U.S. Air Force

The 20th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was a key support unit stationed at RAF Upper Heyford, United Kingdom, during the Cold War. As part of the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing, the squadron was responsible for the maintenance and readiness of the wing’s combat aircraft, including the F-111 Aardvark. The 20th OMS played a critical role in ensuring rapid deployment and operational effectiveness of USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe) assets in support of NATO defense strategies. Throughout its tenure at Upper Heyford, the squadron contributed significantly to the deterrence posture against Warsaw Pact forces until the base’s closure in the early 1990s.

The 23rd Fighter Maintenance Squadron (23rd FMS) is a United States Air Force unit historically associated with the 23rd Fighter Group, renowned for its heritage dating back to the legendary Flying Tigers of World War II. The 23rd FMS has been responsible for providing aircraft maintenance, munitions, and logistical support to ensure the operational readiness of fighter aircraft such as the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Over the decades, the squadron has supported various combat and training missions, including deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The 23rd FMS continues to uphold a proud tradition of excellence, playing a vital role in sustaining airpower for the United States Air Force.

The 2nd Air Force Headquarters, Directorate of Plans, Missile Division (2AF HQ, D PLANS, MISSILE DV), stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, played a pivotal role during the Cold War era. This unit was responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, deployment, and operational readiness of the United States Air Force’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) assets under the 2nd Air Force command structure. The Missile Division coordinated with various missile wings, ensuring rapid response capabilities and integrating evolving missile technologies into U.S. nuclear deterrence strategies. Located at the historic Barksdale AFB, the unit contributed significantly to national security by maintaining vigilance and preparedness throughout periods of heightened geopolitical tension.

The 2nd Aerial Port Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated in the late 1950s to provide specialized air cargo and passenger handling support. Stationed primarily at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, the squadron played a vital role in supporting U.S. and NATO airlift operations throughout Europe during the Cold War. Its mission included loading and unloading aircraft, managing hazardous materials, and ensuring the rapid movement of personnel and equipment. The unit was inactivated in the early 1990s following the end of the Cold War and subsequent force reductions.

The 304th Civil Affairs Brigade is a unit of the United States Army Reserve with a distinguished history of supporting military operations through civil-military coordination. Activated during World War II, the unit contributed to post-conflict reconstruction and governance efforts in Europe. Over the decades, the 304th has participated in various operations, including missions in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where it helped restore essential services and foster relationships between military forces and local populations. Today, the brigade remains vital in bridging the gap between military objectives and civilian needs during both combat and humanitarian missions.

The 307th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Activated at U-Tapao in the late 1960s, the 307 FMS provided essential maintenance and logistical support for the B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft operating in Southeast Asia. The squadron played a critical role in sustaining the intensive air operations of Operation Arc Light and Operation Linebacker. Following the winding down of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, the 307 FMS was inactivated as U.S. forces withdrew from Thailand in the mid-1970s.

The 3332nd Basic Training Squadron was established during the rapid buildup of the United States Air Force in the early 1950s, amid the demands of the Korean War. Stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, the unit was responsible for transforming thousands of new recruits into disciplined airmen through rigorous physical conditioning, drill instruction, and classroom training. The squadron played a key role in standardizing basic military training procedures that became the foundation for future Air Force generations. By the late 1950s, as training organizations were consolidated, the 3332nd was inactivated, but its legacy endured in the professionalism it instilled in its graduates.

The 355th Fighter Squadron (355th FS), known as the "Fightin' Falcons," was activated in November 1942 and distinguished itself during World War II as part of the Eighth Air Force in Europe, flying P-47 Thunderbolts and later P-51 Mustangs on bomber escort and ground attack missions. After World War II, the squadron was inactivated and reactivated several times, participating in the Vietnam War operating F-105 Thunderchiefs out of Thailand. Over the decades, the 355th FS has flown a variety of aircraft, including the A-10 Thunderbolt II, supporting close air support missions. Today, the squadron remains an integral part of the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and continues its legacy of excellence in fighter operations.

The 3625th Technical Training Squadron was a United States Air Force unit primarily active during the Cold War era. It was assigned to the 3625th Technical Training Group at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. The squadron's mission focused on providing specialized technical training for Air Force personnel, particularly in aircraft maintenance and related fields. Through its training programs, the unit contributed significantly to maintaining the operational readiness of USAF aircraft and supporting personnel from the 1950s until its inactivation in the early 1970s.

The 363rd Transportation Squadron was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for providing transportation and logistical support to its parent wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a vital role in ensuring the efficient movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies for tactical air operations. Stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, the 363rd supported various deployments and exercises, contributing to the operational readiness of the 363rd Tactical Fighter Wing. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force restructuring efforts in the post-Cold War period.

The 37th Security Police Squadron was an integral part of the United States Air Force, originally activated to provide security and law enforcement duties at various Air Force installations. The squadron notably served at Phu Cat Air Base, South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War, where its personnel protected vital resources and facilities against enemy attacks from 1967 to 1971. Members of the 37th Security Police Squadron conducted base defense operations, perimeter patrols, and quick reaction force missions, often under challenging and dangerous conditions. After the Vietnam War, the squadron continued its security mission until its inactivation as part of post-war force reductions.

The 3723rd Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS) was a unit of the United States Air Force located at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Established during the post-World War II period, the unit was responsible for conducting basic military training for new Air Force recruits. Over the decades, the 3723rd BMTS played a crucial role in shaping thousands of Airmen, instilling military discipline, core values, and essential skills required for service. The squadron’s legacy is remembered as part of Lackland’s long-standing tradition as the “Gateway to the Air Force,” before its designation and organizational structure were eventually consolidated during later Air Force training reorganizations.

The 37th Combat Support Squadron (37th CSS) is a United States Air Force unit with a lineage dating back to its activation in the mid-20th century. Originally established to provide vital support functions—including logistics, security, and base services—the squadron played a key role in ensuring operational readiness for its parent wing. Over the years, the 37th CSS has supported a variety of missions and exercises, both stateside and in deployed locations, adapting to the evolving needs of the Air Force. Its commitment to excellence has contributed significantly to the overall mission success of the units it supports.

The 380th Civil Engineer Squadron (380 CES) is a key support unit within the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, United States Air Force. Established to provide comprehensive engineering support, the squadron is responsible for base infrastructure, emergency management, and environmental stewardship at deployed locations, notably at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. The 380 CES has played a vital role in maintaining mission readiness by constructing and repairing facilities, ensuring force protection, and responding to contingencies in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and INHERENT RESOLVE. Over the years, the squadron has earned recognition for its excellence in enabling sustained air operations in challenging environments.

**400th Missile Maintenance Squadron (400MMST) Military History:** The 400th Missile Maintenance Squadron (400MMST) was activated during the height of the Cold War to provide maintenance and operational readiness support for the United States Air Force’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) forces. Based at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, the unit played a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of Minuteman and Peacekeeper missile systems. Throughout its service, the 400MMST was recognized for its technical expertise and rapid response capability, contributing significantly to the nation's strategic deterrence mission. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of force restructuring and modernization efforts in the early 21st century.

The 428th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the late Cold War era. Originally established as part of the Air Force’s efforts to bolster tactical airpower, the 428th TFW was equipped with advanced fighter aircraft, such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The wing participated in numerous training exercises and joint operations, enhancing interoperability with allied air forces. Although the unit was eventually inactivated, its legacy continues through the ongoing missions of associated squadrons and its contributions to U.S. tactical air operations.

The 430th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) was originally activated during World War II in 1943, serving as a fighter squadron in the Pacific Theater. After the war, the unit underwent several inactivations and reactivations, eventually becoming part of the United States Air Force Tactical Air Command. During the Vietnam War, the 430th TFS flew F-100 Super Sabres and later F-4 Phantom IIs, participating in combat operations and providing air support. The squadron was later stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, where it continued to play a key role in training and readiness before its eventual inactivation.

The 436 Civil Engineer Squadron (MAC), part of the United States Air Force, is stationed at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron has played a crucial role in maintaining and improving base infrastructure to support global air mobility operations. Over the decades, the unit has deployed engineers and equipment to support humanitarian missions, disaster response, and combat operations worldwide. The 436 CES continues to ensure Dover AFB’s operational readiness by providing engineering expertise, emergency management, and environmental stewardship.

The 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron (43 CES) is a United States Air Force unit with a distinguished history of providing engineering support to air mobility operations. Originally activated as part of the 43rd Airlift Wing at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, the squadron has played a vital role in maintaining infrastructure, emergency response, and readiness for both stateside and deployed missions. Throughout its history, the 43 CES has supported numerous humanitarian and contingency operations worldwide, ensuring rapid airlift capabilities by maintaining critical facilities and airfields. The squadron continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, contributing significantly to the mission success of the Air Force and joint operations.

The 4417th Tactical Fighter Unit was a provisional United States Air Force unit activated in 1963 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Its primary mission was to conduct operational testing and evaluation of the new F-4C Phantom II fighter jet, assessing its suitability for combat roles. The unit played a pivotal role in developing tactics and procedures for the F-4C's deployment within the Tactical Air Command. After completing its testing and evaluation mission, the 4417th was inactivated in 1964, with its personnel and equipment transferred to operational squadrons.

The 456th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (456 OMS) at Beale Air Force Base was a key support unit assigned to the 456th Strategic Aerospace Wing during the Cold War. The Tanker Branch of the 456 OMS was responsible for maintaining and servicing KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, ensuring their readiness for air refueling missions. This support was vital to the wing’s strategic deterrence and global reach capabilities, particularly during the Vietnam War era. The professionalism and technical expertise of the 456 OMS Tanker Branch contributed significantly to the operational effectiveness of Beale AFB’s air refueling mission until the unit’s inactivation in the late 1970s.

The 47th Bomb Wing was a unit of the United States Air Force, activated in 1947 as part of the post-World War II expansion of the Air Force. Originally stationed at Biggs Air Force Base, Texas, the wing operated the North American B-45 Tornado, the USAF’s first operational jet bomber. The 47th Bomb Wing was later deployed to RAF Sculthorpe, England, in 1952, strengthening NATO’s air power during the early years of the Cold War. The wing was inactivated in 1962 as the B-45 was phased out and the Air Force reorganized its bomber forces.

The 48th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (48th MMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force primarily responsible for the storage, maintenance, and handling of munitions. Activated in the early 1950s, the squadron supported the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, stationed at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. During the Cold War, the 48th MMS played a crucial role in ensuring the wing’s operational readiness by managing conventional and nuclear ordnance. The squadron was later inactivated or redesignated as Air Force organizational structures evolved, but its legacy endures as part of the 48th Fighter Wing’s distinguished history.

The 48th Transportation Group was a United States Army logistics unit activated during World War II to provide transportation and supply support for combat operations. Initially constituted in 1942, the group played a crucial role in moving troops, equipment, and supplies across the European Theater, supporting major campaigns such as the Normandy invasion and the advance across France and Germany. After the war, the group was inactivated, but it was later reactivated and served during the Cold War period, adapting to new logistical challenges. Throughout its history, the 48th Transportation Group earned recognition for its efficiency and dedication in ensuring the mobility and sustainment of U.S. Army forces.