U.S. Air Force

The 12th USAF Hospital at Cam Ranh Bay was a key United States Air Force medical facility during the Vietnam War. Established in the late 1960s, it provided comprehensive medical care to American service members stationed at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base and supported air operations in the region. The hospital was staffed by Air Force medical personnel and offered emergency treatment, surgery, and recovery services for combat and non-combat injuries. Its strategic location and advanced capabilities made it one of the most important medical facilities in Southeast Asia until the base’s closure and turnover to South Vietnamese forces in 1972.

The 144th Fighter Wing is a unit of the California Air National Guard, headquartered at the Fresno Air National Guard Base in Fresno, California. Established in 1948, the wing has a distinguished history supporting both state and federal missions, including air defense, homeland security, and overseas deployments. Over the decades, the 144th has operated several aircraft, transitioning from the F-86 Sabre to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and currently flying the advanced F-15C Eagle. The unit has played a critical role in protecting the airspace of the western United States and responding to emergencies such as natural disasters and national security events.

The 151st Communications Flight is a unit of the Utah Air National Guard, based at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base in Salt Lake City, Utah. Established to provide critical communications and information technology support, the 151st Communications Flight has played a vital role in enabling command and control operations for both state and federal missions. Over its history, the unit has supported a variety of deployments and exercises, ensuring secure and reliable communications for military operations at home and abroad. The 151st Communications Flight continues to adapt to evolving technological requirements, maintaining a high level of readiness and expertise in support of the Air National Guard’s mission.

The 157th Combat Support Squadron (157th Comb Sup Sq) is a unit of the New Hampshire Air National Guard (NHANG), stationed at Pease Air Force Base (now Pease Air National Guard Base) in Newington, New Hampshire. Established to provide essential support functions, the squadron has played a vital role in ensuring the operational effectiveness of the 157th Air Refueling Wing and its predecessor units. Over the years, the 157th Combat Support Squadron has contributed to both stateside and overseas missions, supporting Air Force operations during contingencies and national emergencies. Its personnel are trained to deliver a wide range of support services, including logistics, security, and base operations, upholding the readiness and mission capability of the New Hampshire Air Guard.

The 15th Regional Training School (15th RTS) is a military training institution within the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Established to provide specialized and basic military training, the unit primarily serves personnel assigned to the 15th Infantry Division and other allied units in its area of responsibility. Over the years, the 15th RTS has played a crucial role in enhancing the operational readiness and professionalism of soldiers through rigorous instruction and field exercises. The school continues to adapt its curriculum to meet contemporary security challenges and support the AFP’s mission of national defense and internal security operations.

The 1605th Military Airlift Support Squadron (MASS) was a United States Air Force unit active during the Cold War era. Stationed at Rhein-Main Air Base in West Germany, the squadron was primarily responsible for providing airlift support and logistical services to military and humanitarian missions throughout Europe and beyond. The 1605th MASS played a crucial role in the movement of personnel, cargo, and mail, ensuring the effective operation of U.S. and allied forces during tense periods of East-West confrontation. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of the broader restructuring and drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe in the late 20th century.

The 164th Aviation Group was constituted in the Army National Guard and has served as a key aviation command and control unit. Activated during the latter half of the 20th century, the group provided essential support for both state and federal missions, including disaster response, transport, and combat aviation operations. Throughout its history, the 164th Aviation Group has participated in numerous training exercises and mobilizations, enhancing the operational readiness of subordinate aviation battalions. Its legacy reflects a commitment to excellence and adaptability in support of Army and joint force objectives.

The 172nd Airlift Wing is a unit of the Mississippi Air National Guard, stationed at Allen C. Thompson Field Air National Guard Base in Jackson, Mississippi. Established in 1963, the wing originally flew air transport missions and has operated several aircraft types, including the C-119 Flying Boxcar, C-130 Hercules, and currently the C-17 Globemaster III. The 172nd has supported numerous airlift and aeromedical evacuation missions worldwide, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and humanitarian relief efforts. The unit is renowned for its rapid response capability and has received multiple awards for outstanding service and mission accomplishment.

The 1877th Communications Squadron (1877 Comm Sq) is a United States Air Force unit that has provided critical communications support since its establishment. Activated during the Cold War era, the unit was responsible for maintaining and operating essential communication links for command and control, both in garrison and deployed environments. Over the years, the 1877th has supported numerous operations and exercises, adapting to advances in technology and the evolving needs of the Air Force. Through its dedication to secure and reliable communications, the 1877th Communications Squadron has played a vital role in ensuring mission success for the United States Air Force.

The 18th Personnel Group, stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was a key human resources and personnel management unit within the XVIII Airborne Corps. Activated in the post-Vietnam era, the group provided comprehensive administrative and personnel support to deploying and garrisoned soldiers, including records management, casualty reporting, and postal services. The unit played vital roles in major operations such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, ensuring seamless personnel accountability and support. The 18th Personnel Group was inactivated in the mid-2000s as part of Army modularity and transformation initiatives, with its functions absorbed by other HR organizations.

The 18th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron was originally activated during World War II, serving as a key photographic reconnaissance unit for the United States Army Air Forces. Throughout its history, the squadron operated a range of aircraft, including the Lockheed F-5 Lightning and later the RF-4C Phantom II, to conduct aerial reconnaissance missions. The 18th played a critical role in gathering intelligence during both the European Theater in WWII and later Cold War operations. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of post-Cold War force reductions, but its legacy remains notable for its significant contributions to aerial intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities.

The 1913rd Security Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era to provide signals intelligence (SIGINT) and communications security in support of U.S. and allied operations. Stationed at various overseas locations, including Detachment 1 at RAF Chicksands in the United Kingdom, the squadron played a critical role in monitoring and analyzing Warsaw Pact communications. The 1913rd worked closely with the Air Force Security Service (USAFSS), contributing to the broader intelligence mission of the National Security Agency (NSA). The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of the post-Cold War restructuring and consolidation of Air Force intelligence units.

The 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron (1st ACCS) traces its origins to 1948, when it was first activated as part of the United States Air Force. The unit became renowned for its pivotal role in airborne command and control, particularly during the Cold War, supporting strategic missions and providing critical communications links between national command authorities and nuclear forces. Throughout its history, the 1st ACCS has operated various aircraft, most notably the EC-135 and E-4B, serving as an airborne command post for the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC). Today, the squadron continues to be a vital component of U.S. strategic command and control capabilities, ensuring operational readiness in crisis situations.

The 1st Air Command Wing was activated in 1950 as part of the United States Air Force, with a primary mission of providing tactical air command and control. Initially stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, the wing played a pivotal role during the early years of the Cold War, coordinating air operations and supporting ground forces. Throughout its service, the 1st Air Command Wing participated in numerous exercises and deployments, enhancing the USAF’s rapid response capabilities. In the late 1960s, the wing was inactivated as part of a broader reorganization of Air Force command structures.

The 1st Medical Brigade, originally constituted as the 1st Medical Group in 1921, has a distinguished history of providing medical support to U.S. Army operations. Activated for service during World War II, the unit supported the European Theater, earning campaign participation credit and multiple commendations. Reorganized as the 1st Medical Brigade in 1945, it has since supported numerous conflicts and operations, including the Korean War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Stationed at Fort Cavazos, Texas, the brigade continues to deliver vital medical command and support for Army missions worldwide.

The 2054th Communications Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era to provide critical communications support for strategic operations. Stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, the squadron played an essential role in maintaining secure and reliable communication links for the Strategic Air Command. Throughout its service, the 2054th supported various command and control missions, ensuring effective coordination between headquarters and deployed units. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force communications restructuring in the late 20th century.

The 2063d Communications Squadron (2063 Com Sq) was a unit of the United States Air Force under the Air Force Communications Service (AFCS). Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was tasked with providing essential communications support to Air Force operations, ensuring reliable command, control, and information flow. The unit played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of Air Force communications networks, supporting both stateside and overseas missions. Over the years, as technology and organizational structures evolved, the squadron was eventually inactivated or redesignated, with its legacy carried on by successor communications units.

The 2137 Communication Squadron was established in the early 1960s as part of a broader modernization effort within the national armed forces. Tasked with providing secure and reliable communications support, the squadron played a critical role during key military exercises and national emergency responses throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century. Over the decades, the unit adapted to technological advances, transitioning from analog radio systems to cutting-edge digital and satellite communications. Today, the 2137 Communication Squadron remains a vital asset, ensuring real-time connectivity for command and control across multiple operational theaters.

**22nd OMS (Organizational Maintenance Squadron) Military History:** The 22nd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (22 OMS) was activated as part of the 22nd Bombardment Wing at March Air Force Base, California, during the Cold War era. Tasked with maintaining B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers, the squadron played a critical role in ensuring aircraft readiness for Strategic Air Command (SAC) alert missions and deployments. Throughout its service, the 22 OMS supported key operations, including airborne alert missions and deployments to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. The squadron was eventually inactivated as the Air Force reorganized its maintenance structure, but its legacy endures through the continued excellence of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing.

The 22nd Strategic Hospital was a United States Air Force medical unit assigned to March Air Force Base, California. Activated during the Cold War era, the hospital provided comprehensive medical support to personnel of the Strategic Air Command units stationed at the base. Throughout its operational years, the 22nd Strategic Hospital played a vital role in maintaining the health and readiness of aircrews and support staff, particularly during periods of heightened alert. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of post-Cold War restructuring and changes to the U.S. Air Force's strategic mission at March AFB.

The 26th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (26th AEMS) was an integral unit within the United States Air Force, primarily tasked with the maintenance and support of assigned aircraft to ensure mission readiness. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron supported various bombers and reconnaissance aircraft, most notably while stationed at bases such as Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The 26th AEMS played a crucial role in sustaining the operational capabilities of Strategic Air Command units through rigorous maintenance, inspections, and rapid response repairs. Following shifts in Air Force structure and the end of the Cold War, the squadron was eventually inactivated as part of broader organizational realignments.

The 27th Fighter-Escort Group was an aviation unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated as the 27th Bombardment Group in 1940. During World War II, it saw extensive combat in the Pacific Theater, including the Philippines and Australia. After the war, the unit was redesignated as the 27th Fighter Group and later as the 27th Fighter-Escort Group, becoming one of the first to operate the F-84 Thunderjet. In the early 1950s, the group provided crucial long-range escort missions for Strategic Air Command bombers, enhancing the United States' global strike capabilities during the early Cold War era.

The 27th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (27th OMS) was a key support unit within the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was responsible for the organizational-level maintenance of tactical fighter aircraft, ensuring their readiness for worldwide deployment. Throughout its service, the 27th OMS played a critical role in maintaining the operational effectiveness of various aircraft, including the F-100 Super Sabre, F-111 Aardvark, and later the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The unit was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader Air Force restructuring and the consolidation of maintenance functions in the 1990s.

The 27th Supply Squadron was constituted and activated in 1947 as part of the newly established United States Air Force, assigned to the 27th Fighter Wing at Kearney Army Airfield, Nebraska. Its primary mission was to provide logistical and supply support, ensuring the operational readiness of the Wing’s aircraft and personnel. The squadron played a critical role during the early years of the Cold War, supporting deployments and exercises both in the United States and overseas. Over the decades, the 27th Supply Squadron adapted to evolving logistics technologies and procedures, continuing its legacy of excellence in support of Air Force operations before eventually being redesignated under Air Force logistics restructuring initiatives.