U.S. Air Force

The 47th Air Traffic Control Squadron (ATC) was established to provide tactical air traffic services in support of United States Air Force operations. Activated in the late 20th century, the unit specialized in rapid deployment and setup of air traffic control systems in diverse and challenging environments. The 47th ATC has participated in numerous national and international exercises, ensuring safe and efficient management of military aircraft movements. Throughout its history, the squadron has contributed significantly to mission success by enhancing airspace coordination and operational safety in both peacetime and contingency operations.

The 47th Tactical Airlift Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during World War II as the 47th Troop Carrier Squadron in 1942. The squadron participated in significant operations in the European Theater, including airborne assaults on Normandy and the Rhineland. After several periods of inactivation and reactivation, it was redesignated as the 47th Tactical Airlift Squadron during the Cold War, flying C-130 Hercules aircraft and supporting airlift operations worldwide. The squadron was finally inactivated in 1993, leaving a legacy of distinguished service in both combat and humanitarian missions.

The 483rd Security Police Squadron (SPS) was an Air Force unit primarily tasked with providing base security and law enforcement duties. Activated during the Vietnam War, the unit was stationed at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, South Vietnam, from the late 1960s until the early 1970s. The 483rd SPS played a crucial role in defending the base against enemy attacks, conducting perimeter patrols, and ensuring the safety of personnel and resources. After the U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam, the squadron was inactivated as part of the general drawdown of American forces in Southeast Asia.

The 483rd Transportation Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during the Cold War era to provide essential air transportation and logistical support. The squadron played a key role in managing the movement of personnel, cargo, and equipment, often operating in support of both peacetime and contingency missions. Throughout its active years, the 483rd was known for its efficiency and adaptability, contributing to operations across various theaters, including strategic deployments and humanitarian relief efforts. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force restructuring, but its legacy remains a testament to the importance of air mobility in modern military operations.

The 485th Engineering Installation Group (485 EIG) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for installing, maintaining, and upgrading communications and information systems infrastructure. Activated in the 1950s, the group played a vital role throughout the Cold War, supporting both stateside and overseas operations with specialized engineering and technical expertise. The 485 EIG was notable for its rapid deployment capability, enabling it to establish critical command and control networks in support of global Air Force missions. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of a broader reorganization of Air Force communications and engineering assets.

The 4th Tactical Air Command was a unit of the United States Army Air Forces, activated during World War II. Established in 1944, it was responsible for providing tactical air support and coordination for ground forces in the European Theater of Operations. The command oversaw fighter and bomber groups, directing close air support, interdiction, and reconnaissance missions to support Allied advances. After significant contributions to the success of Allied operations in Europe, the unit was inactivated in 1945 following the end of the war.

The **506th Test and Component Maintenance Squadron (TCMS)** was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron specialized in the maintenance and testing of avionics and electronic components for various aircraft stationed in the Pacific theater. The 506th TCMS provided crucial support to operational squadrons, ensuring the reliability and readiness of advanced systems for missions across the region. The squadron played a vital role in sustaining U.S. air power in the Pacific until it was eventually inactivated as part of broader organizational restructuring.

The 507th Fighter Group was activated on 20 October 1944 during World War II as part of the United States Army Air Forces. Initially stationed at Peterson Field, Colorado, the group trained with the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt before deploying to the Pacific Theater. The 507th participated in combat operations from Ie Shima Airfield, conducting long-range escort and ground attack missions against Japanese targets, including the Ryukyu Islands and Kyushu. After the end of hostilities, the group was inactivated on 26 May 1946, having contributed to the air campaign in the final stages of the war in the Pacific.

The 51st Munitions Squadron (51 MUNS) is a United States Air Force unit stationed at Osan Air Base, South Korea. Established to support the 51st Fighter Wing, the squadron is responsible for the storage, maintenance, and delivery of conventional and precision munitions critical to the wing’s combat readiness. Throughout its history, 51 MUNS has played a vital role in maintaining regional deterrence and supporting U.S. and allied air operations on the Korean Peninsula. The squadron continually adapts to evolving threats, ensuring munitions are safely managed and rapidly available for any contingency.

The 513th Avionics Maintenance Squadron was a United States Air Force unit stationed at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom, during the Cold War. The squadron was responsible for maintaining and repairing sophisticated avionics systems on KC-135 Stratotanker and RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft assigned to the base. Their expertise ensured mission readiness and supported both air refueling and intelligence-gathering operations for U.S. and NATO forces in Europe. The 513th played a critical role in sustaining operational capabilities during heightened tensions between NATO and Warsaw Pact nations.

The 514th Civil Engineering Squadron (Mobility Augmentation Company), or 514 CES (MAC), is a unit within the 514th Air Mobility Wing, United States Air Force Reserve, based at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Established to provide essential civil engineering support, the squadron specializes in rapid runway repair, base construction, and disaster response, ensuring operational readiness for both peacetime and contingency missions. Over its history, 514 CES (MAC) has deployed personnel and resources in support of overseas operations, humanitarian missions, and domestic emergencies, showcasing versatility and technical expertise. The squadron’s contributions have been vital in maintaining airfield infrastructure and supporting the global mobility objectives of the U.S. Air Force.

The 539th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (539 FIS) was an active United States Air Force unit during the Cold War era. Originally constituted during World War II, it was later reactivated in the 1950s as part of the Air Defense Command, tasked with defending the northeastern United States against potential Soviet bomber attacks. The squadron operated advanced jet interceptors such as the Northrop F-89 Scorpion and later the Convair F-106 Delta Dart, reflecting the rapid technological advancements of the period. The 539 FIS was inactivated in 1967 as the threat of manned bomber attacks declined and air defense priorities shifted.

The 544th Aerospace Reconnaissance and Technical Center (ARTC) was a key United States Air Force intelligence unit, activated during the Cold War to bolster America’s strategic reconnaissance capabilities. Originating from the lineage of the 544th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron, the Center was officially established in 1980 at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Its mission focused on the collection, analysis, and dissemination of photographic and electronic intelligence, supporting national defense and strategic planning. The 544th ARTC played a vital role in interpreting data from reconnaissance satellites and aircraft, contributing significantly to U.S. intelligence operations until its missions were reorganized under different commands in the post-Cold War era.

The 554th Supply Squadron was an integral logistics unit in the United States Air Force, originally activated in the mid-20th century. It provided essential supply support, managing materials, equipment, and distribution to sustain Air Force operations both stateside and overseas. Throughout its history, the squadron supported various missions, including during the Vietnam War, ensuring that vital resources reached frontline units. The 554th Supply Squadron was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force logistics restructuring, but its legacy of efficient support and dedication remains recognized in Air Force history.

The 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (56th AMS) is a unit of the United States Air Force currently assigned to the 56th Maintenance Group at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The squadron provides maintenance and support for the F-16 Fighting Falcon and, more recently, the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, ensuring the operational readiness of one of the Air Force's largest fighter wings. With a heritage tracing back to earlier organizational structures supporting advanced pilot training, the 56th AMS plays a crucial role in sustaining the combat capabilities of the 56th Fighter Wing. Through its dedicated personnel, the squadron upholds a tradition of excellence in aircraft maintenance, directly contributing to the effectiveness of U.S. and allied airpower.

The 585th Support Squadron was constituted during the Cold War era, primarily tasked with providing comprehensive logistical and operational support to U.S. Air Force missions. Activated in the late 20th century, the squadron played a vital role in maintaining base operations, supply chain management, and transportation services, ensuring mission readiness for assigned wings. Over the years, the 585th Support Sq supported both stateside and overseas deployments, adapting to evolving operational requirements and technological advancements. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force restructuring efforts, but its legacy remains in the sustained efficiency and effectiveness of the missions it once supported.

The 59th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (59 FIS) was an active unit of the United States Air Force, originally constituted during World War II. Activated in 1941, it participated in the defense of Alaska during the Aleutian Campaign, primarily flying P-40 Warhawks and later P-38 Lightnings. During the Cold War, the squadron was reactivated and stationed at Goose Air Base in Newfoundland, where it operated jet interceptors such as the F-89 Scorpion and F-101 Voodoo to defend North American airspace against potential Soviet threats. The 59 FIS was inactivated in 1967, marking the end of its distinguished service in air defense operations.

The 601st Supply Squadron was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Sembach Air Base, Germany, during the Cold War. Activated in support of NATO operations, the squadron was responsible for providing comprehensive supply and logistics services to various flying and support units at the base. Its mission included managing equipment, fuel, spare parts, and other critical materials to ensure operational readiness of USAFE forces in the region. The 601st Supply Squadron played a vital role in sustaining air operations and supporting U.S. commitments to European defense until its inactivation as part of post-Cold War drawdowns.

The 602nd Military Airlift Support Squadron (MASS) was a United States Air Force unit activated in the 1960s to provide vital airlift support and logistics operations. Stationed at various strategic locations, including Torrejon Air Base in Spain, the 602nd MASS was responsible for managing cargo, passenger services, and ground handling for Military Airlift Command aircraft transiting through Europe during the Cold War. The unit played a crucial role in supporting U.S. and NATO missions, ensuring rapid deployment and sustainment of forces. The 602nd MASS was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force restructuring and modernization efforts in the post-Cold War era.

The **633rd CSG/SAR** (Combat Support Group/Search and Rescue) traces its origins to the broader 633rd Air Base Wing lineage, which has supported U.S. Air Force operations since the Vietnam War era. The unit’s Search and Rescue (SAR) element has played a crucial role in providing rapid response and life-saving support across combat and peacetime missions, notably excelling in personnel recovery operations. Over the years, the 633rd CSG/SAR has participated in numerous joint and coalition exercises, enhancing interoperability and readiness. Stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, today the unit continues to deliver vital combat support and search and rescue capabilities in support of global U.S. military objectives.

The 63rd Airlift Squadron, originally activated during World War II in 1943, played a key role in air transport and tactical airlift missions. It participated in major operations such as D-Day and the airborne assaults across Europe, providing critical support with troop and cargo drops. After the war, the unit was reactivated and redesignated multiple times, supporting both peacetime and combat operations, including missions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Today, the 63rd Airlift Squadron continues to serve as part of the United States Air Force, specializing in global airlift and humanitarian missions.

The 63rd Avionics Maintenance Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily tasked with maintaining and servicing avionics systems on various Air Force aircraft. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of advanced electronic and navigation systems integral to mission success. Stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, the 63rd provided direct support to tactical and strategic air units, contributing significantly to the overall effectiveness of the Air Force's combat capabilities. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader organizational changes and technological advancements within the Air Force’s maintenance structure.

The 64th Field Maintenance Squadron (64th FMS) was an essential support unit within the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to maintain the operational readiness of aircraft and related equipment. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was stationed at bases such as Reese Air Force Base in Texas, where it provided maintenance and logistical support for training aircraft, including the T-37 Tweet and T-38 Talon. The 64th FMS played a crucial role in ensuring that pilot training operations ran smoothly by performing inspections, repairs, and overhauls. The squadron's efforts contributed significantly to the mission success of the host wing until its inactivation in the late 1990s following the closure of Reese AFB.

The 666th Radar Squadron (Air Defense Command), or 666th Rar Sq (ADC), was a United States Air Force radar unit activated during the Cold War era. Established in the early 1950s, the squadron was responsible for operating long-range radar sites as part of the nation's air defense network, primarily tasked with detecting and tracking potential enemy aircraft. The 666th played a crucial role in the Air Defense Command’s mission by providing early warning and coordinating with interceptor aircraft units. The squadron was inactivated in the late 1970s as advancements in technology and changes in strategic defense priorities led to a reorganization of the air defense system.