U.S. Air Force

The 49th Service Squadron (Tactical Air Command), known as 49 Svc Sq (TAC), was activated during the early years of the Cold War to provide essential logistical and operational support to flying units within the Tactical Air Command. Stationed primarily at bases aligned with the 49th Fighter Wing, the squadron was responsible for maintenance, supply, transportation, and other vital services that enabled combat readiness. Throughout its service, 49 Svc Sq (TAC) played a crucial role in facilitating rapid deployment and sustained operations during both training exercises and real-world contingencies. The unit's professionalism and adaptability contributed significantly to the overall effectiveness of Tactical Air Command missions before its eventual inactivation or reorganization during later Air Force restructuring efforts.

The 4th Marine Corps Ground Patrol (Aerial Forward Command Squadron), abbreviated as 4th MCGP (AFCS), was established in the early 1980s to enhance the Marine Corps’ reconnaissance and forward command capabilities. The unit specialized in coordinating aerial and ground operations, providing real-time intelligence and target acquisition for Marine Expeditionary Forces. Throughout its service, the 4th MCGP (AFCS) participated in major training exercises and supported operations both domestically and overseas, notably contributing to rapid deployment scenarios during the Gulf War. The unit earned commendations for its integration of advanced communications and surveillance technology before being reorganized in the early 2000s as part of broader Marine Corps restructuring efforts.

The 5010th Civil Engineering Squadron was a United States Air Force unit assigned to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Established in the early years of the Cold War, the squadron played a crucial role in constructing, maintaining, and upgrading the base’s infrastructure to support strategic air operations in the Arctic region. Its engineers were instrumental in adapting facilities to withstand extreme weather conditions and enabling continuous bomber and reconnaissance missions during heightened tensions with the Soviet Union. The squadron’s legacy is reflected in its significant contributions to the readiness and resilience of Eielson AFB throughout its period of activity.

The 50th Supply Squadron was an integral logistics unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated in 1949. Tasked with providing vital supply and materiel support, the squadron supported the 50th Fighter Wing, ensuring operational readiness during both peacetime and conflict. Throughout the Cold War, the 50th Supply Squadron played a key role in supporting USAF operations in Europe, particularly at Hahn Air Base in West Germany. The unit was eventually inactivated in the 1990s as part of post-Cold War force reductions and organizational restructuring.

The **552nd Air Control Wing (552nd ACW)**, originally activated as the 552nd Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing in 1955, is a critical component of the United States Air Force based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The unit's primary mission is to provide airborne surveillance, command, control, and communications using the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. Over its history, the 552nd has participated in major operations including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing vital air battle management and situational awareness. Renowned for its rapid deployability and global reach, the 552nd continues to play a pivotal role in both peacetime and combat air operations for U.S. and allied forces.

The 55th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, known as the “Hurricane Hunters,” was first activated during World War II in 1944 to provide crucial weather data for military operations. Initially flying out of bases such as Morrison Field, Florida, the unit conducted weather reconnaissance missions over the Atlantic, supporting both Allied flight planning and maritime operations. Over the decades, the 55th played a vital role in storm tracking, most notably flying into hurricanes to collect meteorological data that improved forecasting and saved lives. The squadron, equipped with specially modified aircraft, was inactivated in 1993, but its legacy continues through other weather reconnaissance units.

The 561st Fighter Squadron was first activated in December 1942 as part of the 388th Fighter Group, training with P-47 Thunderbolts before deploying to the European Theater during World War II. The squadron participated in numerous combat missions, including bomber escort, ground attack, and air superiority operations, playing a significant role in the Allied air campaign over France and Germany. After the war, the unit was inactivated but later reactivated during the Cold War era, flying jet aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II and F-16 Fighting Falcon in various tactical fighter roles. The 561st distinguished itself through its adaptability and combat effectiveness before its final inactivation in the 1990s.

The 56th Supply Squadron has a distinguished history supporting United States Air Force operations. Originally activated during World War II, the unit provided vital logistical and supply support to combat wings in both European and Pacific theaters. Over the decades, the 56th Supply Squadron played a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and sustainability of its parent wing, particularly during the Cold War and subsequent conflicts. Today, it continues its mission as part of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, delivering comprehensive supply chain management to support advanced fighter training and operations.

The 57th Contingency Response Squadron (57th CRS) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Wing. Activated in the early 2000s, the squadron specializes in rapidly deploying personnel and equipment to establish air mobility operations in austere or crisis environments worldwide. The 57th CRS has supported numerous humanitarian, disaster relief, and combat operations, providing critical command and control, aerial port, and airfield assessment capabilities. Its flexible, rapid-response mission has made it a key enabler for global Air Force and joint operations.

The 601st Photo Flight was a United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with aerial reconnaissance photography and documentation. Activated during the Cold War era, it provided essential photographic intelligence to support both tactical and strategic operations in Europe. The unit operated a variety of specialized aircraft equipped with advanced cameras and imaging equipment, playing a critical role in surveillance and mission planning. Throughout its service, the 601st Photo Flight contributed to NATO exercises and real-world contingencies, before its eventual inactivation as intelligence-gathering technology evolved.

The 620th Tactical Control Squadron, stationed at Monkey Mountain near Da Nang, Vietnam, played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. Activated in the early 1960s, the unit was responsible for radar surveillance, air traffic control, and providing tactical air control for U.S. and allied air operations over northern South Vietnam and into Laos. Operating from the strategically significant Monkey Mountain facility, the squadron managed aircraft identification, vectoring intercepts, and coordinating air strikes. The 620th TAC Squadron’s efforts greatly enhanced the air defense network and contributed to the effectiveness of air operations throughout the region until its deactivation following American withdrawal.

The 63rd Military Air Command was a key United States Air Force unit established during the Cold War era. Activated in the early 1950s, it played a vital role in strategic airlift missions, supporting both tactical and logistical operations worldwide. Based primarily at Norton Air Force Base, California, the 63rd operated heavy transport aircraft such as the C-124 Globemaster II and later the C-141 Starlifter. Its contributions included airlifting troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid during significant operations until its inactivation in the early 1990s as part of a broader Air Force restructuring.

The 6515th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force, activated at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Established in the late 1950s, its primary mission was to provide organizational-level maintenance support to aircraft assigned to the Air Force Flight Test Center. The squadron played a crucial role in supporting experimental and developmental flight testing, ensuring aircraft were mission-ready for a variety of test programs. The 6515th OMS remained active until the early 1990s, when it was inactivated and its functions were absorbed by successor maintenance units as part of broader Air Force restructuring.

The 6986th Security Group was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Force Security Service (AFSS). Activated in the early 1950s, the group was stationed at Wheeler Air Force Base in Hawaii. Its primary mission was signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection and cryptologic operations, focusing on monitoring Soviet and other foreign communications in the Pacific region during the Cold War. The unit played a crucial role in intelligence-gathering efforts until its inactivation in 1993, following the end of the Cold War and a realignment of U.S. intelligence assets.

The **7501st Munitions Support Squadron (MUNSS)** is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE). Established during the Cold War, its primary mission has been to provide munitions support, including the storage, maintenance, and security of special weapons, in support of NATO operations. The squadron is typically co-located with NATO allied air bases, ensuring rapid availability of U.S. munitions for alliance commitments. Over the decades, the 7501st MUNSS has played a crucial role in maintaining the readiness and deterrence posture of NATO forces in Europe.

The 831st Supply Squadron was a United States Air Force unit assigned to support the 831st Air Division, primarily stationed at George Air Force Base, California. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron played a vital role in logistical operations, ensuring the supply and maintenance readiness of tactical fighter wings, including aircraft parts, fuel, and essential materials. Throughout its service, the 831st Supply Squadron contributed significantly to the operational effectiveness of assigned fighter units, particularly those flying F-4 Phantom II aircraft. The squadron was inactivated as part of broader force reductions and base realignments in the late 1980s.

The 88th Missile Security Squadron (88th MSS) is a United States Air Force unit tasked with providing comprehensive security for intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) operations. Activated as part of the Air Force Global Strike Command, the squadron is primarily responsible for safeguarding missile fields, launch facilities, and support infrastructure against potential threats. Its personnel conduct around-the-clock security patrols, quick reaction force operations, and integrated defense of critical nuclear assets. Over the years, the 88th MSS has played a vital role in ensuring the integrity and readiness of the nation’s strategic deterrent forces.

The 906th Air Refueling Wing was a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, first established in 1963 as the 906th Troop Carrier Group at Clinton County Air Force Base, Ohio. Originally tasked with tactical airlift missions, the wing later transitioned to air refueling operations, operating the KC-135 Stratotanker. Throughout its history, the 906th supported numerous training exercises and real-world operations, providing vital aerial refueling capability to enhance U.S. and allied air operations. The unit was inactivated in the mid-1990s as part of post-Cold War restructuring and realignment within the Air Force Reserve.

The **962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron (AWACS)** is a United States Air Force unit based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Established in 1986, the squadron operates the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, providing airborne surveillance, command, control, and communications for military operations. The 962nd AWACS has played a crucial role in the defense of North American airspace, particularly in support of Alaskan NORAD Region missions and Pacific theater operations. Over the years, the unit has participated in numerous joint exercises and real-world contingencies, ensuring air superiority and situational awareness for U.S. and allied forces.

The **97th Combat Support Group** was activated on November 16, 1952, at Biggs Air Force Base, Texas, as part of the United States Air Force. It provided essential base services and support for the 97th Bombardment Wing during the Cold War era, ensuring operational readiness of both personnel and equipment. The group was later relocated to Blytheville Air Force Base, Arkansas, and continued its mission of logistical, security, and administrative support. Over its history, the 97th Combat Support Group played a vital role in maintaining the effectiveness and sustainability of strategic bomber operations until its eventual inactivation.

The Air Force Reserve (AFRES), officially known as the United States Air Force Reserve, was established in 1948 as a separate component of the U.S. Air Force. Originally created to provide a ready pool of trained airmen and units for national emergencies and war, AFRES played significant roles in conflicts ranging from the Korean War to Operation Desert Storm. Over the decades, the unit expanded its mission sets to include airlift, refueling, reconnaissance, and support roles, integrating closely with active duty forces. In 1997, AFRES was reorganized as the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), reflecting its vital, ongoing contribution to U.S. airpower and global military operations.

The American Naval Group China was a special U.S. Navy unit established during World War II to support Chinese forces against Japanese occupation. Formed in 1942, it was tasked with organizing, training, and equipping Chinese guerrilla units for coastal raids, sabotage, and intelligence gathering. The group worked closely with the Sino-American Cooperative Organization (SACO), facilitating the flow of supplies and sharing naval expertise. Their operations contributed significantly to disrupting Japanese supply lines and strengthening Chinese resistance until the war’s end in 1945.

Combat Equipment Group Europe (CEGE) was established in 1985 as a subordinate unit of the U.S. Army Materiel Command to manage and maintain prepositioned military equipment in Europe. Headquartered in Livorno, Italy, CEGE was responsible for the storage, maintenance, and accountability of Army Prepositioned Stocks (APS), ensuring rapid force deployment and readiness for U.S. and NATO operations during the Cold War and beyond. The unit played a crucial logistical role during major exercises and contingencies, supporting operations such as Desert Storm and later peacekeeping missions in the Balkans. In the mid-2000s, CEGE’s mission and assets were integrated into the Army Field Support Brigade structure, reflecting evolving strategic requirements and organizational changes within U.S. Army Europe.

The Headquarters United States Air Force Special Operations Command (HQ AFSOC) was established in May 1990 at Hurlburt Field, Florida, to serve as the Air Force component of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Its origins trace back to earlier Air Force special operations efforts in the Vietnam War and the establishment of 23rd Air Force in 1983. HQ AFSOC is tasked with organizing, training, and equipping Air Force special operations forces for worldwide deployment and specialized missions, including direct action, unconventional warfare, and counterterrorism. Over the decades, HQ AFSOC has directed critical air operations in conflicts ranging from Operation Desert Storm to the Global War on Terror, earning a reputation for innovation, adaptability, and joint interoperability.