U.S. Air Force

The **2146th Communications Group** was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the **51st Fighter Wing** at **Osan Air Base, South Korea** during the Cold War era. Tasked with providing critical communications, command, and control support, the group played a vital role in maintaining secure and reliable communications for U.S. and allied operations on the Korean peninsula. Throughout its service, the 2146th supported both routine and contingency missions, ensuring effective coordination between air and ground forces. Its efforts contributed significantly to the overall readiness and deterrence posture of U.S. forces stationed at Osan Air Base.

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 2nd Field Artillery Group traces its origins to the early 20th century, originally constituted as part of the expanding U.S. Army artillery forces. Throughout its history, the unit has provided vital fire support in several major conflicts, including both World Wars and the Korean War. Renowned for its technical proficiency and adaptability, the 2nd Field Artillery Group played a significant role in both defensive and offensive operations, utilizing various artillery platforms over the decades. The unit's legacy continues today as it upholds traditions of excellence, readiness, and service to the nation.

The 314th Civil Engineer Squadron (314th CES) is a key unit of the 314th Airlift Wing, based at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The squadron's history traces back to the activation of the 314th Airlift Wing, supporting airlift operations and base infrastructure since the Cold War era. The 314th CES is responsible for maintaining facilities, providing emergency response, and ensuring the operational readiness of the base, particularly in support of C-130 training missions. Over the years, the squadron has played a vital role in contingency operations, disaster response, and deployments, contributing to the mission success of both the wing and the broader United States Air Force.

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 3345th Technical School was a United States Air Force training unit located at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. Established in the post-World War II era, the unit was responsible for providing technical training to airmen in various specialties, including aircraft maintenance, missile systems, and electronics. Throughout its operational years, the 3345th played a crucial role in preparing thousands of Air Force personnel for assignments worldwide, supporting both Cold War and peacetime missions. The unit remained active until the closure of Chanute AFB in 1993, marking the end of its significant contribution to Air Force readiness and technical excellence.

The 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron (MIMS), located at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, is a vital component of the 341st Missile Wing. Established during the Cold War, the squadron’s primary mission has been to provide maintenance and logistical support for the wing’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) systems, notably the Minuteman III. Over the decades, the 341st MIMS has ensured the operational readiness and reliability of the nation’s strategic deterrent forces through expert maintenance, repair, and support activities. The squadron’s dedication contributes directly to the United States’ nuclear deterrence mission, maintaining a posture of readiness and excellence within Air Force Global Strike Command.

The 351st Missile Maintenance Squadron (MIMS) was an integral unit of the 351st Strategic Missile Wing (SAC), based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Activated in the early 1960s, the squadron was responsible for the maintenance and readiness of the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) systems, ensuring their operational capability throughout the Cold War. The 351st MIMS played a critical role in the United States' nuclear deterrence strategy by providing specialized technical support and rapid response to missile system issues. The squadron continued its mission until the inactivation of the 351st Strategic Missile Wing in the 1990s, following the end of the Cold War and subsequent arms reduction treaties.

The 3525th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was a unit under the Air Training Command (ATC) of the United States Air Force, stationed at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona. Activated in the late 1940s, its primary mission was to provide aircraft maintenance and support for pilot training operations, particularly for jet trainers such as the T-33 and later the T-37 and T-38. The squadron played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness and safety of training aircraft during the peak years of USAF pilot production in the Cold War era. The 3525th OMS was eventually inactivated in the early 1970s as part of a larger reorganization and drawdown of Air Training Command units.

The 35th Security Police Squadron (35th SPS) was an Air Force unit assigned to Phan Rang Air Base in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Activated at Phan Rang in October 1966, the 35th SPS was responsible for the security and defense of the base, safeguarding aircraft, personnel, and resources from enemy attacks and sabotage. The squadron played a critical role during frequent mortar and rocket attacks, as well as repelling ground assaults, notably during the Tet Offensive and other major enemy actions. The 35th SPS remained at Phan Rang until the base was turned over to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force in 1972, earning several commendations for its service and dedication.

The 360th Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (360 TEWS) was a United States Air Force unit known for its role in electronic warfare operations during the Vietnam War. Activated in 1966, the squadron was primarily equipped with EC-47 aircraft, modified C-47s fitted with sophisticated electronic surveillance and jamming equipment. The 360 TEWS flew numerous combat missions, providing vital intelligence by intercepting enemy communications and supporting search-and-rescue operations. The unit was inactivated in 1973 following the drawdown of U.S. forces in Southeast Asia, but its legacy endures in the realm of airborne electronic warfare.

The 366th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (366th MMS) was an integral support unit stationed at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. Tasked with the storage, assembly, inspection, and delivery of munitions, the 366th MMS directly supported the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing's combat operations, notably those flown by the "Gunfighters" F-4 Phantom II squadrons. The unit played a critical role in ensuring a steady supply of ordnance for air missions targeting enemy supply routes and positions. Their expertise and dedication contributed significantly to the airpower effectiveness of the United States Air Force throughout their tenure at Da Nang.

The 384th Air Refueling Wing (384 ARW) traces its origins to World War II as the 384th Bombardment Group, flying B-17 Flying Fortresses in the European Theater. Reactivated during the Cold War, the unit was redesignated as the 384th Air Refueling Wing in 1978, operating KC-135 Stratotankers. Stationed at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, the 384 ARW provided critical air refueling support for U.S. and allied aircraft, enhancing global reach and strategic deterrence. The wing played a significant role in operations such as Desert Storm before its inactivation in 1994.

The 390th Strategic Missile Wing (SMW) was activated in 1962 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, as part of the United States Air Force’s efforts during the Cold War. Assigned to the Strategic Air Command, the 390th SMW operated LGM-25C Titan II intercontinental ballistic missiles, serving as a critical component of America’s nuclear deterrent force. The wing maintained 18 missile silos and played a vital role in national defense throughout its operational years. The 390th SMW was inactivated in 1984 following the decommissioning of the Titan II missile system.

The 3922nd Combat Support Group (SAC) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Strategic Air Command. Activated at RAF Mildenhall, England, in 1951, the group provided vital base and logistical support for SAC's strategic bomber and reconnaissance operations during the early years of the Cold War. Its responsibilities included maintenance, security, supply, and various services required to sustain deployed bomber and tanker units. The 3922nd CSG contributed significantly to NATO's deterrence posture in Europe before being discontinued in 1966 when USAF organizational structures at Mildenhall were realigned.

The 3rd Air Force (3 AF) is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force, currently headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Activated in 1942, it originally trained aircrews and provided air defense for the southeastern United States during World War II. After the war, the 3rd Air Force was reactivated in Europe, where it played a vital role in supporting U.S. and NATO operations during the Cold War and beyond. Today, the 3 AF oversees U.S. Air Force operations across Europe and Africa, ensuring rapid response and readiness in support of U.S. and allied interests.

The 431st Munitions Maintenance Squadron (431st MMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force primarily responsible for the storage, maintenance, and handling of munitions. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a critical role in supporting USAF operations, ensuring that aircraft were supplied with safe and reliable ordnance. The 431st MMS was often stationed at overseas bases, contributing to NATO readiness and deterrence missions. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of post-Cold War drawdowns and restructuring of USAF munitions support units.

The 435th Security Police Squadron (435th SPS) was an active United States Air Force security unit, primarily stationed at Rhein-Main Air Base in West Germany during the Cold War. Tasked with base security, law enforcement, and force protection, the squadron played a vital role in safeguarding critical airlift operations and U.S. personnel. Throughout its service, the 435th SPS responded to various security threats, adapting to evolving tactics and technologies. The unit was eventually inactivated following the drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe after the end of the Cold War.

The 4392nd Civil Engineering Squadron was an integral unit within the United States Air Force, primarily active during the Cold War era. Stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, the squadron was responsible for supporting missile operations and infrastructure development, particularly in connection with intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) programs. Its duties included construction, maintenance, and emergency repairs of base facilities and launch complexes, ensuring operational readiness and safety. The 4392nd CES played a vital role in sustaining the base’s mission until it was eventually redesignated as part of broader Air Force organizational changes.