and Installation (E&I) Squadron, reflecting its evolving mission and expanded technical capabilities. The squadron's efforts ensured the reliability of essential electronic systems, supporting Air Force readiness during pivotal moments in American military history.

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.