U.S. Air Force

The C-119 Flying Boxcar was operated by the United States Air Force at March Air Force Base (AFB), California, primarily during the 1950s and early 1960s. Units at March AFB, such as troop carrier squadrons, used the C-119 for tactical airlift missions, including transporting troops, equipment, and supplies, as well as performing airborne drops and aeromedical evacuation. The aircraft’s distinctive twin-boom design and rear loading ramp made it ideal for rapid loading and unloading operations. While at March AFB, C-119 units supported training, exercises, and real-world deployments, contributing to the Air Force’s global mobility during the early Cold War era.

Mather Air Force Base (AFB), located near Sacramento, California, served as a pivotal site for Undergraduate Navigator Training (UNT) for the United States Air Force. Established as a navigation school during World War II, Mather AFB became the primary hub for training Air Force navigators, bombardiers, and electronic warfare officers starting in the late 1940s. Throughout the Cold War and into the early 1990s, thousands of Air Force, Navy, and allied officers completed rigorous coursework and flight training at Mather, earning their navigator wings. The UNT program at Mather continued until the base was closed in 1993 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, with training operations subsequently moved to Randolph AFB, Texas.

RAF Upper Heyford was a Royal Air Force station located in Oxfordshire, England. It was first established in 1918 and played a significant role during both World War II and the Cold War. During the Second World War, it served primarily as a training and operational base for bomber and reconnaissance units. In the post-war era, RAF Upper Heyford became a key United States Air Force base, hosting Strategic Air Command and later Tactical Air Command units until its closure in 1994. The site is remembered for its pivotal contribution to NATO air operations and its long-standing Anglo-American partnership.

TUSLOG DET 16-2 was a component of the United States Air Force's Turkey United States Logistics Group (TUSLOG) during the Cold War era. Established as part of the broader TUSLOG mission in Turkey, DET 16-2 provided vital support and liaison functions for U.S. military operations and NATO commitments in the region. The unit was responsible for logistics, communications, and coordination with Turkish forces, contributing to the strategic American presence near the Soviet border. Its activities played an important role in strengthening U.S.-Turkish military cooperation throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

The United States Air Force Recruiting Command was originally established in 1954 as the Air Force Recruiting Service, tasked with meeting the growing personnel needs of the newly independent Air Force. Throughout the Cold War, it developed innovative recruiting strategies and expanded its reach across the nation to ensure a steady flow of qualified airmen. In 1994, the organization was redesignated as the Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS) and assigned under Air Education and Training Command (AETC), further refining its mission to attract talented individuals for both enlisted and officer ranks. Over the decades, USAF Recruiting Command has played a vital role in shaping the force by adapting to changing military requirements and societal shifts, ensuring the Air Force remains ready and capable.

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 22 (VR-22), known as the "Fleet Tenders," was a U.S. Navy squadron established in 1960 to provide vital air logistics support to the Atlantic Fleet. Originally based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, and later at Naval Air Station Rota, Spain, VR-22 operated aircraft such as the C-118 Liftmaster and C-130 Hercules to transport personnel, supplies, and mail throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. The squadron played a crucial role in supporting fleet operations, exercises, and contingency missions during the Cold War era. VR-22 was disestablished in 1989, after nearly three decades of distinguished service.

The 104th Weather Flight is a specialized unit within the Air National Guard, tasked with providing combat weather support to military operations. Activated in the mid-20th century, the unit has played a crucial role in delivering timely and accurate meteorological data to support both peacetime and wartime missions. Members of the 104th Weather Flight have deployed alongside Army and Air Force units, offering critical weather forecasts that impact mission planning and troop safety. Over the years, the unit has participated in numerous domestic and overseas operations, earning a reputation for professionalism and reliability in the field of military meteorology.

The 110th Fighter Group traces its origins to the establishment of the 110th Observation Squadron in the Michigan National Guard in 1925. During World War II, the unit was federalized and served in various reconnaissance and fighter roles, supporting operations in Europe. Following the war, the group transitioned to jet aircraft and was redesignated several times, ultimately becoming the 110th Fighter Group. Stationed at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, the unit has supported both homeland defense and overseas deployments, adapting to evolving mission requirements throughout its history.

The 12th Tactical Intelligence Squadron (TIS) was activated in the early 1990s to provide advanced battlefield intelligence support to joint and combined operations. Initially equipped with state-of-the-art signals and imagery analysis platforms, the unit played a pivotal role in monitoring adversary movements during Operation Desert Storm. Over the years, the 12th TIS enhanced its capabilities by integrating cutting-edge cyber intelligence and unmanned aerial reconnaissance technologies. Today, the squadron continues to support theater commanders with real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in various global operations.

The 14th Military Airlift Squadron (14th MAS) was a unit of the United States Air Force that played a crucial role in strategic airlift operations during the Cold War. Initially activated during World War II, the squadron was re-designated several times before becoming the 14th MAS in the 1960s under the Military Airlift Command. Equipped primarily with C-141 Starlifter aircraft, the 14th MAS was responsible for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies to conflict zones and support areas worldwide. The squadron earned recognition for its performance during major operations, including the Vietnam War, before its eventual inactivation as part of force restructuring.

The 157th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) is a unit of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, assigned to the 157th Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base. Established to provide vital engineering, construction, and emergency services support, the squadron has played a key role in maintaining and improving base infrastructure. Over its history, the 157th CES has deployed personnel in support of both domestic operations—such as disaster response—and overseas contingency missions, showcasing their versatility and technical expertise. Their commitment to readiness and rapid response has made them an essential component of both state and federal missions.

The 16th Special Operations Squadron (16 SOS) is a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force, first activated in 1968 during the Vietnam War. Flying the AC-130 gunship, the squadron provided close air support, interdiction, and armed reconnaissance, becoming renowned for its effectiveness in night operations. Over the decades, the 16 SOS has participated in numerous conflicts, including Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Stationed at Hurlburt Field, Florida, the unit continues to deliver precision firepower and specialized support to joint and coalition forces worldwide.

The 1607th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was an Air Force unit based at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, during the Cold War era. Activated in the late 1950s, the squadron provided vital maintenance support for the aircraft assigned to the 1607th Air Transport Wing, which operated large transport planes such as the C-124 Globemaster II. The 1607 OMS was responsible for ensuring the readiness and reliability of aircraft engaged in global airlift missions, supporting both peacetime logistics and contingency operations. The squadron remained an integral part of Dover AFB's mission until the Air Force's organizational restructuring in the late 1960s led to its inactivation or re-designation.

The 1631st Air Base Group was a United States Air Force unit activated in the early 1960s to provide base support services at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. Its primary mission was to oversee installation management, logistics, and security for the critical air base serving the Washington, D.C. area. The group played a vital role in supporting the operations of key aircraft, including those used for presidential and senior government transport. The 1631st Air Base Group was inactivated in the early 1990s as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, with its functions absorbed by successor units.

The 163rd Combat Support Squadron is a vital unit within the 163rd Attack Wing of the California Air National Guard, based at March Air Reserve Base. Established to provide essential support services, the squadron ensures the operational readiness of flying and mission support groups through logistics, civil engineering, security, and personnel support. Over the years, the 163rd Combat Support Squadron has played a key role in both domestic and overseas operations, including disaster response and overseas contingency deployments. Its legacy is marked by adaptability and commitment to supporting both state and national defense missions.

The 169th Fighter Wing, also known as the 169th South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG), was established in 1946 as the 157th Fighter Squadron at Congaree Air Base, South Carolina. Over its distinguished history, the unit has flown a variety of aircraft, including the F-51 Mustang, F-102 Delta Dagger, and currently the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The 169th has participated in multiple federal activations, including deployments for Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Renowned for its operational excellence, the 169th SCANG continues to provide air defense and support both at home and abroad as part of the United States Air Force Total Force structure.

The **16th Transportation Squadron** was an Air Force logistics unit established to provide essential ground transportation and vehicle management support. Activated in the early years of the Cold War, the squadron played a key role in ensuring the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies at various U.S. Air Force bases both in the continental United States and overseas. Over its period of service, the 16th Transportation Squadron supported a wide range of operations, including routine base logistics and contingency missions during periods of heightened military activity. The unit was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader Air Force organizational changes in the late 20th century.

The 172nd Maintenance Group (MAG) is a key component of the 172nd Airlift Wing, Mississippi Air National Guard, based at Allen C. Thompson Field in Jackson, Mississippi. Established in 1963, the unit has supported a variety of aircraft over its history, most notably the C-141 Starlifter and, since 2004, the C-17 Globemaster III. The 172nd MAG provides critical maintenance, repair, and logistical support to ensure mission readiness for both state and federal airlift operations. Over the years, the group has played a vital role in humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and overseas deployments, exemplifying excellence and reliability in support of national defense objectives.

The 17th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (17th TRS) has a storied history within the United States Air Force. Originally activated during World War II, the squadron was tasked with conducting photographic reconnaissance missions over enemy territory, providing critical intelligence for Allied operations. Throughout the Cold War, the 17th TRS operated various high-performance aircraft, adapting to new technologies and reconnaissance techniques as global threats evolved. The unit's legacy is marked by its dedication to gathering vital battlefield information, often under hazardous conditions, and its significant contributions to American air reconnaissance capabilities.

The 1849th Expeditionary Information Systems Squadron (1849 EIS) is a United States Air Force unit specializing in the rapid deployment and management of advanced information and communications systems. Historically, the unit has played a crucial role in supporting theater-level command and control by establishing secure, reliable communications infrastructure in deployed environments. The 1849 EIS has been activated for various contingency operations, enabling seamless data and voice connectivity for joint and coalition forces. Their expertise ensures that U.S. and allied commanders maintain critical situational awareness and operational effectiveness in dynamic and austere locations.

The **2005th Communications Wing** was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing communications and information systems support to various Air Force operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the unit played a crucial role in managing secure and reliable communications networks across multiple bases and commands. Throughout its service, the 2005th Communications Wing supported critical missions, including command and control, air traffic services, and data transmission. The wing was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force organizational changes, but its legacy remains in the advancements it made in military communications technology and infrastructure.

The 2017th Communications Squadron was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing vital communications support to operations and command elements. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron ensured secure and reliable transmission of information, facilitating command and control across assigned bases and areas of responsibility. Throughout its service, the 2017th Communications Squadron played a crucial role in maintaining communications readiness during periods of heightened alert and operational deployments. The squadron's legacy reflects the essential role of communications units in supporting the broader mission of the U.S. Air Force.

The 2047th Communication Squadron was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing vital communications support to military operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron specialized in maintaining secure and reliable lines of communication for command and control functions. The 2047th played a crucial role in supporting both strategic and tactical missions, ensuring seamless information flow between command centers and deployed forces. Over its years of service, the unit contributed significantly to the effectiveness of USAF operations before undergoing inactivation or reorganization as part of broader force realignments.

2063 Comm Squadron is a unit of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, specializing in communications and information systems support. Established in the mid-20th century, the squadron has played a critical role in providing secure and reliable communications for military operations and training exercises throughout Western Canada. Over the years, 2063 Comm Squadron has adapted to evolving technologies, ensuring operational readiness in both domestic and international missions. The unit continues to serve with distinction, supporting both Regular and Reserve Force elements in the Canadian Army.