U.S. Air Force

The 8th Air Force, a key component of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), played a significant role at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam during the Cold War and Vietnam War eras. Activated at Andersen in 1970, the unit served as a command center for SAC’s bomber and tanker forces deployed to the Pacific, supporting operations such as Arc Light and Linebacker during the Vietnam War. The 8th Air Force orchestrated massive B-52 Stratofortress bombing campaigns from Guam, projecting American airpower across Southeast Asia. After the end of major hostilities, the unit continued to provide strategic deterrence in the Pacific before transitioning to other responsibilities as part of the evolving U.S. Air Force structure.

The 8th Civil Engineering Squadron (8th CES) is a key support unit of the United States Air Force, stationed at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. Since its activation, the squadron has played a crucial role in maintaining, repairing, and improving base infrastructure to ensure mission readiness for the 8th Fighter Wing, also known as the "Wolf Pack." Throughout its history, the 8th CES has been instrumental in rapid airfield damage repair, emergency response, and facilities management, particularly during heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The squadron's dedication and expertise have earned it several awards, underscoring its vital contribution to U.S. Air Force operations in the Pacific region.

The 902nd Military Intelligence Group, established in 1944 during World War II, has a storied history in counterintelligence operations. Initially formed to provide security and intelligence support in the European Theater, the unit played a vital role in detecting and neutralizing espionage threats. Over the decades, the 902nd evolved to address emerging security challenges, including Cold War counterintelligence and insider threats. Today, it operates under the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), focusing on protecting Army interests against foreign intelligence and terrorist threats.

The 911th Air Refueling Squadron is a unit of the United States Air Force with a distinguished history in aerial refueling operations. Originally constituted as the 911th Air Refueling Squadron, Heavy, it was activated on 1 October 1958 at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, as part of Strategic Air Command, operating KC-135 Stratotankers. The squadron played a crucial role in supporting bomber and reconnaissance aircraft during the Cold War and participated in various operations, including refueling missions during the Vietnam War. The unit has been inactivated and reactivated several times, most recently reactivated at Seymour Johnson AFB in 2016, where it continues to provide vital aerial refueling support for global Air Force missions.

The 923rd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was a United States Air Force radar unit activated in the early 1950s during the Cold War. Tasked with providing air defense for North America, the squadron operated long-range radar systems to detect and track potential airborne threats, particularly Soviet bombers. Initially stationed at Grenier Air Force Base, New Hampshire, the unit later moved to Hopedale Air Station, Labrador, Canada, as part of the Pinetree Line, a network of early warning sites. The 923rd AC&W Squadron played a crucial role in continental air defense until it was inactivated in 1968 due to advances in radar technology and shifting defense strategies.

The 927th Component Maintenance Squadron (CAM Squadron) is a support unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, historically associated with the 927th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Established to provide specialized maintenance for aircraft components, the 927th CAM Squadron has played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of the wing’s KC-135 Stratotanker fleet. Over the years, the squadron has supported numerous air mobility and aerial refueling missions, both at home and abroad, contributing to global Air Force operations. Its highly trained personnel are responsible for maintaining avionics, propulsion, and other critical systems, underscoring the unit’s essential function within the Air Force Reserve Command.

The 93d Supply Squadron (93d Supply Sq) was a logistics unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated as part of the 93d Bombardment Wing at Castle Air Force Base, California. Established during the early years of the Cold War, the squadron played a critical role in supporting the Strategic Air Command’s B-52 Stratofortress operations by providing essential materiel, fuel, and equipment. Throughout its service, the 93d Supply Sq ensured the operational readiness of aircraft and ground support units, contributing to the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force restructuring in the post-Cold War era.

The 93rd Aerial Port Squadron (93rd APS) is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, headquartered at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. Established in 1970, the squadron specializes in air transportation operations, including cargo and personnel movement, air freight, and passenger service. Over its history, the 93rd APS has supported numerous operations and contingencies worldwide, including humanitarian missions and combat deployments. The unit plays a vital role in ensuring rapid global mobility and logistical support for Air Force missions.

The 93rd Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) was an integral support unit assigned to the 93rd Bombardment Wing at Castle Air Force Base, California. Activated during the height of the Cold War, the squadron provided critical engineering, construction, and base maintenance services to ensure the operational readiness of the wing’s B-52 Stratofortress bombers. The 93rd CES played a vital role in infrastructure development, emergency response, and rapid runway repair, directly supporting nuclear deterrence and strategic air operations. Following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent drawdown of forces, the squadron was inactivated in the 1990s alongside the closure of Castle AFB.

The 94th Fighter Interceptor Squadron traces its origins to World War I, being activated as the 94th Aero Squadron in 1917 and famously known as the "Hat in the Ring" squadron, with members such as Eddie Rickenbacker. During World War II, the unit was reactivated and flew P-38 Lightnings and P-47 Thunderbolts, providing air defense and escort missions. In the Cold War era, it transitioned to the role of air defense, operating jet interceptors such as the F-86 Sabre, F-102 Delta Dagger, and later the F-106 Delta Dart to protect North American airspace. The squadron was inactivated in 1969, having played a significant role in both world wars and continental air defense.

The 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron (AACS) is a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated in 1955. The squadron has operated a variety of airborne command and control platforms, most notably the E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft. Throughout its history, the 963rd AACS has played a pivotal role in providing surveillance, command, and battle management support during key operations, including Cold War air defense and more recent operations in the Middle East. Based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, the squadron continues to uphold its mission of delivering unmatched airborne command and control capabilities to U.S. and allied forces.

The 97th Civil Engineer Squadron (97 CES) is a unit assigned to the 97th Mission Support Group at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The squadron traces its lineage to the Air Force’s broader civil engineering mission, supporting base operations and infrastructure since the 1950s. Its primary responsibilities include construction, maintenance, emergency management, and environmental stewardship to enable the training and readiness of air mobility forces. Over the years, the 97th CES has played vital roles in disaster response, base recovery operations, and deployment support, earning recognition for its excellence in both peacetime and contingency operations.

The 97th Supply Squadron was originally constituted during World War II, supporting the logistical needs of the 97th Bombardment Group in the European Theater. After the war, the unit was inactivated but later reactivated during the Cold War as part of the Strategic Air Command at various stateside bases, including Biggs Air Force Base, Texas. Its mission focused on providing supply chain management, materiel support, and logistics readiness for bomber and refueling operations. Today, the 97th Supply Squadron operates as part of the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, continuing its legacy of supporting Air Force mobility and training missions.

The 99th Bomb Wing (Strategic Air Command) was activated in 1947 and became a prominent unit within the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command (SAC), operating out of Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts. The wing was responsible for strategic bombing missions and nuclear deterrence during the Cold War, flying aircraft such as the B-52 Stratofortress. The Security Police (SP) K9 section of the 99th Bomb Wing played a crucial role in base defense, employing military working dogs for patrol, detection, and security operations to safeguard nuclear assets and personnel. Throughout its history, the 99th Bomb Wing SAC SP K9 team earned recognition for its dedication to the mission and exemplary performance in safeguarding one of America's key strategic installations.

The 99th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was an integral part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), primarily stationed at Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts. Activated during the Cold War, the 99th FMS provided vital aircraft maintenance and logistical support for SAC’s strategic bomber and tanker fleet, including the B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker. The squadron’s expert maintenance personnel ensured high readiness rates, enabling the 99th Bombardment Wing to maintain constant nuclear deterrence alert status. Throughout its tenure, the 99th FMS played a crucial role in the reliability and effectiveness of America’s strategic air power until its inactivation following the end of the Cold War and subsequent realignment of SAC units.

The 9th Bomb Wing, established in 1948, is a United States Air Force unit currently assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command. Originally activated as the 9th Bombardment Wing, it played a critical role during the Cold War, operating strategic bombers such as the B-36 Peacemaker and later the B-52 Stratofortress. Since the early 1990s, the wing has operated the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, providing the nation with a long-range, precision strike capability. Based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, the 9th Bomb Wing continues to support global deterrence and combat operations.

The 9th Security Police Squadron was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, primarily stationed at Beale Air Force Base, California. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron was tasked with providing security and law enforcement for the base, including the protection of high-value reconnaissance assets such as the SR-71 Blackbird and U-2 aircraft. Throughout its history, the unit played a vital role in safeguarding critical resources and ensuring the operational readiness of Beale AFB’s strategic missions. The 9th Security Police Squadron later evolved into the 9th Security Forces Squadron, continuing its legacy of excellence in force protection and base defense.

**AFPD Metro NY** is a unit within the United States Air Force Police Department (AFPD), responsible for providing security and law enforcement support in the greater New York metropolitan area. Established in response to the increased need for force protection and counterterrorism measures following September 11, 2001, the unit quickly became a crucial component of regional military operations. AFPD Metro NY works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure the safety of Air Force personnel, assets, and facilities. Over the years, the unit has participated in numerous joint exercises and has been recognized for its exemplary service in safeguarding critical infrastructure in one of the nation's most vital urban centers.

Air America was a covert airline operated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during the Cold War, with a major base at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand from the early 1960s through 1974. Serving as a vital logistical backbone for U.S. operations in Southeast Asia, Air America supported covert missions throughout Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, including supply drops, personnel transport, and search and rescue operations. The Udorn base became the hub for clandestine activities, enabling rapid response and sustained support for anti-communist forces, particularly during the Laotian Civil War (known as the "Secret War"). Air America's presence at Udorn was officially terminated in 1974 as the U.S. withdrew from Southeast Asia, but its pivotal role in unconventional warfare and intelligence operations left a lasting legacy in military aviation history.

The California Air National Guard (CA ANG) was established in 1946, following the end of World War II, as part of the broader U.S. Air National Guard system. Its mission includes providing air defense, disaster response, and support to state and federal authorities during emergencies. The CA ANG has participated in major conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, while also responding to wildfires, earthquakes, and other state emergencies. Over the decades, its units, including the 129th Rescue Wing, 144th Fighter Wing, 146th Airlift Wing, and 163rd Attack Wing, have upheld a distinguished record of service at both the state and national levels.

The Air Rescue and Recovery Training Center was established in the early 1960s at Stead Air Force Base, Nevada, to provide specialized training for Air Force personnel in search and rescue operations. Originally part of the Air Rescue Service, the center focused on developing advanced techniques for helicopter and fixed-wing aircrew to conduct combat and peacetime rescue missions. Its curriculum included survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training, as well as instruction in medical evacuation and airborne recovery methods. The training center played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War, preparing thousands of airmen for critical recovery missions behind enemy lines. Over time, it evolved into a key institution supporting the Air Force’s commitment to saving lives and recovering personnel in hostile environments.

The 1st Airlift Squadron (1 AS), stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, traces its origins to 1933. Throughout its distinguished history, the unit has played a vital role in providing global airlift support for senior U.S. government and military leaders, including the President and Vice President. The squadron has operated a variety of aircraft, most notably the C-32A, supporting critical missions ranging from diplomatic transport to contingency operations. Renowned for its professionalism and reliability, the 1 AS continues to be an essential component of the 89th Airlift Wing’s executive airlift mission.

The 1001st Supply Squadron was a United States Air Force unit stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, near Washington, D.C. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron was tasked with providing vital logistical and material support to Air Force operations in the National Capital Region. Its responsibilities included managing supply inventories, distributing equipment, and ensuring the readiness of critical resources for both routine and emergency missions. The 1001st Supply Squadron played a key role in supporting distinguished visitor transport units and Air Force headquarters functions at Andrews AFB before its eventual inactivation as part of Air Force logistics restructuring.

Barksdale Air Force Base's K-9 Law Enforcement unit has played a vital role in base security and military operations since its establishment. The unit specializes in utilizing highly trained military working dogs for patrol, detection of explosives and narcotics, and suspect apprehension. Over the decades, Barksdale's K-9 teams have supported both home-station defense and deployed missions, contributing to major operations worldwide. Their ongoing dedication ensures the safety of personnel and assets, maintaining the base’s readiness and security posture at all times.