U.S. Air Force

The 3rd Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Bien Hoa Air Base in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Activated in the early 1960s, the squadron was responsible for base security, perimeter defense, and protection of personnel and aircraft against enemy attacks, including mortar and rocket assaults. The 3rd Security Police played a critical role during the Tet Offensive in 1968, repelling enemy infiltrations and ensuring the continued operation of the air base. Their vigilance and dedication contributed significantly to the safety and operational success of U.S. air operations in the region.

The 42nd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (42 OMS) was an integral maintenance unit assigned to the 42nd Bombardment Wing under the Strategic Air Command (SAC) of the United States Air Force. Stationed at Loring Air Force Base, Maine, the 42 OMS provided critical aircraft maintenance and support for SAC's fleet of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers during the Cold War era. The squadron ensured the operational readiness of the wing’s nuclear-capable bombers, playing a key role in America’s airborne deterrence strategy. The professionalism and expertise of 42 OMS personnel contributed significantly to the effectiveness and reliability of SAC's strategic mission throughout its active years.

The 454th Bombardment Wing was an active unit of the United States Air Force, first established in 1952 as part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the early years of the Cold War. Originally based at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, the wing was later moved to Columbus AFB, Ohio, and then to other locations, operating various bomber aircraft including the B-47 Stratojet. The primary mission of the 454th was strategic bombing and nuclear deterrence, reflecting SAC’s role in America’s defense strategy. The wing was inactivated in 1963 as part of the phaseout of the B-47 fleet and the reorganization of SAC forces.

The 4756th Drone Squadron (Air Defense Command) was activated in the late 1950s as part of the United States Air Force's efforts to advance aerial target drone operations. Stationed primarily at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, the squadron operated surplus aircraft—such as modified B-17 Flying Fortresses and F-80 Shooting Stars—as radio-controlled drones for live-fire training and missile testing. These drones provided realistic targets for interceptor and surface-to-air missile crews, enhancing Air Defense Command's readiness during the early years of the Cold War. The 4756th Drone Squadron played a critical role in weapons development and training until its inactivation in the early 1960s.

The 500th Military Intelligence Group, also known as the 500th MI Group, was originally constituted as the 500th Military Intelligence Service Group in September 1952 and activated in Japan. Its primary mission has been to provide intelligence support in the Pacific Theater, with a particular focus on counterintelligence, human intelligence, and signals intelligence operations. Over the decades, the unit has played a vital role in supporting U.S. Army operations throughout Asia, especially during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and throughout the Cold War. Today, the 500th MI Brigade remains headquartered at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, continuing its legacy of intelligence collection and analysis across the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility.

The 50th Equipment Maintenance Squadron (50th EMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily stationed at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. As part of the 50th Mission Support Group under the 50th Space Wing, the squadron provided comprehensive maintenance support for aircraft ground equipment, munitions, and aerospace ground equipment to ensure mission readiness. The 50th EMS played a crucial role in supporting space operations and maintaining the operational capability of the base. The unit was inactivated in 2020 during an organizational restructuring as part of the transition to the United States Space Force.

The 50th Tactical Fighter Wing Comptroller Squadron (50th TFW CPTS) was originally established to provide financial management and comptroller services for the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing, which was activated during the Cold War era. Stationed primarily at Hahn Air Base, Germany, the squadron managed budgets, payroll, and resource allocation crucial for the wing's operational readiness. The 50th TFW CPTS played a vital support role during NATO exercises and operations, ensuring that the wing's fiscal needs were met efficiently. Following the end of the Cold War and subsequent realignments, the squadron was inactivated along with the 50th TFW in the early 1990s, leaving a legacy of financial stewardship within USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe).

The 555th RED HORSE Squadron (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers) is a specialized United States Air Force civil engineering unit established in 1966. Renowned for its rapid deployment capabilities, the squadron provides heavy construction support—including airfield repair, facility construction, and infrastructure development—in combat and contingency environments worldwide. Over its history, the 555th RED HORSE has played vital roles in Vietnam, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and numerous global humanitarian and contingency operations. The unit is known for its motto "Pride and Power" and continues to deliver essential engineering support to U.S. and allied military missions.

The 56th Training Wing, headquartered at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, traces its lineage to its activation during World War II as the 56th Fighter Group. Renowned for its combat achievements in the European Theater, the unit became one of the highest-scoring American fighter groups of the war. Reactivated and redesignated over the decades, the 56th assumed its current role as a premier training wing in 1994, focusing on advanced fighter pilot instruction, especially for the F-35 Lightning II and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Today, the 56th Training Wing is recognized as the largest fighter wing in the United States Air Force, playing a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of combat-ready pilots.

The 604th Direct Air Support Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Vietnam War. Established in 1966, it was tasked with providing direct air support and coordination between ground forces and tactical air assets. Stationed primarily at Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, the squadron played a vital role in facilitating close air support missions for U.S. Army and allied units. The 604th contributed significantly to the effectiveness of air-ground operations until its inactivation in 1972 following the drawdown of U.S. combat forces in Southeast Asia.

The 635th Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Vietnam War era. Stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield in Thailand, the squadron was responsible for base security, law enforcement, and protecting critical assets such as B-52 bombers and KC-135 tankers supporting operations in Southeast Asia. The 635th played a vital role in maintaining base defense against potential threats, including sabotage and enemy attacks. Following the end of U.S. operations in Southeast Asia, the squadron was inactivated as part of the general drawdown of American forces in the region.

The **7101st Air Base Wing** was a unit of the United States Air Force assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE). Activated in 1948 at Wiesbaden Air Base, Germany, the wing provided base operations support, logistics, and administrative services during the early years of the Cold War. The 7101st played a crucial role in supporting USAFE headquarters and various operational units throughout its tenure. The wing was inactivated in 1973 as part of post-Vietnam War realignments and restructuring of USAFE installations.

The 821st Combat Support Group was activated at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, in February 1964. Its primary mission was to provide essential base support functions for the 821st Strategic Aerospace Division and tenant units, ensuring operational readiness of the base’s strategic bomber and missile forces during the Cold War. The group managed security, logistics, civil engineering, and personnel services, playing a crucial role in sustaining SAC operations at Ellsworth. In 1972, the 821st Combat Support Group was inactivated as part of an Air Force-wide organizational realignment.

The 87th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force, activated in 1942 during World War II. Initially, it flew P-47 Thunderbolts and was engaged in air defense and combat operations in the Mediterranean Theater. After the war, the squadron was reactivated during the Cold War, operating several jet interceptors, including the F-86 Sabre and F-101 Voodoo, primarily tasked with defending North American airspace. The 87th was inactivated in 1985 after decades of distinguished service in both wartime and peacetime air defense roles.

The 92nd Field Maintenance Squadron was a support unit within the United States Air Force, primarily associated with the 92nd Bombardment Wing at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron provided critical maintenance and logistical support for aircraft and equipment, ensuring the operational readiness of the wing's B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers. The unit’s skilled personnel were responsible for repairs, inspections, and upgrades essential to sustaining long-range strategic bombing and refueling missions. Over time, the squadron was reorganized and its functions absorbed into broader maintenance and logistics groups as part of Air Force restructuring efforts.

The **9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing** (9th SRW) was activated on November 25, 1948, at Fairfield-Suisun Air Force Base, California, as part of the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command. Initially equipped with RB-29 Superfortress aircraft, the wing transitioned to more advanced reconnaissance platforms over time, playing a crucial role in gathering intelligence during the Cold War. In 1966, the 9th SRW became the first operational unit to fly the SR-71 Blackbird, providing unparalleled high-speed, high-altitude reconnaissance capability worldwide. The wing was later redesignated as the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and continues its vital intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions today from Beale Air Force Base, California.

The Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) was established in 1951 at Edwards Air Force Base, California, as the primary flight test organization for the United States Air Force. Its mission has been to conduct flight testing and evaluation of newly developed and modified aircraft, weapons systems, and aerospace vehicles. The AFFTC played a pivotal role in testing legendary aircraft such as the X-15, the F-117 Nighthawk, and the B-2 Spirit bomber. Over the decades, the center has contributed significantly to advancing aeronautical technology and ensuring the combat readiness of the U.S. Air Force.

The Air Force Global Weather Center (AFGWC) was established in 1958 at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, to centralize and enhance meteorological support for U.S. Air Force operations worldwide. The center rapidly became the primary provider of comprehensive weather analysis, forecasts, and climatological data for military planning, utilizing advanced computing technology and global observation networks. Throughout the Cold War and beyond, the AFGWC played a pivotal role in supporting strategic air missions, space launches, and global deployments with timely and accurate weather intelligence. In 1991, the AFGWC merged with the Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center, evolving into the modern Air Force Weather Agency, continuing its legacy of meteorological excellence.

March Air Reserve Base (March ARB), located near Riverside, California, was originally established in 1918 as March Field, making it one of the oldest airfields operated by the United States military. During World War II, March Field became a major training base for bomber and fighter crews, contributing significantly to the Allied war effort. In the Cold War era, it served as a key Strategic Air Command base, hosting B-52 bombers and KC-135 tankers. Since its realignment in 1996, March ARB has functioned primarily as an Air Force Reserve installation, supporting air mobility and refueling missions for both national defense and humanitarian operations.

The Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Edzell, Scotland, was a United States Navy signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit established in 1960 at RAF Edzell, near the village of Edzell in northeast Scotland. Its primary mission was to conduct communications and electronic surveillance as part of the broader U.S. and NATO intelligence efforts during the Cold War, focusing on monitoring Soviet naval operations in the North Atlantic. NSGA Edzell played a key role in the global cryptologic network, working closely with British and other allied intelligence agencies. The unit remained operational until its closure in 1997, following post-Cold War downsizing and changes in strategic requirements.

The Pennsylvania Air National Guard (PA ANG) was officially established in 1947 as a component of the newly formed United States Air Force and the broader National Guard system. Its origins trace back to earlier aviation units formed in Pennsylvania during World War I and World War II, notably the 103rd Observation Squadron activated in 1924. The PA ANG has participated in major conflicts including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism, providing airlift, air refueling, and tactical support. Today, its units, such as the 111th Attack Wing and 171st Air Refueling Wing, continue to support both federal missions and state emergency operations.

Rhein-Main Air Base, located near Frankfurt, Germany, was established by the United States Air Force in 1945 on the site of a former German Luftwaffe base. It quickly became a crucial logistical hub during the Berlin Airlift (1948–1949), supporting relentless air operations to supply West Berlin during the Soviet blockade. Throughout the Cold War, Rhein-Main served as the “Gateway to Europe,” providing strategic airlift, transport, and refueling missions for U.S. and NATO forces. The base played a vital role in operations such as Desert Storm and humanitarian missions before its closure and return to German authorities in 2005.

The 1035th Field Activity Group was a specialized U.S. Air Force unit established during the Cold War era. Its primary mission centered on conducting counterintelligence and special investigations, often supporting sensitive operations involving the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI). The unit operated globally, gathering intelligence and providing security for high-priority Air Force projects and installations. The 1035th Field Activity Group played a crucial role in safeguarding U.S. technological and operational secrets from foreign intelligence threats before its eventual inactivation.

The 1090th Armed Forces Special Reporting Group was established in the early 1960s as part of a broader initiative to enhance military intelligence and operational oversight during the Cold War. Tasked with gathering, analyzing, and disseminating critical battlefield information, the unit operated in both domestic and overseas theaters, supporting joint operations and special missions. Throughout its service, the 1090th gained a reputation for its rapid response capabilities and advanced use of signal intelligence technologies. The unit was eventually reorganized in the late 1980s as part of military restructuring, with its personnel and expertise integrated into newly formed intelligence battalions.