U.S. Air Force

The 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron was an active unit of the United States Air Force, originally constituted during World War II as the 531st Fighter Squadron in 1942. It participated in the Pacific Theater, providing air support and escort missions in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea campaigns. Reactivated during the Cold War, the squadron was stationed in the Philippines and later South Vietnam, flying aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre in combat operations during the Vietnam War. The 531st was inactivated in 1970 as part of post-war drawdowns and restructuring.

The 533rd Strategic Missile Squadron (SAC) was originally activated during World War II as a bombardment squadron, flying B-17 Flying Fortresses in the European Theater. After its inactivation post-war, the unit was reactivated in 1962 under the Strategic Air Command as a missile squadron at Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas. Equipped with Titan II intercontinental ballistic missiles, the 533rd played a critical role in the United States' nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. The squadron remained operational until it was inactivated in 1986 as part of the phase-out of the Titan II missile system.

The 600th Photo Squadron was an Air Force photographic and reconnaissance unit active during the Vietnam War. Activated in the early 1960s, the squadron provided critical combat photography, aerial reconnaissance, and documentation of Air Force operations across Southeast Asia. Its photographers captured images from both the air and ground, supporting intelligence analysis, mission planning, and historical record-keeping. The 600th Photo Squadron's work proved invaluable in documenting the realities of the conflict and supporting U.S. military objectives throughout the region.

The 601st Civil Engineer Squadron (601st CES) is a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, primarily associated with the 601st Air Operations Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Established to provide engineering, emergency management, and base sustainment capabilities, the squadron has played a crucial role in maintaining operational readiness and infrastructure resilience. Over the years, the 601st CES has been instrumental in supporting both stateside and deployed missions, ensuring facilities are mission-ready and rapidly responding to emergencies. Its skilled personnel contribute to the defense of North America by supporting air defense operations through expert civil engineering services.

The **601st Combat Support Group (601st CMBT SPT GP)** was a United States Air Force unit tasked with providing critical combat support functions in Europe during the Cold War. Activated in 1976 at Sembach Air Base, West Germany, the unit supported USAFE's dispersed tactical operations by delivering essential services such as security, logistics, engineering, and communications. The 601st played a vital role in maintaining operational readiness for NATO air forces throughout its tenure. The group was inactivated in 1995 following post-Cold War drawdowns and restructuring of U.S. forces in Europe.

The 606th Special Operations Squadron was an elite unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during the Vietnam War. Established in 1967, the squadron was based at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, and operated modified C-123 Provider aircraft for night-time interdiction missions under the call sign "Candlestick." Its primary mission was to conduct flare-dropping operations and provide illumination for ground troops and other aircraft during covert operations along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The squadron played a crucial role in disrupting enemy supply lines and supporting allied forces until it was inactivated in 1969.

The 607th Combat Communications Squadron (607 CBCS) is a United States Air Force unit that has played a critical role in providing tactical communications and information systems to support air operations in the Pacific theater. Activated in the early 1990s, the squadron is assigned to the 607th Air Support Group under Seventh Air Force and is based at Osan Air Base, South Korea. The 607 CBCS specializes in rapidly deploying and establishing secure communications infrastructure, enabling command and control in both peacetime and contingency operations. Over the years, the unit has participated in numerous joint and combined exercises, strengthening interoperability with allied forces and enhancing the readiness of U.S. forces stationed on the Korean Peninsula.

The 6214th Combat Support Group (CSG) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, the unit was activated in the early 1960s to provide vital base support services during the heightened tensions of the Cold War and the Vietnam War. The 6214th CSG was responsible for logistics, security, engineering, and other essential functions that sustained USAF operations in the Western Pacific. The group was inactivated in the mid-1970s as part of the Air Force's organizational restructuring in the region.

The 648th Radar Squadron was an Air Force unit stationed at Benton Air Force Station, near Benton, Pennsylvania. Activated in 1952 as part of the Air Defense Command, its primary mission was to operate long-range radar systems to detect and track potential airborne threats during the Cold War. The squadron played a vital role in the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) network, providing radar data for continental air defense. The unit continued its operations until it was inactivated in 1975, reflecting changes in air defense strategy and technology.

The 6497th CAMS (Component Repair Squadron) K2, stationed at Daegu Air Base (K-2) in South Korea, was a vital U.S. Air Force unit during the Korean War and subsequent decades. Tasked primarily with aircraft maintenance and component repair, the 6497th CAMS supported various fighter and transport squadrons operating in the region. Their efforts ensured a high operational readiness rate for USAF aircraft, directly contributing to air superiority over the Korean Peninsula. The unit played a crucial logistical and technical role in sustaining U.S. and allied air operations throughout its tenure at K2.

The 660th Radar Squadron was an integral part of the United States Air Force’s Aerospace Defense Command, first activated in 1949. Stationed primarily at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, and later at Barrington Air Station, Nova Scotia, the squadron was responsible for providing early warning and airspace surveillance during the Cold War. Its mission centered on operating and maintaining long-range radar systems to detect and track potential airborne threats approaching North America. The 660th Radar Squadron was inactivated in 1980 as advancements in technology and changes in defense strategies led to the reorganization of air defense assets.

The 664th Radar Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1949 as part of the Air Defense Command’s efforts during the early Cold War period. Initially stationed at Belleville Air Force Station, Illinois, the squadron was tasked with operating radar systems to detect and track potential enemy aircraft, providing vital information for continental air defense. Throughout its service, the 664th Radar Squadron contributed to the network of ground-based radar stations that protected North American airspace against possible Soviet bomber incursions. The unit was inactivated in 1968 as advances in technology and changes in strategic priorities led to the reorganization of air defense assets.

The 6960th Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit assigned to provide security and law enforcement at key USAF installations. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron played a pivotal role in safeguarding critical assets and personnel, particularly at the large communications and intelligence facilities under the Air Force Security Service. Its members conducted base defense, perimeter security, and specialized security operations to counter emerging threats. The 6960th contributed significantly to the overall mission readiness and security posture of the Air Force before being inactivated or redesignated as part of broader organizational changes in the late 20th century.

The 6993rd Security Squadron was a United States Air Force unit established during the Vietnam War era, with a presence at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas. Activated in 1966, the squadron specialized in airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) operations, particularly using EC-47 aircraft to intercept enemy communications in Southeast Asia. Personnel from the 6993rd provided critical real-time intelligence to U.S. and allied forces, significantly contributing to the effectiveness of air and ground operations during the conflict. The unit's legacy is marked by its pioneering role in electronic warfare and its vital contributions to Cold War-era intelligence efforts.

The 702nd Radar Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force responsible for the operation and maintenance of radar sites as part of the nation’s air defense network during the Cold War. Activated in 1953, the squadron was initially stationed at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, before relocating to Savannah Air Force Station. Its primary mission was to provide ground-controlled interception and early warning of potential air threats to the southeastern United States. The 702nd Radar Squadron was inactivated in 1979 as advancements in radar technology and defense strategies rendered many such units obsolete.

The 712th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) is a United States Air Force unit that provides tactical command and control of airpower assets for ground forces. Activated in 2009, the unit is stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and supports III Corps and its subordinate units. The 712th ASOS specializes in integrating close air support, air reconnaissance, and other air operations with Army maneuvers, ensuring effective coordination between air and land forces. Over the years, the squadron has deployed personnel in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, playing a crucial role in joint operations.

The 7261st Munitions Support Squadron (MUNSS) is a United States Air Force unit tasked with the storage, maintenance, and security of U.S. nuclear munitions at a NATO base in Turkey. Established during the Cold War, the 7261st MUNSS has played a critical role in supporting NATO’s nuclear sharing mission, ensuring that U.S. nuclear weapons are safely maintained and ready for deployment if required. Operating alongside host nation forces, the squadron is responsible for the operational readiness of special munitions and provides technical expertise and security oversight. Over the decades, the 7261st MUNSS has contributed significantly to the deterrence posture of NATO in the region.

The 754th Radar Squadron (Tactical Air Command) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for operating and maintaining radar sites as part of the nation’s air defense network during the Cold War. Activated in 1951, the squadron was initially assigned to the Air Defense Command and later transferred to the Tactical Air Command (TAC) as part of organizational realignments. The unit was stationed at Port Isabel Air Force Station, Texas, where it provided ground-controlled interception and surveillance capabilities to detect and track potential aerial threats entering U.S. airspace. The 754th Radar Squadron was inactivated in 1963 as advances in radar technology and shifts in defense strategies led to the consolidation and closure of many radar sites.

The 775th Radar Squadron was activated on 27 November 1950 as part of the United States Air Force Air Defense Command. Stationed at Cambria Air Force Station in California, its primary mission was to provide early warning and airspace surveillance during the Cold War by operating ground-based radar systems. The unit contributed to the continental air defense network, tracking potential enemy aircraft and coordinating with interceptor forces. The squadron was inactivated on 30 September 1980 as advances in technology and changes in national defense strategy led to the closure of many radar stations.

The 779th Radar Squadron was an Air Defense Command unit of the United States Air Force, activated in 1951 during the early years of the Cold War. Stationed at Opheim Air Force Station in Montana, the squadron was tasked with providing general surveillance radar coverage to detect and track potential aerial threats approaching North America. It played a crucial role in the continental air defense network, operating various radar systems as part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system in later years. The unit was inactivated in 1979 as advances in technology and changes in defense strategies led to the consolidation of radar sites.

The 780th Air Defense Group was an Air Defense Command unit of the United States Air Force, activated in 1953 during the early years of the Cold War. Headquartered at Fortuna Air Force Station, North Dakota, the group was responsible for the command and control of radar squadrons tasked with detecting and tracking potential Soviet bomber incursions into North American airspace. The unit played a vital role in continental air defense, integrating with the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system to provide real-time data to interceptor aircraft. The 780th Air Defense Group was inactivated in 1955 as part of a broader Air Defense Command reorganization, with its mission and assets reallocated to other units.

The 7th Aerial Port Squadron (7th APS) was activated in 1966 to provide rapid airlift and aerial port operations for the United States Air Force. Throughout the Vietnam War and into the Cold War era, the unit played a crucial role in managing cargo, passenger movements, and logistical support for various air mobility missions. The 7th APS was recognized for its ability to deploy quickly and operate efficiently in diverse environments, supporting humanitarian, contingency, and combat operations worldwide. Over the years, the unit has earned multiple commendations for its dedication and excellence in aerial port services.

The 7th Civil Engineer Squadron (7th CES) is a vital unit assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Established to provide comprehensive engineering support, the squadron is responsible for base infrastructure, emergency management, and rapid runway repair, ensuring operational readiness for B-1B Lancer missions. Over the years, 7th CES personnel have deployed worldwide in support of combat operations and humanitarian missions, exemplifying versatility and dedication. Their commitment to innovation and excellence has earned the squadron multiple Air Force awards for outstanding performance in both peacetime and contingency operations.

The 7th Special Operations Squadron (7th SOS) is a distinguished unit within the United States Air Force, currently assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom. Activated during World War II as the 7th Combat Cargo Squadron, it has undergone several redesignations and mission changes over the decades. The squadron is renowned for its specialized role in unconventional warfare, infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces, primarily operating aircraft such as the MC-130J Commando II. Throughout its history, the 7th SOS has participated in numerous operations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and continues to provide vital support to allied and coalition special operations missions worldwide.