U.S. Air Force

The 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, originally activated during World War II, was established as a vital unit specializing in aerial reconnaissance missions. Initially equipped with aircraft such as the F-6 Mustang, the squadron provided crucial intelligence and photographic coverage for Allied operations in the European Theater. During the Cold War, the 117th transitioned to jet-powered platforms, adapting to evolving reconnaissance technologies and missions. Over the decades, the unit earned numerous commendations for its contributions to both peacetime surveillance and combat support, cementing its legacy within tactical reconnaissance history.

The 14th Special Operations Wing was activated in 1968 during the Vietnam War as part of the United States Air Force's efforts to conduct unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations. Stationed at Nha Trang Air Base, South Vietnam, the wing specialized in close air support, interdiction, psychological operations, and forward air control missions, primarily supporting U.S. and allied ground forces. The wing operated a diverse fleet of aircraft, including the AC-47 "Spooky" gunship and the O-2 Skymaster, earning a reputation for effectiveness in night operations and interdiction of enemy supply routes. The 14th Special Operations Wing was inactivated in 1971 as the U.S. began to draw down its forces in Southeast Asia.

The 150th Fighter Wing, originally established as the 150th Fighter Group in 1957, is a unit of the New Mexico Air National Guard based at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Throughout its history, the wing has operated a variety of fighter aircraft, including the F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, and F-16 Fighting Falcon. The unit has participated in multiple federal activations, supporting both overseas deployments and homeland defense missions. In 2010, the unit transitioned from a flying mission to an associate role as the 150th Special Operations Wing, partnering with the active-duty 58th Special Operations Wing to provide training and support in special operations and search and rescue.

The 162nd Combat Support Squadron is a unit within the Arizona Air National Guard, supporting the 162nd Wing based at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona. Established to provide essential support functions, the squadron ensures the operational readiness of the wing's F-16 training mission for both U.S. and international pilots. Over its history, the 162nd Combat Support Sq. has delivered critical services such as security, logistics, civil engineering, and communications. The unit continues to play a vital role in enabling air operations, reflecting a legacy of excellence and dedication to both state and federal missions.

The 168th Air Traffic Control Specialist unit was established to provide critical air traffic management and control services for military air operations. Since its inception, the unit has supported both domestic training missions and overseas deployments, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of military aircraft in complex and high-tempo environments. The 168th has participated in numerous joint exercises with allied forces, enhancing interoperability and operational effectiveness. Renowned for its professionalism and technical expertise, the unit continues to play a vital role in maintaining airspace safety and mission success for the armed forces.

The 1776 Security Police was activated in the late 1960s as part of the United States Air Force’s expanding need for dedicated base security during the Cold War. Stationed primarily at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, the unit was tasked with safeguarding critical assets, including aircraft, munitions, and sensitive facilities. Throughout its operational history, the 1776 Security Police participated in numerous readiness exercises and provided security support for both stateside and overseas deployments. The unit earned commendations for its professionalism and played a vital role in Air Force law enforcement and anti-terrorism operations until its eventual reorganization under the Air Force Security Forces structure.

The 183rd Fighter Wing is a unit of the Illinois Air National Guard, stationed at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois. Established in 1962, the wing has flown various fighter aircraft, including the F-84F Thunderstreak, F-4 Phantom II, and F-16 Fighting Falcon, supporting both state and federal missions. The 183rd has participated in numerous operations, such as Operation Northern Watch and Operation Southern Watch, providing air defense and combat capabilities. In recent years, the wing’s mission has transitioned to focus on air operations support and cyber operations following the retirement of its fighter jets in 2008.

The 184th Intelligence Wing, based at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, traces its origins to 1947 as the 127th Fighter Squadron of the Kansas Air National Guard. Over the decades, the unit underwent several mission changes, including fighter, bombardment, and air refueling roles, before transitioning to an intelligence mission in 2008. Today, the 184th Intelligence Wing is a premier provider of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, supporting global and national operations. The unit's evolution reflects its adaptability and enduring commitment to the defense of the United States.

The 18th Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 4 (18 IS Det 4) is a specialized unit within the United States Air Force focused on providing critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) support. Established as part of the broader 18th Intelligence Squadron, Detachment 4 operates in support of national defense objectives, delivering timely and actionable intelligence to combatant commanders and decision-makers. Throughout its history, the detachment has leveraged advanced technology and analytical expertise to support operations worldwide, contributing to both peacetime and combat missions. Its dedication to excellence has made it an integral component of the Air Force’s intelligence community.

The 1938th Communications Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era to provide vital communications and information support. It operated primarily under the Air Force Communications Command, ensuring secure and reliable communication channels for command and control functions. The unit was stationed at various locations, including Griffiss Air Force Base in New York. Over its years of service, the 1938th Communications Squadron played a crucial role in supporting both strategic and tactical Air Force operations until its inactivation as part of post-Cold War restructuring.

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 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 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 3750th Support Squadron (Air Training Command) was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, activated in the early 1950s at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Its primary mission was to provide essential logistical, administrative, and operational support for the training activities conducted under the Air Training Command. The squadron played a vital role in maintaining the readiness and efficiency of technical training programs for new Air Force personnel during the post-World War II and Korean War eras. The 3750th Support Squadron was eventually inactivated as part of wider USAF organizational restructures in the late 1950s.