U.S. Air Force

The 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), commonly referred to as 1/20th SFG(A), is a unit of the Army National Guard with a distinguished history of special operations. Activated in 1961, 1/20th SFG(A) is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with subordinate elements across several southern states. The battalion has participated in a wide range of missions, including unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and foreign internal defense, with notable deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq during the Global War on Terror. Known for their adaptability and professionalism, the soldiers of 1/20th SFG(A) continue to support both national and international security objectives.

The United States Air Force Security Service (USAFSS) was established in October 1948 as a dedicated signals intelligence (SIGINT) and cryptologic organization within the U.S. Air Force. Its primary mission was to intercept, analyze, and exploit foreign communications and radar signals during the Cold War, supporting both national and tactical intelligence needs. USAFSS operated globally, with listening posts and airborne platforms providing valuable intelligence during key conflicts, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In 1979, the unit was redesignated as the Electronic Security Command, marking a new era in Air Force intelligence operations.

The 474th Tactical Fighter Wing was an active unit of the United States Air Force, primarily stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Originally activated in 1952, the wing participated in both training and operational missions during the Cold War, and later, the Vietnam War. The unit flew various aircraft over its history, including the F-100 Super Sabre, F-111 Aardvark, and F-4 Phantom II, playing a significant role in tactical fighter operations. The 474th was inactivated in 1989 as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

The 347th Tactical Fighter Wing was an active unit of the United States Air Force, first established during the Cold War era. Activated in 1971 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, the wing was equipped primarily with F-111 Aardvark aircraft, focusing on tactical fighter and strike missions. In 1972, the wing relocated to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, where it participated in combat operations during the Vietnam War, including Operation Linebacker. Following the end of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia, the 347th returned stateside and was eventually redesignated as the 347th Fighter Wing, shifting to a composite mission before its inactivation and later redesignation for new roles.

Sea Control Squadron 27 (VS-27), also known as the "Pelicans," was a U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare squadron established in 1948. Initially equipped with the Grumman AF Guardian and later transitioning to the S-2 Tracker, VS-27 operated primarily from aircraft carriers in the Atlantic Fleet. The squadron played a significant role in Cold War maritime patrols, focusing on detecting and tracking Soviet submarines. VS-27 was ultimately disestablished in 1973 as part of a broader reorganization of U.S. Navy sea control forces.

2nd Bomb Wing

108 members

The 2nd Bomb Wing (2 BW) was originally activated in 1947 as part of the newly independent United States Air Force, inheriting the lineage of distinguished World War II bomber units. Assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, the wing has operated a succession of strategic bombers, including the B-29 Superfortress, B-47 Stratojet, and currently the B-52H Stratofortress. Throughout the Cold War, the 2nd Bomb Wing played a crucial role in nuclear deterrence and global strike capability. In the post-Cold War era, it has supported numerous operations, such as Desert Storm, Allied Force, and enduring missions in the Global War on Terrorism, maintaining its reputation as a cornerstone of America’s strategic airpower.

The United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) traces its origins to World War II, when it was first activated as the Eighth Air Force in 1942 to direct bombing operations over Nazi-occupied Europe. Following the war, USAFE was established in 1945 to oversee American air operations across Europe, playing a pivotal role during the Berlin Airlift and throughout the Cold War as a deterrent against Soviet aggression. Over the decades, USAFE adapted to changing global threats, participating in NATO exercises, supporting operations in the Balkans, the Middle East, and Africa. Today, USAFE remains a vital component of U.S. and allied security in Europe, providing combat-ready airpower, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring rapid response capabilities across the region.

Clark Air Force Base, located on Luzon Island in the Philippines, was established as Fort Stotsenburg in 1903 and became a key U.S. military installation in the Pacific. During World War II, the base was a focal point of the initial Japanese attack following Pearl Harbor and was occupied by Japanese forces until its liberation in 1945. Throughout the Cold War and Vietnam War, Clark served as a major logistics, maintenance, and command center for U.S. Air Force operations in Southeast Asia. The base remained a vital hub for regional security until it was evacuated and handed over to the Philippine government following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991.

The Military Airlift Command (MAC) was established by the United States Air Force on January 1, 1966, as a successor to the Military Air Transport Service. Its primary mission was to provide global airlift capabilities, transporting troops, equipment, and supplies during peacetime and conflicts, including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. MAC operated iconic aircraft such as the C-141 Starlifter, C-5 Galaxy, and C-130 Hercules, playing a vital role in humanitarian and military operations worldwide. In 1992, MAC was inactivated and its responsibilities were assumed by the newly formed Air Mobility Command, reflecting an expanded mission that included both airlift and aerial refueling.

The 377th Security Police Squadron was activated during the Vietnam War as part of the United States Air Force’s 377th Air Base Wing, stationed at Tan Son Nhut Air Base near Saigon. Tasked with base defense, law enforcement, and security operations, the squadron played a critical role in protecting vital air assets and personnel against frequent enemy attacks, including the major Tet Offensive in 1968. Members of the 377th were noted for their bravery and professionalism under fire, often engaging in fierce ground combat to repel Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. Following the end of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, the squadron’s lineage and honors continued in various forms, with its legacy enduring in modern Air Force security and force protection units.

The 36th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was activated at Bitburg Air Base, Germany, in 1952 as part of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) during the early years of the Cold War. Tasked with NATO defense responsibilities, the wing operated a variety of fighter aircraft over the years, including the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, F-105 Thunderchief, and most notably the F-15 Eagle from the 1970s onward. The 36th TFW played a key role in maintaining air superiority and deterrence in Western Europe, participating in numerous training exercises and NATO operations. The wing remained at Bitburg until 1994, when it was inactivated following the end of the Cold War, and the base was returned to German control.

The 130th Tactical Air Command was established during the early stages of the Cold War to enhance the tactical air capabilities of the United States Air Force. Initially formed in response to growing global tensions, the unit specialized in coordinating close air support, air interdiction, and tactical reconnaissance missions. Throughout its active years, the 130th participated in numerous joint exercises and deployments, ensuring rapid air response and integration with ground forces. The unit’s legacy is marked by its adaptability and contributions to advancing tactical air doctrine before its eventual inactivation as part of post-Cold War restructuring.

The 305th Air Refueling Wing (305 ARW), stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, traces its origins to the 305th Bombardment Group, which distinguished itself flying B-17s in Europe during World War II. Reactivated in the Cold War era, the wing transitioned to air refueling missions, operating KC-135 Stratotankers and later KC-10 Extenders. The 305 ARW has played a critical role in supporting U.S. and allied air operations worldwide, providing aerial refueling for combat, humanitarian, and contingency missions. Today, the wing remains a vital component of Air Mobility Command, ensuring global reach and rapid mobility for the U.S. Air Force.

70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing

94 members

The 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing (70th ISRW) traces its origins to World War II, where it was first activated as the 70th Reconnaissance Group in 1941. Throughout the decades, it evolved through multiple redesignations and mission changes, reflecting the growing importance of signals intelligence and modern ISR operations. Reactivated and assigned to the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency in 2000, the wing is headquartered at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Today, the 70th ISRW serves as the "cryptologic wing" of the U.S. Air Force, providing vital signals intelligence to national decision-makers and combatant commanders worldwide.

The 1100th USAF Hospital was a United States Air Force medical unit assigned to Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. It provided comprehensive medical, dental, and emergency services to military personnel, their families, and authorized civilians in the National Capital Region. Established during the Cold War era, the hospital played a vital role in supporting the health and readiness of personnel assigned to key Air Force commands in the nation's capital. Over the years, the 1100th USAF Hospital adapted to evolving medical technologies and military needs until its eventual inactivation as part of broader Air Force medical restructuring.

The United States Air Force Security Forces trace their origins to World War II, when military police units were established to guard air bases and critical assets. Officially activated as Air Police in 1947 with the creation of the U.S. Air Force, they were later renamed Security Police in 1966, reflecting an expanded mission that included base defense and law enforcement. In 1997, the unit adopted the title Security Forces, merging law enforcement and ground combat functions to better protect personnel and resources globally. Today, Security Forces airmen are deployed worldwide, providing integrated security, force protection, and combat support for Air Force operations.

The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), also known as "The Green Berets," was activated in 1960, inheriting the lineage of earlier special operations units. Originally focused on operations in Latin America, the unit has played a pivotal role in counterinsurgency, counter-narcotics, and foreign internal defense throughout Central and South America. Over the decades, the 7th SFG(A) has also deployed to hotspots worldwide, including significant involvement in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Renowned for its expertise in unconventional warfare, the group remains a critical component of U.S. Army Special Forces, specializing in relationships and missions within the Western Hemisphere.

91st Missile Wing

91 members

The 91st Missile Wing, activated in 1963, is a United States Air Force unit responsible for operating and maintaining Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Stationed at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, the wing plays a critical role in the nation's nuclear deterrence mission as part of Air Force Global Strike Command. The unit traces its lineage to the 91st Bombardment Group, which distinguished itself during World War II flying B-17s in Europe. Throughout the Cold War and into the present, the 91st Missile Wing has upheld its commitment to strategic readiness and national security.

The 93rd Bomb Wing was originally established during World War II as part of the United States Army Air Forces, serving with distinction in the European Theater. Reactivated during the Cold War, it became a key component of the Strategic Air Command, operating B-52 Stratofortress bombers from Castle Air Force Base, California. Throughout the Cold War, the 93rd Bomb Wing maintained a state of constant readiness, participating in deterrence missions and various training exercises. The unit was inactivated in 1995 as part of post-Cold War restructuring, marking the end of an era for one of the Air Force’s most storied bomb wings.

5th Bomb Wing

89 members

The 5th Bomb Wing, activated in 1947, is a United States Air Force unit based at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Originally flying B-29 Superfortresses, the wing participated in numerous strategic bombing missions and played a vital role during the early years of the Cold War. Over the decades, the wing transitioned to operating B-52 Stratofortress bombers, enhancing America’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. Today, the 5th Bomb Wing remains a key component of the nation’s strategic bomber force, maintaining readiness for global strike missions.

The **100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing** was a unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated as the 100th Bombardment Group during World War II, where it earned distinction flying B-17 Flying Fortress missions over Europe. Reactivated during the Cold War, the wing was redesignated the 100th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing in 1966 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Its primary mission was to conduct high-altitude reconnaissance using Lockheed U-2 and drone aircraft to gather intelligence on adversaries, particularly during the tense periods of the Cold War. The unit was inactivated in 1976, but its legacy continues through its contributions to U.S. strategic intelligence capabilities.

The 12th Tactical Fighter Wing was an active United States Air Force unit, first established in 1962. It played a significant combat role during the Vietnam War, operating primarily from Cam Ranh Bay Air Base in South Vietnam from 1965 to 1971. The wing flew F-4 Phantom II aircraft, conducting air interdiction, close air support, and strike missions against enemy targets. After its Vietnam service, the wing was inactivated in 1971, with its lineage later consolidated into training and support roles within the Air Force.

The White House Communications Agency (WHCA) was established in 1942 as the White House Signal Detachment to provide secure and reliable communications for the President of the United States and the White House staff. Initially formed by the U.S. Army Signal Corps, the unit played a crucial role during World War II, ensuring the President could communicate globally. In 1962, it was reorganized and renamed the White House Communications Agency, expanding its mission to include audiovisual support and advanced telecommunications. Today, WHCA continues to deliver state-of-the-art communications and information systems, supporting presidential operations at the White House, during travel, and at off-site events worldwide.

The **1961st Communications Group** was a United States Air Force unit established to provide communications and information systems support for military operations. Activated during the Cold War, it played a key role in maintaining secure and reliable communications for U.S. forces stationed in the Pacific region, particularly in Japan. The group was headquartered at Clark Air Base in the Philippines and later at South Ruislip Air Station in the United Kingdom, adapting to changing strategic needs. Throughout its service, the 1961st Communications Group contributed to operational effectiveness during critical periods, ensuring the flow of vital information for command and control. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader communications command restructuring.