U.S. Air Force

The 104th Air National Guard, officially known as the 104th Fighter Wing, traces its lineage to the 104th Observation Squadron established in 1947 at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts. Over the decades, the unit has transitioned through various aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, and A-10 Thunderbolt II, before receiving the F-15C Eagle in 2007. The 104th has supported both domestic and overseas operations, ranging from homeland defense under Operation Noble Eagle to combat deployments in the Middle East. Recognized for its excellence, the unit continues its mission of providing ready, reliable air superiority and support to both state and national objectives.

The 48th Fighter Wing, known as the "Liberty Wing," is a distinguished United States Air Force unit based at RAF Lakenheath, England. Originally activated in 1948, the wing has a storied legacy, having flown combat missions in major conflicts including the Korean War, Operation Desert Storm, and ongoing operations supporting NATO. Over the decades, the 48th has operated various fighter aircraft, most notably the F-111 and the F-15, and recently became the first USAF unit in Europe to operate the advanced F-35A Lightning II. The wing plays a vital role in ensuring air superiority, rapid response, and the defense of U.S. and allied interests across Europe.

The 6981st Security Group, part of the United States Air Force Security Service (USAFSS), was activated in 1951 at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, during the early years of the Cold War. Its primary mission was signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection and analysis, focusing on monitoring Soviet military communications and activities in the Arctic and North Pacific regions. The group played a crucial role in providing timely intelligence to U.S. commanders and national decision-makers, enhancing situational awareness and strategic response capabilities. The unit remained active until 1993, when it was inactivated as part of post-Cold War restructuring and realignment of U.S. Air Force intelligence assets.

Assault Craft Unit 1 (ACU-1) is a United States Navy unit established in 1949, originally tasked with operating and maintaining landing craft for amphibious operations. Headquartered at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, ACU-1 has played a crucial role in transporting Marines, equipment, and vehicles from ship to shore, utilizing various types of landing craft, notably the Landing Craft Utility (LCU). The unit has participated in numerous major exercises, humanitarian missions, and combat operations, including support for the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as more recent deployments in the Middle East. ACU-1 continues to be an essential component of the Navy's amphibious readiness, ensuring rapid and effective logistical support for expeditionary forces worldwide.

The United States Army Reserve (USAR) Control Group is an administrative entity within the U.S. Army Reserve, established to manage soldiers who are not assigned to traditional Reserve units but remain subject to recall. Originating during the post-World War II era, the USAR Control Group was designed to maintain accountability and readiness for Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) members, Standby Reserve, and Retired Reserve personnel. Over the decades, it has played a crucial role in augmenting active-duty forces during major conflicts, such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism. The USAR Control Group continues to be essential for mobilization planning, ensuring the Army can quickly access trained personnel when needed.

The 554th RED HORSE Squadron (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers) is a specialized civil engineering unit of the United States Air Force. Activated in 1966 during the Vietnam War, the squadron provided vital airfield construction and repair capabilities under combat conditions. Over the decades, the 554th has supported operations throughout Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia, and the Pacific, rapidly deploying to build and repair runways, facilities, and infrastructure for Air Force missions. Stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, the squadron continues to deliver agile, heavy construction support for U.S. and allied operations across the Indo-Pacific region.

The 6920th Electronic Security Group was a United States Air Force unit specializing in signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance. Activated in the early 1980s and stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan, the group played a crucial role in monitoring and analyzing electronic communications in the Pacific theater during the Cold War. Its mission supported U.S. and allied operations by providing valuable intelligence on regional military activities. The unit was eventually redesignated as part of the Air Force's broader restructuring of its intelligence and security forces.

Travis Air Force Base (AFB), located in Fairfield, California, was established in 1942 as Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base and was later renamed in honor of Brigadier General Robert F. Travis. Originally serving as a major hub for bomber training during World War II, the base shifted focus to become a critical airlift and logistics center during the Cold War and beyond. Home to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Pacific" due to its pivotal role in transporting personnel, cargo, and humanitarian aid across the globe. Throughout its history, units at Travis AFB have supported numerous military operations and disaster relief missions, ensuring rapid global mobility for the United States Air Force.

The **351st Strategic Missile Wing** was activated on 1 February 1963 at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, as part of the United States Air Force’s Strategic Air Command. Its primary mission was to operate and maintain LGM-30 Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), providing a key component of America's nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. At its peak, the wing controlled 150 missile silos spread across central Missouri. The 351st remained on alert until its deactivation in 1995, following the end of the Cold War and the implementation of arms reduction agreements.

The 516th Troop Carrier Group was an airlift unit of the United States Air Force, activated during World War II in 1944. Initially assigned to the I Troop Carrier Command, the group trained with C-47 Skytrains and was prepared for operations in the European Theater, but the war ended before it saw overseas combat. Reactivated during the Korean War, the group operated C-119 Flying Boxcars, providing vital airlift and resupply missions throughout the Korean Peninsula. The 516th was inactivated in 1953 as part of a broader reorganization of Air Force airlift units.

The **820th RED HORSE Squadron** (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers) is a specialized United States Air Force civil engineering unit, first activated in 1966. Initially established at Naha Air Base, Okinawa, the squadron provided critical construction and airfield repair support during the Vietnam War, operating across Southeast Asia. Over the decades, the 820th has deployed globally for both combat operations and humanitarian missions, showcasing its expertise in rapid runway repair, infrastructure development, and disaster response. Today, the unit continues its legacy from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, supporting Air Force and joint operations worldwide with agile engineering capabilities.

307th Bomb Wing

74 members

The 307th Bomb Wing was first activated in 1947 as part of the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command, with its origins tracing back to the distinguished 307th Bombardment Group of World War II. During the Korean War, the wing flew B-29 Superfortresses, conducting strategic bombing missions that earned it two Distinguished Unit Citations. In the Cold War era, the 307th transitioned to jet-powered B-47 Stratojets, maintaining nuclear deterrence through the 1950s and early 1960s before inactivation in 1965. Reactivated in 2011 at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, the wing now operates B-52H Stratofortresses, continuing its legacy in global strike and deterrence operations.

82nd Training Wing

74 members

The **82nd Training Wing**, based at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, traces its heritage to World War II as the 82nd Fighter Group, renowned for its combat operations in the Mediterranean Theater. Reactivated and redesignated over the years, the unit assumed its current training mission in 1948, focusing on technical and vocational education for Air Force personnel. Today, the 82nd Training Wing is the largest technical training wing in the U.S. Air Force, providing instruction in aircraft maintenance, civil engineering, and logistics. Its graduates support global Air Force missions, making the wing a crucial component in sustaining operational readiness and excellence.

89th Airlift Wing

74 members

The 89th Airlift Wing (89 AW), headquartered at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, was first activated in 1949 as the 89th Troop Carrier Wing in the Air Force Reserve. Throughout its history, the unit has undergone several redesignations, becoming the 89th Military Airlift Wing in 1966 and later the 89th Airlift Wing in 1991. The Wing’s primary mission is to provide global Special Air Mission airlift, logistics, and communications for the President, Vice President, senior government and military leaders, including operating the aircraft known as Air Force One. The 89th Airlift Wing is renowned for its role in supporting national and international diplomatic missions, earning a reputation for excellence in executive airlift operations.

The 320th Bomb Wing was established in 1947 as part of the United States Air Force’s Strategic Air Command. Initially activated at March Air Force Base, California, the wing operated bombers such as the B-29 Superfortress and later transitioned to the B-47 Stratojet. Throughout the Cold War, the unit played a crucial deterrent role, maintaining nuclear alert status and participating in numerous training and readiness exercises. The 320th Bomb Wing was inactivated in 1960, briefly reactivated in the 1960s and 1980s, and ultimately redesignated before its final inactivation, reflecting shifting Air Force strategies and organizational changes.

**1001 Field Maintenance Squadron (1001 Fld. Maint Sq)** was an essential support unit within the United States Air Force, primarily active during the Cold War era. The squadron was responsible for providing intermediate-level maintenance and repair services for aircraft and ground equipment, ensuring operational readiness for assigned flying units. Based at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, the 1001 Fld. Maint Sq supported the 1001st Air Base Wing and played a crucial logistical role in the headquarters' airlift and VIP transport missions. The unit's expertise contributed significantly to the reliability and effectiveness of aircraft assigned to the National Capital Region until its eventual inactivation during Air Force reorganizations in the late 1980s.

The 1956th Communications Group (COMM GP) was a United States Air Force unit established to provide robust communications support for military operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the unit was responsible for managing and maintaining critical communication networks, ensuring secure and reliable lines for command and control. Stationed at various strategic locations, the 1956th COMM GP played a vital role in supporting both peacetime and contingency operations. Throughout its service, the group contributed significantly to advancing military communications technology before its eventual inactivation or redesignation as part of force restructuring.

The 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), or 1st SFG(A), was activated on June 24, 1957 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as one of the original Special Forces units. It was later stationed in Okinawa, Japan, establishing its focus on operations in the Asia-Pacific region. Throughout the Vietnam War, the 1st SFG(A) conducted critical unconventional warfare, training indigenous forces and conducting direct action missions. After a brief deactivation in 1972, the unit was reactivated in 1984 at Fort Lewis, Washington, where it continues to play a vital role in U.S. Indo-Pacific Command missions, counterterrorism, and humanitarian operations worldwide.

The 380th Bomb Wing (380th BW) was originally activated during World War II as the 380th Bombardment Group, flying B-24 Liberators in the Southwest Pacific and earning two Distinguished Unit Citations for its combat achievements. Reactivated during the Cold War, the unit operated B-47 Stratojets at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York, as part of Strategic Air Command’s nuclear deterrence mission. The 380th BW was later stationed at Plattsburgh from 1963 to 1995, flying B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers. The wing was inactivated in 1995 following post-Cold War force reductions, but its lineage continues today as the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, providing air refueling, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in the Middle East.

86th Airlift Wing

70 members

The 86th Airlift Wing, currently based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, traces its origins to its activation as the 86th Fighter Wing in 1948. Throughout the Cold War, the unit played a vital role in NATO’s air defense, transitioning from fighters to airlift missions. Redesignated as the 86th Airlift Wing in 1994, it became the U.S. Air Force’s premier airlift unit in Europe, supporting missions ranging from humanitarian relief to combat operations. Today, the Wing provides rapid global mobility, aeromedical evacuation, and command support, remaining a critical component of U.S. and allied operations across Europe and Africa.

The Air Force Communications Command (AFCC) was established in 1961, evolving from earlier Air Force communications organizations to centralize and manage global communications and information systems for the United States Air Force. Headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, AFCC played a critical role in providing secure, reliable command, control, and communications (C3) support during the Cold War and beyond. The command oversaw the development, installation, and maintenance of communication networks, radar sites, and computer systems vital to Air Force operations worldwide. In 1991, AFCC was redesignated as the Air Force Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Agency (AFCCC), reflecting its expanding mission in the information age.

689th Combat Communications Wing

66 members

The 689th Combat Communications Wing was an active unit of the United States Air Force, primarily tasked with providing deployable communications, air traffic control, and information systems support for military operations worldwide. Established in 2009 at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, the wing consolidated the Air Force’s combat communications mission, overseeing several subordinate groups and squadrons. The 689th played a critical role in enabling command and control capabilities for expeditionary forces during numerous exercises and real-world contingencies. The wing was inactivated in 2013, with its mission and personnel redistributed to streamline Air Force communications operations.

The 7th Air Force, originally established as the Hawaiian Air Force in 1940, is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force. During World War II, it played a critical role in the Pacific Theater, including the defense of Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor and subsequent island-hopping campaigns. After the war, the unit was reactivated during the Korean War and has maintained a presence in the region ever since. Today, the 7th Air Force is headquartered at Osan Air Base, South Korea, where it serves as the air component command for U.S. Forces Korea and U.S. Seventh Fleet, providing airpower and deterrence on the Korean Peninsula.

The 1094th Air Police Squadron was an Air Force security unit activated during the Cold War era. Tasked with providing security and law enforcement operations for U.S. Air Force installations, the squadron played a critical role in safeguarding personnel, aircraft, and sensitive resources. Its members were trained in base defense, access control, and emergency response, frequently participating in joint exercises to enhance readiness. The squadron was eventually reorganized and its lineage continued under modern Security Forces units as the Air Force transitioned to new force protection strategies.