U.S. Air Force

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 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 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 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 **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 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 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.

The 112th Military Intelligence Group was originally constituted on 15 February 1966 and activated at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. During the Vietnam War era, the unit was responsible for conducting counterintelligence operations and domestic surveillance, particularly focused on identifying potential subversive activities within the military. The group played a significant role in monitoring antiwar protests and maintaining internal security on U.S. Army installations. It was inactivated on 30 January 1974 as part of a broader reorganization of military intelligence assets following public scrutiny of domestic intelligence activities.

The 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (11th TRS) has a distinguished history in U.S. military aviation. Originally activated during World War II, the squadron was tasked with conducting photographic reconnaissance missions over enemy territory, providing critical intelligence for Allied operations. Throughout its service, the 11th TRS operated a variety of aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and RF-4C, adapting to evolving reconnaissance technologies during the Cold War and Vietnam War. The unit’s expertise in tactical reconnaissance made it an invaluable asset until its inactivation in the late 20th century.

The 122nd Fighter Wing (122 FW) is a unit of the Indiana Air National Guard, stationed at Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Established in 1947 as the 122nd Fighter Group, the unit has flown a variety of aircraft, including the F-51 Mustang, F-100 Super Sabre, and currently the A-10C Thunderbolt II. The 122nd has participated in numerous federal and state missions, including deployments for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Over its history, the wing has earned multiple honors for its outstanding service and continues to play a vital role in both national defense and state emergency response.

The 1365th Photographic Squadron was a unit of the United States Army Air Forces activated during World War II. Established in 1943, its primary mission was aerial reconnaissance, photographic mapping, and intelligence-gathering in support of Allied operations across the European and Mediterranean theaters. The squadron utilized various aircraft equipped with specialized cameras to capture detailed images of enemy positions, terrain, and strategic targets. After contributing significantly to operational planning and post-strike assessment, the unit was inactivated at the end of the war as part of the broader postwar drawdown.

The 167th Airlift Wing, part of the West Virginia Air National Guard and based at Shepherd Field Air National Guard Base in Martinsburg, traces its origins to the 167th Fighter Squadron established in 1947. Originally flying fighter aircraft, the unit transitioned to airlift missions in the 1960s, operating aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules and later the C-5 Galaxy. In 2006, the wing began flying the C-5A Galaxy, significantly enhancing its strategic airlift capabilities in support of worldwide operations, including missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, the 167th Airlift Wing continues its global air mobility mission with the C-17 Globemaster III, supporting both federal and state requirements.

The 177th Tactical Fighter Squadron, part of the New Jersey Air National Guard, was originally activated in 1962. Initially flying the F-86H Sabre, the unit transitioned through several aircraft, including the F-100 Super Sabre and the F-106 Delta Dart, before adopting the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The squadron has participated in a variety of missions, ranging from air defense of the Northeastern United States during the Cold War to supporting Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. Over the decades, the 177th has earned numerous awards for its operational excellence and continues to play a vital role in homeland defense and overseas contingency operations.