U.S. Air Force

The 8th Field Maintenance Squadron was a vital support unit assigned to Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB), Thailand, during the Vietnam War. Stationed at Ubon as part of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, the squadron provided essential aircraft maintenance, repair, and logistical support for the wing’s F-4 Phantom II fighter-bombers. Their mission ensured maximum aircraft readiness for combat operations, including air interdiction and close air support missions over Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The 8th Field Maintenance Squadron played a key role in sustaining the operational effectiveness of United States Air Force missions from Ubon until the base’s closure in 1974.

The 91st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron was originally constituted as the 91st Observation Squadron in 1941 and activated at Birmingham Army Air Field, Alabama. During World War II, the unit was redesignated and played a vital role in aerial reconnaissance, providing valuable intelligence for Allied ground and air operations across the European Theater. Flying aircraft such as the F-6 (a reconnaissance variant of the P-51 Mustang), the squadron supported campaigns in France and Germany, helping to locate enemy positions and direct artillery fire. After the war, the squadron continued its reconnaissance mission during the early Cold War period before being inactivated in 1949.

The 93rd Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) is a unit within the United States Air Force, historically associated with the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing. The squadron has played a crucial role in base infrastructure, emergency management, and rapid airfield repair, supporting both stateside operations and overseas deployments. Throughout its history, the 93rd CES has contributed to various contingency missions, disaster response efforts, and engineering projects to ensure mission readiness and operational effectiveness. Its highly trained personnel are recognized for their expertise in construction, firefighting, and environmental stewardship, embodying the Air Force's core values in every task.

The Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) was established in 1974 as a direct reporting unit of the United States Air Force. Its primary mission is to conduct independent, objective, and rigorous operational testing and evaluation of new and modified Air Force systems to determine their effectiveness and suitability for combat use. Headquartered at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, AFOTEC personnel operate at numerous locations across the United States and occasionally abroad. Over the decades, AFOTEC has played a key role in ensuring that advanced technologies and weapon systems meet the demands of real-world military operations before full-scale deployment.

The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is the U.S. Air Force component of United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), officially activated on May 22, 1990. Its roots trace back to World War II, with the formation of specialized Air Commando units conducting unconventional warfare and covert operations. AFSOC's mission encompasses precision strike, personnel recovery, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat support, often deploying globally in support of U.S. interests. Over the decades, AFSOC has played pivotal roles in operations such as Just Cause, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, continually adapting to evolving threats and advancing special operations capabilities.

**Military History of Alaska** Alaska’s military significance began with its purchase from Russia in 1867, providing the United States with a strategic northern outpost. During World War II, Alaska played a crucial role as the site of the Aleutian Islands Campaign, where U.S. forces repelled Japanese invasions, marking the only WWII battles fought on American soil. In the Cold War, Alaska’s location made it vital for early warning systems and air defense against potential Soviet attacks, leading to the establishment of major bases such as Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Eielson Air Force Base. Today, Alaska remains a key military hub for Arctic operations, missile defense, and joint-force readiness for U.S. and allied forces.

Coast Guard Squadron One was a United States Coast Guard unit established in 1965 during the Vietnam War as part of Operation Market Time. Comprised primarily of 82-foot Point-class cutters and their crews, the squadron was tasked with interdicting the flow of supplies by sea from North Vietnam to the Viet Cong in South Vietnam. Operating under the operational control of the U.S. Navy, Squadron One conducted coastal patrols, boarding, and inspection missions to disrupt enemy logistics. The unit played a significant role in maritime security operations until its withdrawal and deactivation in 1970.

**Edwards Air Force Base (AFB):** Established in the 1930s in California, Edwards AFB became a pivotal site for flight testing and aerospace innovation. It gained worldwide recognition as the location where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 in 1947. Over the decades, Edwards has supported the testing and development of advanced aircraft like the B-2 Spirit, F-22 Raptor, and X-15 rocket plane, cementing its role as the U.S. Air Force’s premier flight test center. **Hahn Air Force Base (AFB):** Located in West Germany, Hahn AFB was activated by the U.S. Air Force in 1951 during the early years of the Cold War. It primarily hosted fighter-interceptor and later tactical fighter squadrons, notably operating F-100 Super Sabres, F-4 Phantoms, and F-16 Fighting Falcons as part of NATO’s frontline defense. Hahn played a key role in deterring Warsaw Pact aggression until its closure and return to German control in 1993 following the reduction of American forces in Europe.

**HQHQSQDN MCAS New River AFFR** (Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station New River, Airfield Facilities and Flightline Resources) serves as the central support element for MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The squadron was established to provide essential administrative, operational, and logistical support to the air station's tenant commands and aviation units. Throughout its history, HQHQSQDN has played a critical role in ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of the base, supporting both stateside operations and deployments abroad. Its responsibilities include airfield management, personnel administration, logistics, and maintaining base security, making it a vital component of Marine Corps aviation operations on the East Coast.

Lockbourne Air Force Base, located near Columbus, Ohio, was established in 1942 as a key training site for the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. The base gained historical significance as the home of the famed Tuskegee Airmen’s 332nd Fighter Group and later the 477th Bombardment Group, both pioneering African American units. During the Cold War, Lockbourne became a Strategic Air Command installation, hosting B-47 Stratojet bombers and KC-97 tankers as part of America’s nuclear deterrent. The base was renamed Rickenbacker Air Force Base in 1974, honoring Medal of Honor recipient Eddie Rickenbacker, and later transitioned to Air National Guard and civilian use.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26, known as MALS-26, operates under Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26) at Marine Corps Air Facility (MCAF) New River near Jacksonville, North Carolina. Originally activated as Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron 26 (H&MS-26) in 1952, the unit was redesignated as MALS-26 in 1988 to better reflect its aviation logistics and support mission. MALS-26 provides vital intermediate-level aviation maintenance, ordnance, and supply support to the squadrons of MAG-26, which primarily operate rotary-wing aircraft. The squadron has supported numerous operations and exercises, both stateside and overseas, ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of Marine Corps aviation assets.

Maxwell Air Force Base (AFB), located in Montgomery, Alabama, has a rich military history dating back to its origins as Wright Field in 1918, established as a repair depot during World War I. In 1922, it was renamed Maxwell Field in honor of Second Lieutenant William C. Maxwell, an Alabama native who died in a plane crash in the Philippines. During World War II, Maxwell became a key site for pilot training and later emerged as a center for leadership development and education with the establishment of Air University in 1946. Today, Maxwell AFB remains the intellectual and leadership hub of the U.S. Air Force, hosting major organizations such as Air University and the 42nd Air Base Wing.

NAF Lajes, or Naval Air Facility Lajes, is a United States military facility located at Lajes Field on Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal. Established during World War II, the base played a critical role as a transatlantic staging post for aircraft, logistics, and anti-submarine operations. Throughout the Cold War, NAF Lajes remained strategically important for NATO and U.S. operations, serving as a key refueling and support hub for military missions between North America, Europe, and Africa. Its significance continued into the 21st century, supporting operations related to the Middle East and humanitarian missions.

Naval Air Facility (NAF) Washington, D.C. was established in 1941 at Andrews Field (now Joint Base Andrews) to provide aviation support for the National Capital Region. Throughout its history, NAF Washington has served as a hub for administrative, logistical, and operational support for Navy and Marine Corps aviation units and transient aircraft. The facility has played a vital role in executive transport missions, VIP flights, and ceremonial duties, supporting senior Department of Defense and government officials. Today, NAF Washington continues its mission as part of Joint Base Andrews, maintaining readiness and support for naval aviation operations in the nation's capital.

The Naval Security Group Vietnam (NSG Vietnam) was a specialized unit of the U.S. Navy tasked with signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communications security during the Vietnam War. Established in 1966, NSG Vietnam operated from several sites, including Danang and Saigon, and supported naval operations with critical intelligence on enemy communications and movements. The unit worked closely with other American and allied intelligence organizations, providing real-time information that aided in both tactical and strategic decision-making. NSG Vietnam played an essential role until the U.S. withdrawal, with its mission concluding in 1973 as American forces left South Vietnam.

Norton Air Force Base (AFB), located in San Bernardino, California, was established in 1942 as San Bernardino Army Air Field, serving as a vital maintenance and supply facility during World War II. Renamed in 1950 to honor Captain Leland F. Norton, a local war hero killed in action, the base played a key role throughout the Cold War, supporting Air Force Logistics Command and hosting transport units such as the 63rd Military Airlift Wing. Norton AFB was instrumental in airlift missions, space program support, and humanitarian operations, including Southeast Asia evacuations. The base was closed in 1994 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program, with its legacy continuing through civilian use and community redevelopment.

**Squadron One** was a U.S. Navy riverine unit established during the Vietnam War as part of the Mobile Riverine Force operations in the Mekong Delta. Initially formed in 1966, Squadron One operated Patrol Boat, River (PBR) craft, conducting patrols, interdiction, and support missions along the complex waterways of South Vietnam. The unit played a crucial role in disrupting Viet Cong supply lines, providing fire support for ground forces, and participating in major operations such as Operation Game Warden. Squadron One's efforts were instrumental in asserting control over the riverine environment until its disestablishment in the early 1970s as U.S. involvement in Vietnam decreased.

TUSLOG Detachment 37 (Turkey United States Logistics Group, Detachment 37) was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Cigli Air Base near İzmir, Turkey, during the Cold War. Established in the 1950s, the detachment played a critical role in supporting NATO operations and U.S. strategic interests in the Eastern Mediterranean region. TUSLOG Det 37 provided logistical, operational, and administrative support to various USAF and allied missions, including reconnaissance and communications activities. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of restructuring and drawdown of U.S. forces in Turkey in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

USCG Group Galveston was a United States Coast Guard command responsible for overseeing Coast Guard operations along the upper Texas Gulf Coast, primarily centered around Galveston, Texas. Established to coordinate search and rescue, law enforcement, and maritime safety missions, the unit managed several small boat stations and aids to navigation in its area of responsibility. Throughout its operational history, Group Galveston played a vital role during hurricanes, oil spills, and maritime emergencies, supporting both local and national objectives. In the early 2000s, as part of service-wide organizational changes, Group Galveston was merged into the larger USCG Sector Houston-Galveston to streamline command and control functions.

The Williams Air Force Base Communications Squadron was a key support unit stationed at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona, throughout much of the Cold War era. Tasked with maintaining secure and reliable communications, the squadron played a vital role in supporting the base’s primary mission of pilot training for the U.S. Air Force. Its personnel were responsible for the installation, maintenance, and operation of telecommunication systems, ensuring seamless connectivity for flight operations and command structures. The squadron’s expertise and dedication contributed significantly to the operational readiness of Williams AFB until the base’s closure in 1993.

The 100th Supply Squadron, Fuels, stationed at Beale Air Force Base, has played a crucial role in supporting United States Air Force operations since its activation. Tasked with the storage, quality control, and distribution of aviation and ground fuels, the unit has ensured mission readiness for a variety of aircraft, including the U-2 and RQ-4 Global Hawk, both central to Beale’s reconnaissance mission. Over its history, the 100th Supply Fuels team has adapted to evolving technologies and mission requirements, maintaining strict safety and environmental standards. Their dedication has been instrumental in enabling both peacetime and contingency operations, cementing their reputation as an indispensable component of Beale AFB’s logistical support structure.

**1100th Air Base Wing (1100 ABWg) Military History:** The 1100th Air Base Wing (1100 ABWg) was an administrative and support unit of the United States Air Force, established at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C., in 1948. Its primary mission was to provide base operations, logistical, and administrative support to various Air Force and Department of Defense organizations in the National Capital Region. Over the decades, the 1100 ABWg played a crucial role in facilitating high-level military and governmental functions, including support for ceremonial events and distinguished visitors. The wing was eventually inactivated in the early 1990s as part of Air Force restructuring and the consolidation of support functions under the newly formed 11th Wing.

The 1140th Special Activities Squadron was a unique unit based at Fort Myer, Arlington 8, Virginia, established during the height of the Cold War. Its primary mission involved providing specialized support and classified operations in direct coordination with higher headquarters in the National Capital Region. The unit drew personnel from various military branches, focusing on security, communications, and ceremonial duties essential to the defense and functioning of critical government infrastructure. The 1140th was recognized for its professionalism and discretion, often operating behind the scenes to support high-level military and governmental activities until its deactivation in the late 20th century.

The 131st Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) is a unit of the Missouri Air National Guard, based at Whiteman Air Force Base. With a mission centered on providing engineering, emergency management, and disaster response capabilities, the 131st CES has supported both state and federal operations. The squadron has participated in overseas deployments and domestic operations, including humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. Their expertise in rapid runway repair, facility maintenance, and infrastructure support makes them a vital component of both peacetime and contingency operations.