U.S. Air Force

The 26th Security Police Squadron (26th SPS) and the 443rd Security Police Squadron (443rd SPS) were United States Air Force units tasked with base security and law enforcement duties, primarily during the Cold War era. The 26th SPS was notably assigned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, providing protection for vital NATO assets and U.S. personnel. The 443rd SPS was based at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, where it safeguarded strategic airlift operations and critical infrastructure. Both squadrons played essential roles in maintaining base security and readiness until their eventual inactivation or redesignation as Air Force security requirements evolved.

The 27th Tactical Air Support Squadron (27th TASS) was a unit of the United States Air Force with a distinguished history in providing forward air control and tactical air support. Activated during the Vietnam War, the squadron played a pivotal role in coordinating close air support missions and directing air strikes to assist ground forces, often flying the OV-10 Bronco and O-2 Skymaster aircraft. The 27th TASS operated primarily in Southeast Asia, where its pilots faced significant risks while marking enemy positions and relaying critical battlefield information. After the war, the unit continued to serve in various capacities before eventual inactivation, leaving a legacy of valor and precision in aerial support operations.

The 2852nd Security Police Squadron (SPS) was a United States Air Force unit active during the Cold War era, primarily tasked with providing security and law enforcement at USAF installations. Stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, the squadron played a crucial role in safeguarding Strategic Air Command (SAC) assets, including nuclear weapons and command facilities. Its personnel were responsible for base defense, access control, and rapid response to security incidents, maintaining a high level of readiness throughout its service. The 2852nd SPS was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader Air Force security police reorganizations in the late 20th century.

The 2nd Weather Wing was a United States Air Force unit, first activated in 1954, responsible for providing comprehensive weather support to USAF and NATO operations throughout Europe. Headquartered at Lindsey Air Station, West Germany, the wing coordinated meteorological services, forecasting, and atmospheric data collection, significantly enhancing operational planning and flight safety. It played a crucial role during the Cold War, supporting critical air operations and exercises across the European theater. The 2nd Weather Wing was inactivated in 1991 as part of post-Cold War restructuring and realignment of Air Force weather operations.

The 319th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was a support unit assigned to the 319th Bombardment Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Activated during the Cold War era, the 319th FMS was responsible for the maintenance and repair of aircraft and associated equipment, ensuring the operational readiness of the wing's fleet, which included B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. The squadron played a vital role in sustaining the wing’s strategic deterrence and aerial refueling capabilities. The 319th FMS continued its mission until the Air Force reorganized its maintenance structure, eventually inactivating the squadron as part of broader post-Cold War changes.

The 31st Supply Squadron was an integral logistics unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated in the late 1940s. Assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, the squadron was responsible for the management, distribution, and maintenance of critical supplies and equipment to support air operations. Throughout the Cold War era, the 31st Supply Squadron played a vital role in sustaining the operational readiness of combat aircraft both at home and during overseas deployments. The unit underwent several organizational changes over the decades, reflecting the evolving needs of the Air Force before ultimately being inactivated or consolidated as part of broader logistics restructuring.

The 321st Field Maintenance Squadron (321 FMMS) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 321st Strategic Missile Wing at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron provided critical maintenance and logistical support for the wing's fleet of Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles. Personnel of the 321 FMMS were responsible for ensuring the operational readiness and reliability of missile systems, supporting America's strategic deterrence mission. The unit was inactivated in the 1990s following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent reduction in the nation’s ICBM force structure.

The 333rd Fighter Squadron was activated in August 1942 as part of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Initially equipped with P-47 Thunderbolts, the squadron participated in combat operations in the European Theater, providing bomber escort and ground attack support. After the war, the squadron underwent several inactivations and reactivations, adapting to new aircraft and missions during the Cold War and into the modern era. Today, the 333rd Fighter Squadron operates out of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, where it serves as a training unit for F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews.

The 3380th Air Base Group (AB GP) was a unit of the United States Air Force that operated primarily at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Activated in the late 1940s, the group provided essential base support services, including administration, security, logistics, and facility management, to Keesler’s technical training mission. Throughout its history, the 3380th AB GP played a vital role in supporting the training of thousands of Air Force personnel in radar, electronics, and communications specialties during the Cold War era. The unit underwent several reorganizations and redesignations until its eventual inactivation as Air Force base support functions were consolidated under different structures in the 1970s.

The 3380th Maintenance and Supply Group was a United States Air Force unit established at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, in the post-World War II era. Tasked with providing logistical, maintenance, and supply support, the group played a crucial role in sustaining the operations of Keesler’s technical training mission. Throughout its existence, the 3380th supported a range of aircraft and training activities, ensuring operational readiness and efficiency. The group was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader Air Force restructuring efforts in the latter half of the 20th century.

The 343rd Combat Support Squadron is a United States Air Force unit that has provided essential base support functions at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Activated in its current form in the early 1990s, the squadron delivers a wide range of services including civil engineering, logistics, communications, and personnel support to enhance the operational readiness of the 354th Fighter Wing and tenant units. The 343rd played a crucial role in supporting air operations during exercises such as RED FLAG-Alaska, ensuring the smooth functioning of base infrastructure and mission sustainment. Through its dedicated efforts, the squadron has contributed significantly to maintaining Eielson’s strategic capabilities in the Arctic region.

The 34th General Support Group was a U.S. Army logistics unit activated during the Vietnam War and stationed in Saigon. Its primary mission was to provide logistical, supply, and maintenance support to combat and support units operating across the III and IV Corps Tactical Zones. The group managed transportation, equipment repair, and distribution of essential supplies, ensuring operational readiness for U.S. and allied forces. Throughout its service, the 34th General Support Group played a vital role in sustaining military operations until the drawdown of American forces in Vietnam.

The **3516th USAF Recruiting Squadron** was a United States Air Force unit responsible for recruiting enlisted and officer personnel to meet the Air Force’s manpower needs. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in sustaining the Air Force’s operational readiness by identifying and enlisting qualified candidates from its assigned geographic region. The 3516th coordinated with local communities, schools, and organizations to promote Air Force opportunities and ensure a steady flow of new recruits. Throughout its service, the squadron contributed significantly to maintaining the strength and effectiveness of the Air Force before its eventual inactivation or consolidation into larger recruiting structures.

The 354th Field Maintenance Squadron, Tactical Air Command (354 FMS TAC), was an integral support unit within the United States Air Force, primarily tasked with providing comprehensive maintenance for tactical aircraft assigned to the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of fighter jets such as the F-100 Super Sabre and later the A-7D Corsair II. Based at various locations, including Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, the 354 FMS TAC supported deployments and readiness exercises, contributing to both NATO commitments and contingency operations. Its highly skilled personnel ensured that aircraft remained mission-capable, directly supporting U.S. air superiority and rapid deployment capabilities until subsequent reorganizations and inactivations aligned with Air Force restructuring in the late 20th century.

The 3550th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was an integral support unit assigned to the 3550th Flying Training Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron provided essential aircraft maintenance, repair, and logistical support to ensure operational readiness of the wing's training aircraft, notably the T-33 Shooting Star and T-37 Tweet. Throughout its service, the 3550th FMS played a crucial role in supporting pilot training and sustaining high sortie rates. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force organizational changes in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The 355th Medical Group, stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, has played a vital role in providing comprehensive healthcare and medical readiness support to military personnel, dependents, and retirees. Established as part of the 355th Wing, the Group ensures the medical fitness of airmen and supports global deployment operations. Throughout its history, the 355th Medical Group has adapted to evolving missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, while maintaining high standards in clinical care and preventive medicine. Its commitment to excellence has made it a cornerstone of the Davis-Monthan AFB community and an essential asset to the U.S. Air Force's operational capabilities.

The 35th Security Police Squadron (35th SPS) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for base security and law enforcement, primarily associated with the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing. Activated during the Vietnam War era, the squadron was stationed at Phan Rang Air Base in South Vietnam, where it played a vital role in protecting personnel and assets from enemy attacks, including rocket and ground assaults. The 35th SPS was recognized for its professionalism and bravery, especially during intense combat situations such as the Tet Offensive. After the Vietnam conflict, the unit's lineage continued through various reassignments and re-designations as part of ongoing Air Force security operations.

The 363rd Civil Engineer Squadron (CES), also known as the 363rd Civil Engineer Readiness Squadron (CRS), traces its origins to the support of United States Air Force operations during the Cold War. Originally activated to provide rapid engineering, readiness, and emergency management support, the unit became known for its expertise in airfield repair, disaster response, and base sustainment. The 363rd CRS played vital roles in supporting deployments and contingency operations in Southwest Asia, particularly during Operations Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. Throughout its history, the squadron has earned multiple accolades for excellence in readiness and its commitment to supporting USAF missions worldwide.

The **3646th Pilot Training Wing (Advanced Twin-Engine)** was activated by the United States Air Force on 1 April 1948 at Bryan Air Force Base, Texas, under the Air Training Command (ATC). Its primary mission was to provide advanced pilot training, particularly in twin-engine aircraft, for newly commissioned Air Force officers. The wing played a significant role in preparing pilots during the early Cold War period, adapting its curriculum to evolving Air Force requirements. The unit was inactivated on 1 November 1951, as part of a broader reorganization of Air Training Command units and pilot training programs.

The 3709th Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS) was a unit of the United States Air Force located at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Established in the mid-20th century, the 3709 BMTS was responsible for the initial entry training of thousands of Air Force recruits, shaping civilians into airmen through rigorous physical conditioning, drill instruction, and basic military education. The squadron played a vital role during periods of major conflict, including the Vietnam War and the Cold War, adapting its curriculum to meet the evolving needs of the Air Force. The 3709 BMTS was eventually inactivated as part of a broader reorganization and consolidation of basic training squadrons at Lackland AFB.

The **3770th Air Training Command (ATC)** was a unit of the United States Air Force primarily tasked with pilot and aircrew training during the Cold War era. Activated in the early 1950s, the unit operated out of several bases, most notably at Amarillo Air Force Base, Texas. The 3770th ATC played a crucial role in preparing airmen for assignments in various USAF aircraft, supporting the rapid expansion and modernization of the Air Force during a period of heightened global tension. The unit continued its training mission until the realignment and eventual closure of Amarillo AFB, leading to its inactivation in the late 1960s.

The 380th Security Police Squadron (380th SPS) was an Air Force unit tasked with providing law enforcement and security services for the 380th Bomb Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York, where it protected strategic bomber and missile assets. The 380th SPS played a vital role in safeguarding personnel, resources, and nuclear weapons during heightened periods of tension. Following the closure of Plattsburgh AFB in 1995, the squadron was inactivated, marking the end of its distinguished service.

The 381st Supply Squadron was first activated during World War II as part of the United States Army Air Forces, supporting bomber operations in the European Theater. Tasked with managing and distributing critical supplies, the unit played a vital role in maintaining the operational readiness of front-line aircrews and aircraft. After the war, the 381st continued its mission during the Cold War, adapting to evolving logistics demands in support of the U.S. Air Force’s global commitments. Over the decades, the 381st Supply Squadron earned commendations for its efficiency and reliability before eventually being reorganized or inactivated as part of broader logistical restructuring.

The 3rd Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron (3rd TEWTS) was established during the height of the Cold War to enhance the United States Air Force's (USAF) electronic warfare capabilities. Initially activated in the late 1960s, the squadron specialized in providing advanced electronic countermeasures and simulated enemy electronic threats during aircrew training exercises. Throughout its service, the 3rd TEWTS played a critical role in preparing USAF and allied units for electronic warfare scenarios, particularly during Red Flag and other large-scale training operations. The unit’s expertise contributed significantly to the USAF’s ability to operate effectively in contested electromagnetic environments, ensuring readiness for modern combat operations.