U.S. Air Force

The 463rd Troop Carrier Wing was activated in 1953 as part of the United States Air Force, initially stationed at Memphis Municipal Airport, Tennessee. Tasked primarily with tactical airlift operations, the wing operated aircraft such as the C-119 Flying Boxcar and later the C-130 Hercules, providing vital airborne transport and logistical support. The 463rd played a significant role in numerous Cold War-era operations, including troop movements and humanitarian missions. The wing was later inactivated in 1971, with its legacy continuing through successor airlift units.

The **464th Troop Carrier Wing (464 TCW)** was activated at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, in 1953. The wing played a pivotal role in tactical airlift operations, supporting Army airborne and ground forces with C-119 and later C-130 aircraft. During its tenure at Pope AFB, the 464 TCW participated in numerous exercises and operations, including crucial support during the Dominican Republic crisis in 1965. The wing was inactivated in 1971, with its legacy continuing through subsequent airlift units at Pope.

The 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron (52nd CES) is a unit of the United States Air Force based at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The squadron plays a critical role in maintaining and repairing base infrastructure, supporting flightline operations, and ensuring rapid response to emergencies and contingency operations. Throughout its history, the 52nd CES has deployed personnel and resources in support of various NATO and U.S. operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The squadron is renowned for its expertise in airfield damage repair, firefighting, and environmental stewardship, contributing significantly to the mission readiness of the 52nd Fighter Wing.

The 52nd Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), originally constituted in 1943, has a distinguished history of providing critical EOD support to the U.S. Army. During World War II, the unit played a vital role in clearing unexploded ordnance in the European Theater. Over the decades, the 52nd Ordnance Group has supported operations in Korea, the Middle East, and other conflict zones, ensuring the safety of soldiers and civilians alike. Today, the unit continues its mission by training and deploying EOD teams to detect, disarm, and dispose of explosive threats worldwide.

The 57th Equipment Maintenance Squadron (57th EMS) is a vital unit within the United States Air Force, based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Established to support the 57th Wing, the squadron provides comprehensive maintenance and repair services for aircraft equipment, munitions, and support systems, ensuring peak operational readiness. Over the years, 57th EMS has played an essential role in sustaining advanced air combat capabilities, supporting exercises such as Red Flag and Green Flag. The squadron’s expertise and dedication have made it a cornerstone in maintaining the effectiveness of the USAF's premier training and operational missions.

The 57th Supply Squadron was an integral logistics unit within the United States Air Force, originally constituted and activated during the Cold War era. Tasked with providing critical supply chain management, the squadron supported the operations of the 57th Fighter Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Its responsibilities included the procurement, storage, and distribution of essential materiel to ensure the continuous readiness of assigned aircraft and personnel. Over time, its functions were reorganized and merged into broader logistics and support units as part of Air Force restructuring initiatives.

The 58th Aircraft Generation Squadron (58th AGS) was an integral maintenance unit within the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to the 58th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron’s mission focused on providing aircraft maintenance, generation, and support for F-16 Fighting Falcon training operations. The 58th AGS played a vital role in ensuring aircraft readiness and mission capability for both pilot training and operational deployments. In the early 2000s, organizational restructuring led to the inactivation of the 58th AGS, with its responsibilities absorbed by consolidated maintenance groups.

The 603rd Aerial Port Squadron (603rd APS) is a United States Air Force unit specializing in air transportation and logistics. Activated in 1977 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, the squadron has played a critical role in supporting airlift operations throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The 603rd APS is responsible for cargo and passenger processing, loading and unloading aircraft, and ensuring rapid mobility response for contingency and humanitarian missions. Over the years, the unit has supported major operations such as Desert Storm, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and numerous NATO and humanitarian relief missions.

The 60th Military Airlift Wing (60th MAW) was activated on 1 January 1966 at Travis Air Force Base, California, as part of the Military Airlift Command. Throughout the Vietnam War and the Cold War era, the wing provided global airlift support, transporting troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid across the Pacific and worldwide. The 60th MAW operated a variety of aircraft, including the C-141 Starlifter and the C-5 Galaxy, playing a crucial role in strategic airlift operations. In 1991, following organizational changes, the wing was redesignated as the 60th Airlift Wing, continuing its legacy of rapid global mobility.

The 60th Ordnance Group was originally constituted during World War II, activated on 17 July 1944 in Europe to provide critical ordnance support, including ammunition supply and maintenance, to Allied forces. The unit played an essential role in logistical operations during the final campaigns in Europe, ensuring frontline troops remained well-equipped. After World War II, the 60th Ordnance Group underwent several activations and inactivations, adapting to the evolving needs of the U.S. Army during the Cold War and beyond. Today, its legacy continues through successor units, supporting U.S. and allied operations with advanced ordnance and explosive ordnance disposal capabilities.

The 60th Supply Squadron was originally activated during World War II to provide vital logistical and material support for combat operations. Over the years, the unit played a key role in ensuring the readiness of aircrews and aircraft by managing supply chains, equipment, and fuel for assigned wings. During the Cold War and subsequent conflicts, the 60th Supply continued to adapt its operations to support global missions and humanitarian efforts. Today, its legacy endures as part of the logistics and supply functions within modern Air Force operations, ensuring mission success through efficient resource management.

The 62nd Civil Engineer Squadron (62nd CES) is a vital unit within the United States Air Force, assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Established to provide comprehensive engineering support, the squadron is responsible for maintaining and repairing base facilities, ensuring airfield readiness, and supporting rapid deployment operations. Over the decades, the 62nd CES has played a crucial role in both domestic and overseas missions, including humanitarian relief efforts and contingency operations. Their expertise in construction, emergency management, and environmental stewardship ensures mission success and the safety of personnel and assets.

The 6901st Special Communications Group was a United States Air Force unit established during the Cold War era, primarily tasked with signals intelligence (SIGINT) and secure communications operations. Activated in the early 1950s, the group operated under the auspices of the Air Force Security Service (later Electronic Security Command), supporting U.S. and allied intelligence efforts. Stationed at various strategic locations, including Europe and the continental United States, the 6901st played a crucial role in gathering and analyzing communications from potential adversaries. The unit was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader Air Force restructuring in the 1970s, with its missions absorbed by successor intelligence organizations.

The 6911th Electronic Security Squadron (ESS) was a United States Air Force unit specializing in signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations during the Cold War. Activated in 1974, the squadron was based at Hahn Air Base, West Germany, and played a crucial role in monitoring Warsaw Pact communications and electronic emissions. The 6911th ESS worked closely with NATO allies, providing critical intelligence to support both tactical and strategic decision-making. The unit was inactivated in 1991 following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe.

The 6922nd Security Squadron was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Clark Air Base in the Philippines. Activated during the Cold War, its primary mission focused on signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance, supporting U.S. and allied operations in the Asia-Pacific region. The squadron played a critical role in monitoring regional communications and gathering intelligence during conflicts such as the Vietnam War. The unit remained active until the early 1990s, when the eruption of Mount Pinatubo and subsequent U.S. withdrawal from the Philippines led to the closure of Clark Air Base and the squadron’s inactivation.

The 6986th Security Group was a United States Air Force signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit stationed at Wakkanai Air Station, located at the northern tip of Hokkaido, Japan. Activated in 1961, the group played a crucial role during the Cold War, monitoring Soviet military communications and missile activity across the Sea of Okhotsk and the Russian Far East. The unit operated sophisticated electronic surveillance equipment and contributed valuable intelligence to U.S. and allied forces in the Pacific region. The 6986th Security Group was inactivated in 1972, coinciding with the closure of Wakkanai Air Station, as advancements in technology and changes in strategic priorities reduced the need for its presence.

The 79th Fighter Squadron, known as the “Tigers,” was activated in 1942 and served with distinction in World War II, flying combat missions in the Mediterranean Theater with the P-40 Warhawk and later the P-47 Thunderbolt. The squadron participated in key campaigns, including operations in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy, earning several commendations for its effectiveness in ground-attack and air superiority roles. After the war, the unit underwent several inactivations and reactivations, adapting to new aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, and ultimately the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Today, the 79th Fighter Squadron is based at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, and remains an integral part of the U.S. Air Force’s combat airpower.

The 87th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (87th FIS) was an active unit of the United States Air Force, with origins dating back to World War II when it was constituted in 1942. Initially serving as part of the air defense network, the squadron flew various aircraft including the P-47 Thunderbolt and later, the F-86 Sabre and F-101 Voodoo during the Cold War. The unit was primarily tasked with continental air defense, protecting American airspace from potential Soviet bomber threats. The 87th FIS was inactivated in 1985 as part of a general restructuring of Air Defense Command assets.

The 89th Special Air Mission traces its origins to the establishment of the 89th Airlift Wing in 1949, initially providing air transport and logistical support. Over the decades, the unit evolved to specialize in VIP and executive airlift, most notably operating aircraft for the President, Vice President, and other key government officials. Stationed at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, the 89th is renowned for its role in operating Air Force One and other distinguished visitors’ aircraft. Its history is marked by a commitment to excellence and discretion, supporting national leadership during both peacetime and crisis.

The 928th Tactical Airlift Group was a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, activated in 1963 and stationed at O’Hare International Airport, Illinois. The group was primarily assigned to provide tactical airlift support, operating aircraft such as the C-119 Flying Boxcar and later the C-130 Hercules to transport troops, cargo, and equipment. Throughout its service, the 928th participated in numerous training exercises and humanitarian missions, both within the United States and overseas. The unit was inactivated in 1997, following post-Cold War restructuring and the closure of its base at O’Hare.

The 937th Engineer Group is a unit of the United States Army Reserve, originally constituted in 1943 during World War II. Activated as the 937th Engineer Aviation Regiment, the unit served in the China-Burma-India Theater, providing critical airfield construction and combat engineering support. After World War II, the group was reorganized and redesignated several times, ultimately becoming the 937th Engineer Group. Throughout its history, the 937th has participated in both domestic and overseas missions, supporting construction, disaster relief, and combat operations as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Assault Craft Unit 5 (ACU-5), based at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, was commissioned in 1983 to support the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps amphibious operations. ACU-5 operates the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), an innovative hovercraft capable of transporting heavy equipment, vehicles, and personnel from ship to shore at high speed. The unit has played a pivotal role in numerous exercises, humanitarian missions, and combat deployments, including Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. ACU-5 continues to enhance the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to conduct rapid, over-the-horizon amphibious assaults and logistical support worldwide.

The Fire Protection Specialist unit has its origins in the increased need for organized firefighting and emergency response within military installations during World War II, when airfields and depots became critical to operations. Recognizing the threat that fires posed to aircraft, munitions, and personnel, the U.S. military formally established dedicated fire protection teams. Over time, these specialists became highly trained in fire suppression, rescue operations, hazardous materials handling, and disaster response, both in peacetime and during combat. Today, Fire Protection Specialists are an integral part of military readiness, ensuring safety and rapid emergency response across bases worldwide.

Fleet Air Wing 14 (FAW-14) was a United States Navy aviation unit established during World War II. Formed in 1944, FAW-14 operated maritime patrol aircraft in the Pacific Theater, conducting anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and long-range patrol missions. The wing played a crucial role in securing sea lanes and supporting Allied naval operations against Japanese forces. After the war, FAW-14 continued to serve in various capacities before being eventually disestablished as part of postwar reorganization.