U.S. Air Force

The 27th Civil Engineer Squadron (27 CES) at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, is a vital unit within the 27th Special Operations Wing. Originally activated to support base operations, the squadron has evolved to provide comprehensive engineering, emergency management, and facility maintenance services. Over the years, 27 CES has played a crucial role in supporting special operations missions, ensuring that infrastructure and utilities are mission-ready for both stateside and deployed operations. The squadron is also known for its rapid response capabilities during emergencies and natural disasters, contributing significantly to the base’s operational readiness and resilience.

The 27th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES), also known as the 27th Civil Engineer Readiness Squadron (CRS), is stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and is an integral part of the 27th Special Operations Wing. The unit traces its origins to earlier engineer organizations supporting the base and its flying missions since Cannon AFB’s establishment. The 27th CRS is tasked with ensuring base infrastructure readiness, emergency management, and rapid airfield repair in support of special operations. Over the years, the squadron has deployed personnel and resources globally, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions, and continues to provide critical engineering and contingency support to Air Force operations at home and abroad.

The 301st Maintenance Squadron (Tactical Air Command), often referred to as the 301st MXS (TAC), was a support unit responsible for aircraft and equipment maintenance within the United States Air Force. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron primarily served under the 301st Tactical Fighter Wing, ensuring operational readiness of tactical aircraft such as the F-105 Thunderchief and later the F-4 Phantom II. Stationed at various bases, including Carswell Air Force Base in Texas, the unit played a crucial role in sustaining flight operations and supporting deployments for training and contingency missions. Its skilled personnel contributed significantly to maintaining combat capability and mission effectiveness throughout its period of service.

The 308th Tactical Fighter Squadron was originally activated during World War II as part of the United States Army Air Forces, where it flew combat missions in the European Theater. Reactivated during the Cold War, the squadron was assigned to various U.S. Air Force bases and equipped with aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre and later the F-4 Phantom II. The 308th played a significant role in tactical air operations, including deployments to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of post-war drawdowns, but its legacy of combat excellence and tactical innovation remains a proud chapter in Air Force history.

The 310th Fighter Squadron, originally activated in 1942, is a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force. It first saw combat during World War II as part of the 58th Fighter Group, flying P-47 Thunderbolts in the Southwest Pacific Theater, supporting Allied operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. After several inactivations and reactivations during the Cold War, the squadron transitioned to training roles and today operates from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. As a key component of the 56th Fighter Wing, the 310th specializes in advanced fighter pilot training, currently flying the F-35A Lightning II.

The 317th Security Police Squadron (317th SPS) was a unit of the United States Air Force tasked with providing law enforcement, base security, and force protection. Originally activated during the Cold War era, the 317th SPS was assigned to various locations, including Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina, where it supported tactical airlift and airborne operations. Throughout its history, the unit played a critical role in safeguarding personnel and resources, particularly during times of heightened alert and deployment. The 317th SPS was eventually redesignated as the 317th Security Forces Squadron, continuing its legacy of excellence in security and defense.

The 31st Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (31st AES) was originally activated in 1957 at Donaldson Air Force Base, South Carolina, as part of the United States Air Force’s growing aeromedical evacuation mission during the Cold War. Over its history, the 31st AES provided rapid in-flight medical care and evacuation for wounded service members, participating in major operations and humanitarian missions worldwide. The squadron was notable for its involvement in contingency operations and exercises, ensuring readiness to deploy medical teams anywhere needed. The 31st AES was inactivated in 1994 as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, with its legacy carried on by successor units.

The 321st Strategic Missile Wing (321 SMW) was activated in November 1964 at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, as part of the United States Air Force’s expansion of its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capabilities during the Cold War. Equipped with the Minuteman II and later Minuteman III missiles, the 321 SMW maintained a crucial deterrent posture, providing a rapid-response nuclear strike option. The wing played a vital role in America’s strategic defense until the end of the Cold War, ensuring constant readiness and participating in numerous training and evaluation exercises. Following arms reduction agreements and changing strategic priorities, the 321st SMW was inactivated in 1998, marking the end of ICBM operations at Grand Forks AFB.

The 3214th Separate Operational Purpose Battalion (3214th OMON), commonly referred to as "3214 OMS," is a distinguished special police unit under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus. Formed in the early 1990s following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the unit was established to handle anti-terrorism, riot control, and high-risk law enforcement operations. Over the years, 3214 OMS has played a prominent role in maintaining internal security, including involvement in suppressing protests and managing public order during periods of political unrest in Belarus. The battalion is based in Minsk and remains one of the most well-known and controversial special units in the country.

The 337th Airlift Squadron (337th AS) is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, currently assigned to the 439th Operations Group at Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts. Established during World War II as the 337th Troop Carrier Squadron, the unit provided vital airlift support, including paratrooper drops and cargo transport, in both the European and Pacific Theaters. Over subsequent decades, the squadron has flown various aircraft, notably the C-130 Hercules and C-5 Galaxy, supporting missions ranging from humanitarian aid to global combat operations. Today, the 337th AS continues its legacy by delivering strategic and tactical airlift capabilities worldwide.

The 3535th Supply Squadron was an integral support unit of the United States Air Force, primarily active during the Cold War era. Assigned to Mather Air Force Base in California, the squadron provided essential logistics, materiel management, and supply chain operations for the 3535th Navigator Training Wing. Its efforts ensured the seamless training and operational readiness of navigators and other aircrew by maintaining aircraft parts, fuel, and equipment inventories. The 3535th Supply Squadron contributed significantly to the mission success of Mather AFB before being inactivated as part of post-Cold War restructuring and base closures.

The 354th Civil Engineering Squadron, Tactical Air Command (354th CES TAC), was a vital support unit within the U.S. Air Force, primarily tasked with providing engineering and emergency services for tactical air operations. Activated in the mid-20th century, the squadron was closely associated with the 354th Fighter Wing, supporting various deployments and exercises at home and abroad. Its responsibilities included airfield maintenance, rapid runway repair, facility construction, and disaster response, ensuring operational readiness of air assets under Tactical Air Command. Throughout its service, the 354th CES TAC played a crucial role in enhancing base infrastructure and mission capability, contributing to the overall effectiveness of U.S. airpower during the Cold War and beyond.

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.

The 397th Bomb Wing was an inactive unit of the United States Air Force, first activated in 1958 at Dow Air Force Base, Maine. It was assigned to Strategic Air Command (SAC) and equipped with Boeing B-47 Stratojet bombers, conducting strategic bombardment and refueling missions during the Cold War. The wing played a key role in maintaining nuclear deterrence, participating in regular training and readiness exercises. The 397th Bomb Wing was inactivated in 1963 as the Air Force phased out the B-47 from frontline service.

The 401st Supply Squadron was originally constituted during World War II as part of the United States Army Air Forces to support air operations in the European Theater. The unit specialized in logistics, managing the procurement, storage, and distribution of vital aircraft parts, fuel, and equipment for frontline squadrons. Throughout the war and into the Cold War era, the 401st adapted to evolving military technology and doctrine, ensuring sustained operational readiness for assigned wings. Renowned for its efficiency and reliability, the 401st Supply played a crucial role in maintaining the combat effectiveness of U.S. air units throughout its active service.

The 405th Tactical Training Wing (TTW) was a United States Air Force unit active primarily during the Cold War. Established in the early 1970s, its primary mission was to provide tactical training for fighter and attack aircrews, focusing on readiness for deployment and combat operations. Stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, the 405th TTW operated various aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-15 Eagle. The unit was inactivated in the early 1990s as part of post-Cold War force restructuring and realignment of Air Force training assets.

The 406th Tactical Fighter Training Wing (406 TFTW) was a United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with training fighter pilots and support personnel on tactical fighter aircraft. Established during the Cold War era, the wing played a crucial role in preparing aircrews for frontline service, particularly focusing on advanced tactics, weapons employment, and operational readiness. The 406 TFTW was stationed at Zaragoza Air Base, Spain, where it supported NATO commitments and fostered cooperation with allied forces. Throughout its service, the wing contributed significantly to maintaining the combat effectiveness and preparedness of USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe) fighter units before its inactivation in the early 1990s.

The 416th Combat Support Group was originally activated in 1953 as part of the United States Air Force. Stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base in New York, the group provided vital support functions, including base operations, logistics, and maintenance for the 416th Bombardment Wing and other assigned units. Throughout its active years, the 416th Combat Support Group played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of the base during the Cold War era. The unit was inactivated in 1964 as part of a broader reorganization of Air Force support units.

The 42nd Supply Squadron (42nd SUPS) was activated to provide essential logistical and supply support within its host wing, ensuring operational readiness and mission success. Throughout its history, the squadron managed inventory control, equipment distribution, and procurement, playing a critical role during both peacetime and contingency operations. Notably, the 42nd SUPS supported deployments and large-scale exercises, optimizing supply chain efficiency and resource allocation. The unit’s dedication and professionalism contributed significantly to the overall effectiveness of its parent organization before eventual inactivation or restructuring as part of broader Air Force logistics modernization efforts.

The **437th Airlift Wing** is a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated in 1949 as the 437th Troop Carrier Wing in the Air Force Reserve. It was mobilized for active duty during the Korean War, providing critical airlift capabilities and supporting combat and logistic operations in the theater. In subsequent decades, the unit transitioned through various aircraft and roles, eventually becoming the 437th Airlift Wing, stationed at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. Today, the wing operates the C-17 Globemaster III, delivering global rapid mobility, humanitarian aid, and supporting military operations worldwide.

The 43rd Security Police Squadron (43rd SPS) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for base security and law enforcement, primarily stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during the Vietnam War era. Activated in the 1960s, the squadron played a crucial role in safeguarding strategic bombers and resources as part of Operation Arc Light and other Pacific operations. The 43rd SPS maintained a high state of readiness, conducting perimeter defense, patrols, and anti-sabotage missions. The unit was eventually inactivated or redesignated as Security Forces in line with USAF organizational changes in the late 20th century.

The 4452nd Combat Crew Training Squadron (Tactical Air Command) was established to provide specialized training for aircrews, primarily focusing on the preparation and qualification of pilots and support personnel for advanced tactical aircraft. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron operated under the auspices of Tactical Air Command (TAC) and played a key role in training crews for the F-111 Aardvark, one of the Air Force’s most advanced swing-wing strike aircraft at the time. The unit was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where it contributed to the operational readiness of U.S. Air Force tactical units. The 4452nd CCTS was eventually inactivated as part of broader restructuring within the Air Force, with its mission and resources absorbed by successor units.

The **44th Strategic Missile Wing** (44th SMW) was established in 1962 at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, as part of the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command. Its primary mission was to operate and maintain Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), serving as a key component of America's nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. The wing managed up to 150 Minuteman missiles, ensuring rapid-response capability in the event of a nuclear crisis. The 44th SMW was inactivated in 1994 following the end of the Cold War and the implementation of arms reduction treaties, marking the end of its pivotal role in national defense.

The 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (460th TAC Recon Wing) was originally activated during the Vietnam War, serving from 1966 to 1971 at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam. Its primary mission was to conduct aerial reconnaissance, providing critical intelligence on enemy movements and installations through the use of RF-4C Phantom II aircraft and other assets. The wing played a vital role in supporting U.S. and allied operations by delivering timely and accurate battlefield imagery and electronic intelligence. After the Vietnam War, the 460th was inactivated, but its legacy of reconnaissance excellence continues through successor units in the United States Air Force.