U.S. Air Force

The 343rd Supply Squadron (343rd SUPS) was a logistics and supply support unit within the United States Air Force. Activated during the Cold War era, the 343rd SUPS played a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and sustainment of the 343rd Wing and its assigned aircraft, including support for operations in Alaska and the broader Pacific theater. The unit was responsible for managing, storing, and distributing critical parts, equipment, and materials necessary for base operations and mission success. Over time, as USAF logistics structures evolved, the 343rd SUPS was eventually inactivated or redesignated, with its legacy continuing through successor logistics and support organizations.

The 347th Medical Group (347th Med Gp), assigned under the 347th Dental Squadron (347 DS), has played a crucial role in providing comprehensive medical and dental support to military personnel. Established as part of the 347th Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, the unit has consistently ensured the health and readiness of Air Force members through both routine care and rapid response in emergencies. The 347th Med Gp has supported multiple deployments and humanitarian missions, demonstrating excellence in both stateside and overseas operations. Over the years, the unit has earned commendations for its commitment to quality care and its adaptability to the evolving needs of the Air Force community.

The 3535th Air Training Wing (later known as the 3535th Air Training Squadron/Group/Command) was established by the United States Air Force in 1949 at Greenville Air Force Base, Mississippi. Its primary mission was to conduct advanced multi-engine pilot training, supporting the growing needs of the USAF during the early Cold War period. Throughout its existence, the unit trained thousands of pilots on various aircraft types, significantly enhancing the Air Force’s operational readiness. The 3535th was inactivated in the late 1950s as part of broader reorganizations within Air Training Command, with its mission and resources being absorbed by other training units.

The 3535th Recruiting Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force tasked with the critical mission of recruiting qualified personnel to meet the needs of the service. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron played a vital role in bolstering Air Force ranks by implementing innovative outreach and enlistment programs. Based at various locations during its tenure, the 3535th collaborated closely with local communities and educational institutions to attract talented individuals. Over the years, the squadron contributed significantly to sustaining Air Force operational readiness before being inactivated or reorganized as part of broader service restructuring efforts.

The 354th Medical Squadron is a unit assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Established to provide comprehensive medical support, the squadron ensures the health and readiness of Air Force personnel stationed at the remote and strategically important installation. Throughout its history, the 354th Medical Squadron has played a pivotal role during training exercises and real-world operations, offering medical care, preventive services, and rapid response capabilities. The squadron continues to adapt to evolving challenges, supporting both peacetime and contingency missions in the Arctic region.

The 354th Supply Squadron was an integral logistics unit within the United States Air Force, originally activated during the early years of the Cold War. Tasked with providing essential supply and materiel support, the squadron ensured the operational readiness of the 354th Fighter Wing, particularly during deployments and exercises. Throughout its service, the 354th Supply Squadron supported missions at various bases, including notable assignments at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, South Carolina, and Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The unit played a vital role in sustaining combat and training operations until its eventual reorganization under broader logistics structures in the late 20th century.

The 35th Civil Engineering Squadron (CES), specifically its "Civil Engineering Readiness Squadron" (CRS) element, was an integral support unit stationed at George Air Force Base (AFB) in California. During its tenure at George AFB, the 35th CRS provided essential civil engineering and emergency readiness services, ensuring the base's infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and rapid response capabilities. The squadron supported a variety of flying missions, including those of tactical fighter wings assigned to George AFB during the Cold War and post-Vietnam era. The unit's commitment to operational readiness contributed significantly to the base's mission until George AFB's closure in 1992.

The 363rd Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS), specifically its 17th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU), played a crucial role in supporting United States Air Force operations during the late 20th century. Assigned to the 363rd Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, the 17th AMU was responsible for the maintenance and readiness of F-16 Fighting Falcons. The unit ensured aircraft were mission-ready during critical periods, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where the 363rd contributed significantly to coalition air campaigns. The 363rd AGS/17 AMU earned recognition for its excellence in aircraft maintenance and operational support before Air Force organizational restructuring led to its inactivation and reorganization in the late 1990s.

The **374th Aerial Port Squadron** is a key logistics unit within the United States Air Force, tracing its origins to the post-World War II era. Based at Yokota Air Base, Japan, the squadron has played a crucial role in supporting airlift operations across the Pacific, including pivotal missions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Throughout its history, the unit has specialized in rapid cargo movement, passenger processing, and airdrop operations, ensuring the timely delivery of critical supplies and personnel. Today, the 374th Aerial Port Squadron continues to bolster the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s mission, exemplifying excellence in global mobility and logistical support.

The 376th Air Mobility Squadron (376 AMS) traces its origins to the Cold War era, originally supporting strategic airlift and refueling operations in Central Asia. Activated at the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, the squadron played a crucial role in providing logistics, aerial refueling, and airlift support for U.S. and coalition forces engaged in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The 376 AMS ensured the rapid movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies throughout the region, significantly enhancing operational effectiveness. Following the closure of the Manas Transit Center in 2014, the squadron was inactivated, marking the end of a significant chapter in U.S. Air Force mobility operations in Central Asia.

The 3762nd Student Squadron (Air Training Command), based at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, was an Air Force unit primarily responsible for training airmen during the Cold War era. Activated in the mid-20th century, the squadron provided basic military and technical instruction for new recruits and personnel in various Air Force specialties. As part of Air Training Command, the 3762 StuSq played a vital role in preparing enlisted airmen for operational assignments throughout the United States Air Force. The unit contributed significantly to maintaining a highly skilled and ready force during periods of heightened military activity before its eventual inactivation or reorganization as training needs evolved.

The 381st Security Police Squadron was activated at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, in 1962, tasked with providing security and law enforcement for the base and its critical assets. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the squadron played a vital role in safeguarding the base’s Strategic Air Command missile facilities during the height of the Cold War. Its personnel were responsible for protecting both nuclear resources and Air Force personnel, maintaining constant vigilance against potential threats. The squadron was eventually inactivated in the late 1980s as part of a broader restructuring of the Air Force and the deactivation of missile operations at McConnell AFB.

The 384th Services Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated to provide morale, welfare, recreation, and essential support services to personnel and their families. It was assigned to the 384th Bomb Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, where it played a critical role in maintaining quality of life and operational readiness for airmen during the late 20th century. The squadron managed facilities such as dining halls, fitness centers, and lodging, ensuring the well-being of the base community. Following post-Cold War restructuring, the 384th Services Squadron was inactivated when the 384th Bomb Wing was realigned and eventually inactivated in the 1990s.

The 388th Supply Squadron was a logistics unit assigned to the United States Air Force, primarily supporting the 388th Fighter Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was responsible for supplying equipment, spare parts, and logistical support to ensure the operational readiness of assigned fighter aircraft. Stationed at various times at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, the 388th Supply Squadron played a critical role in sustaining air operations both at home and during overseas deployments. Over time, the unit underwent organizational changes as part of USAF logistics restructuring, eventually being redesignated or absorbed into broader maintenance and logistics groups.

The **3960th Supply Squadron** was a unit of the United States Air Force assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC). Activated in the early years of the Cold War, it was stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and played a crucial logistical role in supporting SAC's long-range bomber and tanker operations in the Pacific region. The squadron was responsible for the procurement, storage, and distribution of supplies essential for maintaining the readiness of SAC forces during periods of heightened tension and routine operations alike. The 3960th Supply Squadron was inactivated in the mid-1960s as part of a broader reorganization of SAC support units.

The 3rd Medical Group, stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base (now Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson), Alaska, has a distinguished history of providing medical support to U.S. Air Force personnel and their families in the Arctic region. Activated in 1948, the unit played a crucial role in supporting air operations during the Cold War, ensuring the readiness and health of aircrews and base personnel. Over the decades, the group has expanded its mission to include comprehensive healthcare, aeromedical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance in response to emergencies and natural disasters across the Pacific and Arctic. Today, the 3rd Medical Group continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, serving as a vital component of U.S. military readiness in the Far North.

The 3rd Security Police Squadron was an Air Force unit responsible for providing security and law enforcement at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Activated in the mid-20th century, the squadron played a key role in protecting critical assets and personnel during the Cold War and beyond. Members of the 3rd SPS conducted base defense operations, rapid response to emergencies, and participated in joint training exercises with other U.S. and allied forces. The squadron’s legacy includes a strong commitment to base security, force protection, and supporting Air Force missions in the Pacific theater.

The 3rd Weather Wing was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1952 to provide centralized weather support for Air Force and Army operations, primarily under the jurisdiction of the Tactical Air Command. Headquartered at various times at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, and later at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, the unit was responsible for delivering meteorological services, forecasts, and climatological data to support flight operations and mission planning. Throughout its existence, the 3rd Weather Wing played a crucial role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of air operations during the Cold War and beyond. The wing was inactivated in 1991 as part of post-Cold War reorganization and consolidation of weather services within the Air Force.

The 414th Medical Support Squadron was activated as a key component of the United States Air Force's medical service structure, providing essential support to base medical operations. Throughout its history, the squadron has played a critical role in logistics, administration, and resource management, ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of medical personnel and facilities. The 414th has supported both stateside and deployed missions, contributing to humanitarian and contingency operations worldwide. Its commitment to excellence has been recognized through various unit awards and commendations, reflecting its vital role in sustaining Air Force medical capabilities.

The 42nd Avionics Maintenance Squadron was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, primarily tasked with maintaining and repairing avionics systems for aircraft assigned to its parent wing. Activated during the height of the Cold War, the squadron supported the 42nd Bombardment Wing at Loring Air Force Base, Maine, ensuring the operational readiness of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. Its highly trained personnel specialized in the upkeep of navigation, communications, and electronic countermeasures equipment, playing a vital role in maintaining the wing’s nuclear deterrence mission. The squadron was inactivated in 1994 following the closure of Loring AFB as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

The 439th Maintenance Operations Squadron (MOS) was a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, assigned to the 439th Maintenance Group at Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts. Its primary mission was to provide maintenance operations support, ensuring the readiness and effectiveness of aircraft assigned to the 439th Airlift Wing, particularly the C-5 Galaxy fleet. The squadron managed maintenance planning, scheduling, training, and quality assurance programs to support air mobility and global reach missions. The 439th MOS was inactivated in the early 2010s as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, streamlining maintenance operations under consolidated structures.

The 449th Combat Sustainment Group (CSG) was a United States Air Force unit with a legacy dating back to World War II. Originally activated as the 449th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in 1943, it flew B-24 Liberators in strategic bombing missions over Europe. After the war, the group was inactivated and later re-designated several times, ultimately becoming the 449th Combat Sustainment Group in the 21st century. The unit’s mission focused on providing logistics, sustainment, and support to Air Force operations before its inactivation in 2010 as part of an Air Force logistics restructuring.

The 454th Aircraft Equipment Maintenance Squadron (AEMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily active during the Cold War era. It was assigned to the 454th Bombardment Wing at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. The squadron’s primary mission was to provide specialized maintenance and support for the wing’s fleet of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, ensuring their readiness for strategic operations. The unit was inactivated in the late 1960s as part of a broader reorganization and drawdown of Strategic Air Command forces.

The 461st Bombardment Wing was first activated in 1953 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, as part of the Strategic Air Command during the early years of the Cold War. Tasked with operating the Boeing B-29 Superfortress and later the B-47 Stratojet, the wing played a crucial role in America’s nuclear deterrent strategy. In 1956, the unit relocated to Blytheville Air Force Base, Arkansas, continuing its mission of maintaining combat readiness and conducting strategic bombing training. The wing was inactivated in 1963 as part of the Air Force’s transition to more modern aircraft and organizational restructuring.