U.S. Air Force

Headquarters Pacific Air Forces (HQ PACAF) was established on July 1, 1957, as the major command of the United States Air Force responsible for operations in the Indo-Pacific region. PACAF traces its lineage to the Far East Air Forces, which played a vital role in World War II and the Korean War. Throughout the Cold War, PACAF provided air defense and power projection across the Pacific, supporting operations in Vietnam and deterring regional threats. Today, HQ PACAF, based at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, continues to lead air operations, partnerships, and humanitarian missions across a vast and strategically important theater.

The Security Service is a military unit typically tasked with the protection of sensitive installations, personnel, and classified information. Its origins can be traced to early 20th-century military organizations, where specialized detachments were formed to safeguard military secrets and ensure internal security. Over time, the Security Service expanded its scope to include counterintelligence, surveillance, and the prevention of espionage within the armed forces. Today, Security Service units play a crucial role in maintaining operational integrity and national security across various branches of the military.

Space Development and Test Wing

17 members

The Space Development and Test Wing (SDTW) was a unit of the United States Air Force responsible for developing, testing, and evaluating space systems and technologies. Activated in 2006 under the Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, the SDTW played a crucial role in advancing space capabilities, including satellite and launch vehicle development, as well as experimental and demonstration missions. The unit managed a diverse portfolio of programs and collaborated with military, government, and industry partners to accelerate innovation in space operations. In 2014, it was reorganized and redesignated as part of the Space Test and Evaluation Directorate, continuing its mission under a new structure.

The 1000th Special Operations Group (SOG) was a unique and secretive unit within the United States Air Force, established in 1968 at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. Its primary mission was to provide clandestine airlift and logistical support for covert operations, often in coordination with other U.S. government agencies during the height of the Cold War. The unit operated a variety of modified aircraft and was instrumental in supporting sensitive missions, both domestically and abroad. The 1000th SOG was inactivated in 1972, with its missions and resources absorbed by other Special Operations units.

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 123rd Airlift Wing is a unit of the Kentucky Air National Guard, based at Louisville Air National Guard Base, Kentucky. Established in 1947, the wing has a distinguished history of providing tactical airlift support, including humanitarian and combat missions worldwide. The unit has operated various aircraft, most notably the C-130 Hercules, and has participated in major operations such as Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Renowned for its operational excellence, the 123rd Airlift Wing has received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its performance and dedication.

The 135th Airlift Group was a unit of the Maryland Air National Guard, originally established in 1955 as the 135th Air Resupply Group. Over its history, the group underwent several mission changes, including roles in psychological warfare, special operations, and ultimately tactical airlift. Throughout the Cold War and beyond, the unit provided vital support in both domestic and overseas operations, flying various aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules. The 135th Airlift Group was inactivated in 2013 following federal force structure changes, ending nearly six decades of distinguished service.

The 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (15th Tac Recon) was a United States Air Force unit with a distinguished history in aerial reconnaissance. Activated during World War II, the squadron initially flew photographic missions over enemy territory in the European Theater, providing crucial intelligence for Allied operations. During the Cold War, the 15th Tac Recon was re-equipped with jet aircraft such as the RF-101 Voodoo, performing high-speed tactical reconnaissance missions. The unit was inactivated in the late 20th century as part of broader organizational changes and technological advancements in reconnaissance capabilities.

The 167th Airlift Wing is an Air National Guard unit based at Shepherd Field Air National Guard Base in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Established in 1958 as the 167th Fighter Interceptor Group, it transitioned through various missions, including tactical airlift and air refueling, before becoming an airlift wing. The unit has operated several aircraft types, most notably the C-130 Hercules and currently the C-17 Globemaster III, supporting both domestic and overseas operations. Its members have participated in numerous missions, including humanitarian relief, aeromedical evacuations, and deployments to support operations in the Middle East.

The 16th Operations Support Squadron (16 OSS) is a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, historically associated with the 16th Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida. Established to provide critical operational support, the squadron has played a key role in mission planning, airfield management, weather services, and intelligence for special operations forces. Throughout its history, the 16 OSS has enabled successful execution of both training and real-world missions, supporting a wide range of unconventional warfare and contingency operations. The unit’s contributions have been instrumental in maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of Air Force Special Operations Command assets.

The 181st Tactical Air Command (181 TAC) was a United States Air Force unit established during the Cold War era to provide tactical air support and command functions. Initially activated in the 1950s, the unit played a significant role in coordinating air operations and supporting ground forces during numerous exercises and real-world contingencies. Throughout its existence, the 181 TAC was equipped with various fighter and reconnaissance aircraft, adapting to changing mission requirements and advancements in technology. The unit was eventually reorganized or redesignated as part of broader USAF restructuring, leaving a legacy of operational excellence and adaptability in tactical air command operations.

The 18th Security Police Squadron (18th SPS) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. Originally designated as a part of the Air Police, the squadron has served in various security and law enforcement roles since its establishment, including during the Vietnam War, where it provided base defense and force protection. Over the years, the 18th SPS has played a vital role in the defense of U.S. interests in the Pacific, adapting to evolving security challenges. Today, the unit continues its mission of safeguarding personnel and resources at Kadena, supporting both peacetime operations and contingency missions in the region.

**1931 Communications Group Military History (Summary)** The 1931 Communications Group (1931 COM GP) was established in the early 1960s as part of the United States Air Force's expanding communications network during the Cold War. Originally activated to provide secure, reliable communications support to strategic air and missile operations, the unit played a critical role in maintaining command and control links during periods of heightened alert. Throughout its service, the 1931 COM GP participated in various joint exercises and supported both peacetime and contingency operations, adapting to evolving technologies and mission requirements. The unit's legacy is marked by its commitment to operational excellence and its significant contributions to U.S. Air Force communications capabilities before its eventual inactivation in the late 20th century.

The 2046th Communications Group (Air Force Communications Service) was an essential United States Air Force communications unit during the Cold War era. Activated in the mid-20th century, the group was responsible for providing, operating, and maintaining critical communications and information systems to support USAF missions. Stationed primarily in Alaska, the 2046th Communications Group played a vital role in ensuring command and control capabilities across remote and strategically important northern locations. The unit contributed significantly to air defense and surveillance operations before its eventual inactivation and reorganization as part of broader Air Force communications restructuring.

The 20th Civil Engineer Squadron (20 CES) is a vital support unit of the United States Air Force, currently assigned to the 20th Mission Support Group at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Established in its current form in the mid-20th century, the squadron has played a crucial role in constructing, maintaining, and protecting base infrastructure, airfields, and combat readiness facilities. Over the decades, 20 CES has supported numerous operations both at home and abroad, providing rapid engineering, emergency management, and explosive ordnance disposal capabilities. The squadron continues its legacy by ensuring the operational effectiveness and safety of Shaw AFB and its tenant units.

The 2146th Communications Group (Air Force Communications Command), stationed at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, played a critical role in supporting United States Air Force operations on the Korean Peninsula. Activated during the Cold War, the unit was responsible for providing, operating, and maintaining vital communications and information systems for command and control across the region. The 2146 CG ensured secure and reliable communications links for both tactical and strategic missions, enabling rapid response and coordination in a high-threat environment. Its contributions helped strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance and maintain deterrence and readiness throughout its period of service at Osan AB.

The 21st Airforce Supply Squadron was established in the early 1950s to provide critical logistical and materiel support to air operations during the early years of the Cold War. Stationed primarily at key USAF bases in Europe and the United States, the squadron specialized in the rapid procurement, storage, and distribution of aviation parts, fuel, and munitions. Throughout its service, the 21st Airforce Supply Squadron played a vital role in supporting both peacetime operations and crisis responses, including the Berlin Airlift and later NATO exercises. The unit was eventually reorganized in the 1990s as part of broader Air Force logistics modernization efforts, with its legacy continuing in successor supply and logistics units.

The 21st Civil Engineer Squadron (21st CES) is a unit within the United States Air Force, assigned to the 21st Mission Support Group at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. The squadron traces its heritage to early Cold War-era engineer units, with its current incarnation supporting the 21st Space Wing’s infrastructure and emergency response needs. Throughout its history, the 21st CES has been responsible for base facility maintenance, construction, disaster preparedness, and environmental stewardship, ensuring operational readiness for space and missile defense missions. Its engineers have also deployed overseas to support contingency operations and humanitarian efforts, demonstrating versatility and excellence in both peacetime and conflict.

The 22nd Security Police Squadron was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, primarily stationed at March Air Force Base, California. Established to provide base security and law enforcement, the squadron protected critical assets, personnel, and resources, especially during the Cold War era. Its members were trained in both law enforcement and air base ground defense, ensuring readiness against potential threats. The 22nd Security Police Squadron later evolved into the 22nd Security Forces Squadron, continuing its legacy of safeguarding Air Force operations.

The 2874th Ground Electronics Engineering Installation Agency Squadron (2874 GEEIA SQ) was a United States Air Force unit activated in the late 1950s during the Cold War era. Its primary mission was to install, maintain, and upgrade ground-based electronic systems essential for communications, navigation, and air defense across USAF bases, particularly in support of the Air Defense Command. Personnel of the 2874 GEEIA Squadron were highly skilled in radar, radio, and wire communications, often deploying to remote or forward locations to ensure critical infrastructure was operational. The unit contributed significantly to the modernization and reliability of USAF electronic systems before eventual reorganization and redesignation as part of broader electronics and communications groups in the 1970s.

The 317th Troop Carrier Wing was first activated in 1948, originally stationed at Smyrna Air Force Base, Tennessee. It played a significant role during the Berlin Airlift, providing critical air transport of supplies to West Berlin amidst the Soviet blockade. During the Korean War, the wing supported United Nations forces by transporting troops, equipment, and supplies throughout the theater. Over the years, it underwent several redesignations and continues its legacy today as the 317th Airlift Wing, operating C-130 Hercules aircraft from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

The 320th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was an integral support unit of the United States Air Force, primarily associated with the 320th Bombardment Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the 320th OMS was responsible for the organizational-level maintenance of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and other assigned aircraft at Mather Air Force Base, California. The squadron ensured aircraft readiness by performing inspections, repairs, and servicing to support the wing’s strategic bomber operations. The 320th OMS contributed to the nation’s nuclear deterrence posture until its inactivation alongside the 320th Bombardment Wing in the early 1980s.

The 322nd Airlift Division was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, first established during World War II in 1944 as the 322nd Troop Carrier Wing. Reactivated and redesignated several times, it played a significant role during the Cold War, overseeing tactical and strategic airlift operations throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The Division was instrumental in supporting NATO missions, humanitarian relief efforts, and rapid mobility exercises, demonstrating exceptional logistic capabilities. Headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany for much of its history, the 322nd Airlift Division was inactivated in 1992 following post-Cold War organizational restructuring.

The 3245th Air Base Group was an administrative and support unit of the United States Air Force, activated in the early 1950s at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. It was primarily responsible for the management and operational support of base facilities, personnel, and logistics for units assigned to Hanscom, including research and development elements. The group played a crucial role during the Cold War era, supporting advancements in air defense and communications technology. It continued its service until a broader Air Force reorganization led to its inactivation and restructuring in the early 1960s.