U.S. Air Force

The 1945th Army Airways Communications System (AACS) Squadron was an integral unit under the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) during the post-World War II era. Activated in the late 1940s, the squadron was tasked with providing vital air-to-ground communications, navigation aids, and weather information to support global airlift and transport operations. Stationed at various strategic locations, the 1945th AACS contributed significantly to the safe and efficient movement of military aircraft during the early Cold War period. The unit’s efforts enhanced MATS' capabilities, ensuring robust command and control across the rapidly expanding network of U.S. air bases worldwide.

The 19th Fighter Maintenance Squadron (19th FMS) was a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, primarily responsible for maintaining and servicing fighter aircraft assigned to its parent wing. It played a key role in ensuring the combat readiness and operational capability of aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon during its active years. The squadron supported various deployments and training exercises, both stateside and overseas, contributing to the overall mission effectiveness of the Air Force. Through its dedication to aircraft maintenance excellence, the 19th FMS upheld high standards of safety and mission accomplishment until its inactivation or redesignation in subsequent Air Force organizational changes.

The 2186th Communications Squadron was a United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with providing reliable communications support for military operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in maintaining secure and efficient lines of communication for command and control, particularly in overseas assignments. It was stationed at various locations, including the European and Pacific theaters, adapting to evolving technological advancements throughout its service. The 2186th Communications Squadron was eventually inactivated as part of broader USAF organizational realignments, with its legacy carried on by successor units specializing in advanced communications and cyber operations.

The 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, known as the "Louisiana Brigade," is a distinguished unit of the Louisiana Army National Guard headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana. Originally constituted in 1967, the brigade has roots tracing back to earlier Louisiana militia units with a proud heritage. The 256th has been mobilized for both state emergencies, such as hurricane response, and federal missions, including overseas deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004–2005 and again in 2010. The brigade continues to serve as a vital component of the U.S. Army’s total force, demonstrating readiness and resilience at home and abroad.

The 25th Fighter Squadron, originally activated in 1941, is a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force with a rich combat history. It first saw action in World War II, flying missions in the Pacific Theater, including significant operations over China and Southeast Asia. Throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the squadron demonstrated its versatility by conducting close air support, interdiction, and reconnaissance missions. Today, the 25th Fighter Squadron is based at Osan Air Base, South Korea, operating A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft and maintaining readiness to support United States and allied operations on the Korean Peninsula.

The 2nd Combat Support Group (2nd CSG) was a United States Air Force unit primarily stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. Activated in 1981, its mission was to provide comprehensive support services—including logistics, security, engineering, and personnel support—to the 2nd Bomb Wing and other associated units. The group played a pivotal role in maintaining the readiness and operational capabilities of Barksdale’s bomber fleet during the latter part of the Cold War. In 1992, following an Air Force-wide organizational restructuring, the 2nd Combat Support Group was inactivated and its functions were absorbed by the newly formed 2nd Support Group.

The 316th Tactical Airlift Wing (TAW) was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1966 at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Tasked primarily with tactical airlift missions, the wing operated the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, providing rapid transport of troops, equipment, and supplies during the Vietnam War era and throughout the Cold War. The 316th TAW participated in numerous training exercises and supported various contingency operations worldwide. The wing was inactivated in 1975, with its resources and personnel reassigned as part of a broader Air Force organizational restructuring.

The 317th Avionics Maintenance Squadron was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for the maintenance, repair, and calibration of avionics systems on assigned aircraft. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of aircraft assigned to the 317th Tactical Airlift Wing at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina. Its highly specialized technicians supported missions involving C-130 Hercules aircraft, maintaining navigation, communication, and electronic warfare systems. The squadron was inactivated in the late 1980s as part of a broader Air Force reorganization and consolidation of maintenance functions.

33 TAC, also known as the 33rd Tactical Air Command, was an operational unit within the United States Air Force primarily responsible for coordinating tactical air operations. Established during the Cold War era, the unit played a significant role in joint exercises and readiness operations, enhancing close air support and air interdiction tactics. Throughout its service, 33 TAC contributed to improving interoperability between air and ground forces, particularly during large-scale NATO exercises in Europe. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of USAF restructuring, with its legacy continuing through successor organizations focused on tactical command and control.

The 335th Fighter Squadron, known as the "Chiefs," was activated in 1942 as part of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Initially flying Spitfires and later P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs, the squadron distinguished itself in the European Theater, earning multiple commendations for its combat performance. During the Korean War, the 335th flew F-86 Sabres and became one of the top jet aces units, credited with numerous aerial victories. Today, it operates the F-15E Strike Eagle at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, continuing its legacy as a premier fighter squadron in the U.S. Air Force.

The 340th Bomb Wing was first activated in August 1952 at Sedalia Air Force Base (later Whiteman AFB), Missouri, as part of Strategic Air Command (SAC). Originally equipped with B-47 Stratojet bombers, the wing played a key role in SAC’s nuclear deterrence mission during the early years of the Cold War. Later, the 340th transitioned to B-52 Stratofortresses and was involved in operations and readiness exercises until its inactivation in 1963. The wing was later reactivated in a new role, most recently serving as an Air Force Reserve unit responsible for instructor pilot training with the T-1A Jayhawk at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas.

The 343rd Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was activated by the United States Air Force in 1981 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, succeeding the 343rd Composite Wing. Its primary mission was to provide air defense and tactical fighter operations in the strategically important Alaskan region during the final years of the Cold War. The wing operated aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II and later transitioned to the F-16 Fighting Falcon. In 1993, the 343rd TFW was inactivated, with its personnel and equipment forming the core of the reactivated 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson AFB.

The 355th Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS) was a key maintenance unit assigned to the 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Activated in the late 20th century, the squadron was responsible for maintaining, servicing, and generating combat-ready A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The 355th AGS played a crucial role in supporting operations and deployments, ensuring aircraft were mission-ready for training and combat missions. In 2002, as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, the squadron was inactivated and its functions were incorporated into newly structured Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons (AMXS).

The 3560th Air Training Command was a unit of the United States Air Force, established in the post-World War II era to oversee and conduct advanced flight and technical training. Activated at James Connally Air Force Base, Texas, in the early 1950s, the unit played a crucial role in preparing pilots and aircrew for operational assignments during the Cold War period. The command was responsible for training in multiple aircraft types, adapting to technological advancements and evolving Air Force needs. The 3560th remained active until the 1960s, when its mission and personnel were realigned under broader Air Training Command reorganizations.

The 36th Field Maintenance Squadron (36th FMS) was a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, originally assigned to the 36th Fighter Wing at Bitburg Air Base, Germany, during the Cold War era. Tasked with maintaining and repairing aircraft, ground equipment, and support systems, the 36th FMS played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of fighter jets such as the F-15 Eagle. Throughout its service, the squadron contributed to NATO’s deterrence mission in Europe, responding to heightened tensions and supporting numerous exercises and real-world contingencies. The unit was eventually inactivated following the post-Cold War drawdown and the closure of Bitburg Air Base in the 1990s.

The 380th Security Police Squadron (380 SPS) was a unit of the United States Air Force primarily tasked with providing security and law enforcement for Air Force installations. Activated in the late 1960s, the squadron was originally assigned to support the 380th Bombardment Wing at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York, safeguarding aircraft, personnel, and nuclear assets during the Cold War. Throughout its service, the 380 SPS adapted to evolving threats and played a crucial role in base defense operations, both stateside and during overseas deployments. The unit was eventually inactivated following the closure of Plattsburgh AFB in 1995, with its legacy carried on by successor security forces units.

The 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) was first activated during World War II as part of the 366th Fighter Group, flying P-47 Thunderbolts in the European Theater. Reactivated during the Cold War, the squadron transitioned to jet aircraft and later played a significant role during the Vietnam War, operating F-4 Phantom IIs from bases in Southeast Asia. The 389th TFS participated in numerous combat missions, providing air-to-ground and air-to-air support. The squadron was eventually redesignated and continues its legacy within the 389th Fighter Squadron, now flying F-15E Strike Eagles at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

The 3rd Mobile Communication Group was a United States Air Force unit first activated in 1964 and based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Its primary mission was to provide deployable, tactical communications support to U.S. and allied forces worldwide, ensuring command and control capabilities in austere and mobile environments. Throughout its service, the group participated in numerous operations, exercises, and humanitarian missions, demonstrating flexibility and technical expertise. In 1992, it was redesignated as the 3rd Combat Communications Group, continuing its legacy of excellence in expeditionary communications until its inactivation in 2013.

The 408th Fighter Group was constituted during World War II as a unit of the United States Army Air Forces. Activated in 1943, the group primarily served as a training and replacement unit, preparing fighter pilots and ground crews for deployment to combat theaters. Though it did not see combat as a group, the 408th contributed significantly to the effectiveness of operational units by supplying well-trained personnel. The group was inactivated in 1944 as the Army Air Forces reorganized its training structure.

The 435th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to the 435th Tactical Airlift Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was responsible for providing organizational-level maintenance to aircraft, notably supporting operations involving C-130 Hercules transports. Stationed at Rhein-Main Air Base in West Germany, the 435th OMS played a vital role in ensuring aircraft readiness during critical periods of NATO operations and European defense. The squadron was inactivated as part of post-Cold War restructuring and the eventual drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe.

The 438th Civil Engineer Squadron (438th CES) is a unit of the United States Air Force, historically aligned under the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing. Activated during periods of critical need, the squadron has provided essential engineering, construction, and base support services, particularly during deployments to Southwest Asia. The 438th CES played a vital role in maintaining and repairing airfield infrastructure, ensuring mission readiness and operational effectiveness in challenging environments. Known for its rapid response and technical expertise, the unit continues to support U.S. and allied operations through its commitment to excellence in civil engineering.

The 443rd Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was an integral support unit within the 443rd Military Airlift Wing, primarily stationed at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron provided vital aircraft maintenance, ensuring the operational readiness of C-141 Starlifter and later C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft. The 443rd FMS supported numerous global airlift and training missions, contributing to U.S. Air Force mobility operations and strategic airlift capabilities. The unit was inactivated in the early 1990s following the realignment and restructuring of Air Force mobility forces.

The 44th Mission Support Squadron (44th MSS) was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron provided essential personnel, logistics, and support services to the 44th Missile Wing, which maintained and operated intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) sites as part of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. The 44th MSS played a vital role in sustaining missile operations and ensuring the readiness of both personnel and facilities. The squadron was inactivated in the 1990s following the drawdown of missile forces and the eventual closure of the 44th Missile Wing.

The 4624th Air Base Squadron (SAGE) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Defense Command (ADC) during the early years of the Cold War. Activated in the late 1950s, the squadron played a key support role at SAGE (Semi-Automatic Ground Environment) facilities, which were central to North America's air defense network against potential Soviet bomber attacks. The unit provided essential base operations and logistical support to the personnel and systems operating the advanced radar and computer networks. The 4624th contributed to the readiness and effectiveness of air defense operations until its eventual inactivation as the SAGE system was phased out and air defense strategies evolved.