U.S. Air Force

The 401st Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS) was a key maintenance unit within the United States Air Force, primarily associated with the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing. Activated during the Cold War, the 401st AGS played a vital role in ensuring the readiness and operational effectiveness of fighter aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Stationed at Torrejon Air Base, Spain, the squadron provided direct maintenance and support for tactical air operations throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. The 401st AGS was inactivated in the 1990s following the post-Cold War realignment and drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe.

The 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARRS) was a distinguished United States Air Force unit active during the Vietnam War. Stationed at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base and later at Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand, the 40th ARRS conducted combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions across Southeast Asia from the mid-1960s into the 1970s. Flying primarily HH-53 "Super Jolly Green Giant" helicopters, the squadron rescued downed airmen behind enemy lines, often under heavy fire. Their courageous efforts earned the unit several commendations and helped save hundreds of lives during some of the war’s most perilous operations.

The 416th Security Police Squadron (416 SPS) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing law enforcement, security, and force protection at Griffiss Air Force Base in New York during the Cold War era. Activated as part of the 416th Bombardment Wing in the early 1960s, the squadron's primary mission was to safeguard nuclear weapons, aircraft, and other critical assets on the base. The 416 SPS played a vital role in maintaining base security and readiness through regular training, patrols, and emergency response operations. The unit was inactivated in 1995 following the closure of Griffiss AFB under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.

The 417th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) was originally activated during World War II in 1943 as part of the 412th Fighter Group, flying P-38 Lightnings. The unit saw action in the European Theater, providing bomber escort and ground attack missions. Reactivated during the Cold War, the 417th TFS operated out of RAF Woodbridge, England, and later Hahn Air Base, Germany, flying F-100 Super Sabres and F-4 Phantom IIs. The squadron played a key role in NATO air defense until it was inactivated in 1991 following the end of the Cold War.

The **421st Tactical Fighter Squadron (421st TFSq)** was a United States Air Force unit that operated out of Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. Reactivated and deployed to Southeast Asia, the squadron flew the F-4 Phantom II, providing crucial air support, interdiction, and combat air patrol missions from 1972. The 421st TFSq participated in major operations such as Linebacker and Linebacker II, contributing significantly to air superiority and ground attack efforts. The unit distinguished itself through its effectiveness and adaptability in combat operations until its redeployment following the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam.

The 42nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (42nd TRS) was a United States Air Force unit with a distinguished history in aerial reconnaissance. Activated during World War II, the squadron provided vital photographic intelligence in support of Allied operations in the European Theater, flying aircraft such as the P-38 Lightning and later the F-5 variant. After the war, the 42nd TRS was reactivated and served in various capacities during the early Cold War period, transitioning to jet-powered reconnaissance aircraft. The squadron was inactivated in the late 20th century, leaving a legacy of excellence in tactical reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.

The 433rd Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (TFTS) was a unit of the United States Air Force that played a significant role in training fighter pilots during the Cold War era. Originally activated during World War II, the squadron was later reactivated and assigned to the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Throughout its active years, the 433rd TFTS was primarily responsible for training pilots on the F-111 Aardvark, a versatile tactical fighter-bomber. The squadron contributed to enhancing the combat readiness of USAF aircrews until its inactivation in 1980.

The 438th Air Base Group (438 ABG), part of the United States Air Force, has served as a key support unit under the larger 438th Air Expeditionary Wing. Originally established to provide base operations, logistics, and administrative support, the group has enabled the execution of diverse air missions. During the early 21st century, the 438 ABG notably contributed to operations in Afghanistan, supporting NATO and Afghan Air Force development at Kabul Air Base. Their efforts have been crucial in sustaining coalition air operations and fostering the growth of local air capabilities in a challenging operational environment.

The 43rd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (43rd OMS) was a support unit of the United States Air Force, primarily active during the Cold War era. Assigned to the 43rd Bombardment Wing at Carswell Air Force Base in Texas, the squadron was responsible for the organizational-level maintenance of the wing’s aircraft, including the B-58 Hustler supersonic bomber. The 43rd OMS ensured aircraft were fully mission-capable through routine inspections, repairs, and servicing, directly supporting the wing’s strategic bombing and deterrence missions. The unit played a critical role in maintaining the operational readiness of the Air Force’s first supersonic bomber wing until the B-58’s retirement and subsequent inactivation of the wing in 1970.

The 4500th CAM (Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance) Squadron (Tactical Air Command) was activated at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, during the height of the Cold War. Tasked with providing comprehensive aircraft maintenance support, the squadron played a vital role in ensuring the operational readiness of TAC’s fighter and reconnaissance aircraft stationed at Langley. Throughout its service, the 4500th CAM Squadron supported various tactical air operations, training missions, and rapid deployments. The unit was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader Air Force organizational changes in the 1970s, reflecting evolving mission requirements and force structure realignments.

The 4600th Air Base Wing was an administrative and support unit of the United States Air Force, activated in 1950 at Ent Air Force Base, Colorado. Its primary mission was to provide base operating support, security, and logistical services for units assigned to Ent AFB, including major commands such as the Air Defense Command and later, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The wing played a critical role during the Cold War, supporting command and control operations vital to continental air defense. The 4600th Air Base Wing was inactivated in 1976 following the closure of Ent AFB and the relocation of its supported missions.

The 4780th Air Defense Wing was an important unit of the United States Air Force, activated on 1 July 1962 at Perrin Air Force Base, Texas. Its primary mission was to provide interceptor pilot training for the Air Defense Command, employing aircraft such as the F-102 Delta Dagger and F-106 Delta Dart. The wing played a vital role during the Cold War, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled pilots trained to defend North American airspace against potential threats. The 4780th Air Defense Wing was inactivated on 30 June 1971, coinciding with the closure of Perrin AFB.

The **485th Tactical Missile Wing** was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War to operate ground-launched cruise missiles (GLCMs) in Europe. Established in 1984 at Florennes Air Base, Belgium, the wing was equipped with BGM-109G Gryphon missiles, providing a critical component of NATO’s deterrent posture against Warsaw Pact forces. Its mission was to maintain, secure, and, if necessary, deploy nuclear-capable missiles in response to escalating tensions. The wing was inactivated in 1989 following the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which mandated the elimination of such missile systems from Europe.

The 49th Security Police Squadron (TAC) was a key unit assigned to the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, primarily stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron was responsible for providing comprehensive base defense, law enforcement, and security for both personnel and high-value tactical aircraft assets. Members of the 49th Security Police Squadron played a crucial role in maintaining readiness and safeguarding the installation during periods of heightened alert and during numerous tactical exercises. Their commitment and professionalism contributed significantly to the United States Air Force's mission effectiveness within Tactical Air Command (TAC).

The 4th Signal Group was a British Army communications formation established in 1969 as part of the Royal Corps of Signals. It was primarily responsible for providing strategic communications support to the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) in West Germany during the Cold War. The Group managed several signal regiments and units, ensuring secure and reliable communications across NATO command structures. The 4th Signal Group was disbanded in 1992 following the end of the Cold War and subsequent restructuring of British Forces in Germany.

The 5071st Air Base Squadron was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Alaskan Air Command during the early years of the Cold War. Activated in the 1950s, the squadron was responsible for providing base support services at Shemya Air Force Station, located on Shemya Island in the Aleutian chain. Its mission included logistics, security, and operational support for various radar and reconnaissance missions critical to the defense of North America. The 5071st played a key role in maintaining U.S. early warning capabilities in the North Pacific until the station’s operations were reorganized under different commands.

The 509th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (509th MMS) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 509th Bombardment Wing at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire. Established during the Cold War, the squadron was responsible for the storage, maintenance, and readiness of nuclear and conventional munitions for the wing's strategic bomber fleet. The 509th MMS played a key role in supporting the wing’s mission, ensuring that munitions were safely managed and readily available for B-52 Stratofortress operations. The squadron was inactivated as part of realignments following the end of the Cold War and changes in U.S. nuclear strategy.

**521 Signal Company, 11 Signal Group** is a British Army unit with a distinguished history in military communications. Formed as part of 11 Signal Group, the company has provided vital communications support for command and control across various operational environments. Over the years, 521 Signal Co. has deployed on numerous exercises and operations, both in the UK and overseas, ensuring robust and secure information systems for deployed forces. Their adaptability and technical expertise have made them a key component in maintaining battlefield communications and supporting the wider mission of the Royal Corps of Signals.

The 54th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (54th ARRS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with search and rescue operations. Activated in the early 1960s, the squadron was stationed at various locations, including Goose Air Base, Labrador, where it played a crucial role in providing rescue coverage for transatlantic flights and Cold War missions in the North Atlantic. The 54th ARRS operated a variety of aircraft, such as the HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant" helicopters, renowned for their reliability in harsh weather and remote conditions. The unit was inactivated in 1987, leaving a legacy of valor and dedication to saving lives in one of the most challenging environments in the world.

The 552nd Operations Maintenance Squadron (OM Sq), Air Defense Command (ADC), was an Air Force unit responsible for the maintenance and operational support of aircraft and radar systems critical to continental air defense. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a vital role in ensuring the readiness of airborne early warning and control assets, particularly those assigned to the 552nd Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing. The unit's personnel maintained the EC-121 Warning Star aircraft, which patrolled U.S. airspace to detect and track potential threats. The 552nd OM Sq contributed significantly to North American airspace security until advancements in technology and shifts in defense strategy led to its inactivation.

The 56th Security Police Squadron was an integral unit stationed at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB) during the Vietnam War. Activated to provide base security, the squadron protected U.S. Air Force personnel, aircraft, and vital assets from potential enemy attacks and sabotage. The 56th SPS conducted perimeter defense, patrols, and quick-reaction force operations, often under the threat of hostile action from North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao forces. Their vigilance and professionalism contributed significantly to the safety and success of air operations conducted from Nakhon Phanom throughout the conflict.

The 570th United States Army Artillery Group (USAAG), in conjunction with the 4th United States Air Force Artillery Detachment (USAFAD), was an American military unit stationed in West Germany during the Cold War. Tasked with the custody, maintenance, and potential release of nuclear warheads, the 570th USAAG supported NATO by working closely with allied artillery units, including the Belgian and German forces. The 4th USAFAD provided specialized personnel and technical oversight for the deployment and security of these nuclear assets. Both units played a crucial role in the deterrence strategy of NATO, ensuring rapid response capabilities in the event of a Warsaw Pact threat.

The 5th Mobile Communications Group was originally activated in 1966 at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, as part of the United States Air Force’s effort to provide rapid-deployable communications support during the Vietnam War era. The unit’s mission was to establish and maintain reliable communications for deployed Air Force elements worldwide, often supporting contingency operations and humanitarian missions. Over the years, the group has played a critical role in various operations, from Cold War readiness exercises to supporting missions in Southwest Asia and disaster relief efforts. Renowned for its technical expertise and agility, the 5th Mobile Communications Group has earned multiple awards, reflecting its vital contribution to global Air Force operations.

The 605th Air Commando Squadron was activated in 1967 as part of the United States Air Force's efforts during the Vietnam War. Assigned to the 56th Air Commando Wing, the squadron operated out of Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Equipped primarily with the Douglas A-1 Skyraider, the unit provided close air support, search and rescue escort, and interdiction missions over Laos and North Vietnam. The squadron was inactivated in December 1967 as part of a reorganization of Air Commando forces in Southeast Asia.