U.S. Air Force

The 31st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (31st ARRS) was activated in 1952, initially serving under the United States Air Force. Throughout the Vietnam War, the unit played a crucial role in combat search and rescue (CSAR) operations, notably flying HH-3E "Jolly Green Giant" helicopters to recover downed aircrew behind enemy lines. The 31st ARRS earned numerous commendations for valor and effectiveness during high-risk missions, saving hundreds of lives in hostile environments. The squadron was later inactivated, but its legacy endures as a symbol of courage and dedication in Air Force rescue operations.

The 3201st Transportation Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated in the early 1950s at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Its primary mission was to provide logistical and transportation support for the Air Proving Ground Command, facilitating the movement of personnel, equipment, and experimental materials vital to testing and evaluation operations. The squadron played a key role in supporting the development and deployment of new weapons systems during the Cold War era. It was eventually inactivated as part of a broader reorganization of Air Force logistics and support units.

The 3207th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (3207 MMS) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for the storage, maintenance, and readiness of special and conventional munitions during the Cold War era. Activated in the late 1950s, the squadron was stationed at RAF Bentwaters, United Kingdom, supporting tactical fighter wings and ensuring the availability of ordnance for NATO operations. The 3207 MMS played a critical role in upholding the USAF’s nuclear deterrent and rapid response capabilities in Europe. The unit was eventually inactivated in the early 1990s as part of post-Cold War drawdowns and the restructuring of U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

The **321st Supply Squadron (SAC)** was a vital logistics unit assigned to Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, during the Cold War era. As part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), the squadron played a crucial role in supporting the base’s bomber and missile missions by ensuring the timely procurement, storage, and distribution of essential supplies and equipment. Throughout its service, the 321st Supply Squadron contributed to the operational readiness of the 321st Strategic Missile Wing, which managed Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles. The unit’s efforts were instrumental in maintaining the effectiveness of America’s nuclear deterrent during a critical period of global tension.

The 322nd Tactical Control Squadron (322nd TCS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with providing tactical air control and communications support. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a vital role in coordinating air operations and ensuring effective command and control for both training exercises and real-world contingencies. The 322nd TCS was stationed at various locations in Europe, including Germany and later in the United Kingdom, contributing to NATO air defense readiness. The unit was eventually inactivated as USAF force structures evolved and technology advanced, but its legacy remains in the development of modern tactical command and control capabilities.

The 32nd Training Squadron (32nd TRS) is a distinguished unit within the United States Air Force, primarily tasked with overseeing Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Its origins trace back to World War II, when it was first activated as a bombardment squadron, participating in key operations in the European theater. Over the decades, the squadron’s mission evolved, and today it plays a critical role in shaping new Airmen, instilling discipline and foundational skills. The 32nd TRS is recognized for its enduring commitment to excellence and its vital contribution to force readiness.

The 331st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (FIS) was a unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during World War II. Established in 1942, it participated in air defense and training missions, operating aircraft such as the P-47 Thunderbolt and later the F-86 Sabre. During the Cold War, the squadron was reactivated and assigned to the Air Defense Command, providing air defense for the continental United States against potential Soviet bomber threats. The 331st FIS was inactivated in 1967 as part of a broader reorganization of U.S. air defense forces.

The **3333rd Basic Military Training Squadron (BMTS)** was an Air Force training unit stationed at Amarillo Air Force Base, Texas, during the Cold War era. Established in the 1950s, the squadron was responsible for providing initial basic military training to new Air Force recruits. The 3333 BMTS played a crucial role in rapidly expanding the United States Air Force's enlisted ranks during periods of heightened global tension, particularly throughout the 1950s and 1960s. The unit continued its training mission until Amarillo AFB's closure in 1968, after which its functions were absorbed by other training installations.

**3380th Air Police Squadron, Keesler AFB:** Activated in the early years of the Cold War, the 3380th Air Police Squadron was responsible for maintaining law and order, base security, and the protection of vital Air Force assets at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. The unit played a crucial role during the 1950s and 1960s, supporting the base’s mission as a major technical training center for the U.S. Air Force. **6175th Air Police Squadron, Kunsan AB:** Stationed at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, the 6175th Air Police Squadron was tasked with securing the installation during a period of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Throughout its service in the 1950s and 1960s, the squadron safeguarded personnel and resources, supporting operational readiness amid frequent regional alerts and the persistent threat of North Korean incursions. **4420th Air Police Squadron:** The 4420th Air Police Squadron was established to provide base security and law enforcement at its assigned location, likely during the expansion of the Air Force’s global presence in the 1950s. The squadron’s primary mission was to ensure the safety of personnel, aircraft, and sensitive installations, often operating in challenging environments as part of the broader Air Force Security Forces structure. *Note: Precise dates and additional details on these units may be limited due to the nature of historical records for provisional or inactivated squadrons.*

The 3415th M&S Group was a unit within the United States Air Force, primarily involved in training and support operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the group was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado and played a key role in managing technical training schools for munitions and supply (M&S) specialists. Throughout its service, the 3415th ensured that thousands of airmen received essential instruction in logistics, munitions handling, and supply chain management, directly supporting USAF operational readiness. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader restructuring and realignment of Air Force training units in the late 20th century.

The 341st Security Police Squadron, later redesignated as the 341st Security Forces Squadron, has played a critical role in safeguarding Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, since its activation. Originally established to provide security and law enforcement for the base and its Minuteman missile fields, the squadron has been instrumental in protecting strategic nuclear assets throughout the Cold War and into the present day. Its personnel have participated in numerous security exercises, real-world incidents, and operations, demonstrating expertise in both law enforcement and tactical defense. The squadron’s enduring mission is to ensure the safety and security of Malmstrom AFB, its personnel, and its vital national defense resources.

The 3422nd Student Squadron (Air Training Command), stationed at Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado, was activated during the mid-20th century to support the United States Air Force’s technical training mission. As part of the Air Training Command, the unit was responsible for the organization, administration, and welfare of airmen undergoing specialized technical instruction, particularly in munitions, electronics, and missile systems. Throughout its tenure at Lowry AFB, the 3422 StuSq played a critical role in preparing generations of Air Force personnel for operational assignments during the Cold War era. The squadron was eventually inactivated as Lowry AFB’s training mission was realigned and the base itself closed in the 1990s.

The 344th Air Refueling Squadron was originally activated during World War II as part of the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving initially as a bombardment unit. Reactivated and redesignated during the Cold War, the squadron became a key component of the Strategic Air Command, providing aerial refueling support with aircraft such as the KC-135 Stratotanker. Over the decades, the 344th has supported various operations, exercises, and contingencies around the globe, ensuring extended reach and endurance for U.S. Air Force bombers and fighters. Today, the squadron continues its vital role in global air mobility and power projection missions.

The 34th Radio Squadron Mobile (34th RSM) was a United States Air Force signals intelligence unit activated in the early 1950s during the height of the Cold War. Tasked with intercepting and analyzing enemy communications, the squadron played a vital role in monitoring Soviet and Warsaw Pact transmissions. The 34th RSM was stationed at various locations, including Wheelus Air Base in Libya, where it supported U.S. and NATO intelligence operations in the Mediterranean region. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of a broader reorganization of Air Force intelligence assets in the late 1950s.

The **350th Air Refueling Squadron** traces its origins to World War II, when it was activated in 1942 as the 350th Bombardment Squadron, flying B-17 Flying Fortresses in the European Theater. After inactivation post-war, it was redesignated and reactivated during the Cold War to support Strategic Air Command operations. In 1982, the unit was reconstituted as the 350th Air Refueling Squadron, equipped with the KC-135 Stratotanker, providing vital aerial refueling capability for U.S. and allied aircraft. Today, the squadron continues its mission from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, supporting global U.S. Air Force operations.

The 351st Missile Security Squadron, based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, was activated in support of the United States Air Force's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) mission during the Cold War. Tasked with securing the 351st Strategic Missile Wing's Minuteman II missile silos and launch facilities, the squadron played a crucial role in safeguarding America's nuclear deterrent throughout its operational years. The unit maintained rigorous security protocols and rapid response capabilities to counter potential threats and ensure the safety and readiness of the missile sites. Following the deactivation of the Minuteman II system in the mid-1990s, the 351st Missile Security Squadron was inactivated, marking the end of its distinguished service at Whiteman AFB.

The 361st Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (361 TEWS) was an integral unit of the United States Air Force specializing in electronic warfare during the Vietnam War. Activated in 1966, the squadron operated the EC-47 aircraft, which was equipped for signals intelligence and electronic countermeasures missions. Stationed primarily at bases in Southeast Asia, such as Nha Trang and Pleiku, the 361 TEWS played a crucial role in intercepting enemy communications and supporting ground operations. The unit was inactivated in 1971 as U.S. involvement in Vietnam decreased, but its legacy lives on in the advancements it made in electronic warfare tactics and intelligence gathering.

The 3636th Combat Crew Training Group, Survival School, was established by the United States Air Force in 1953 at Stead Air Force Base, Nevada. Its primary mission was to provide rigorous survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training to aircrew members, preparing them for situations behind enemy lines. The group became renowned for developing specialized courses in arctic, desert, and jungle survival techniques. In 1966, the unit was redesignated as the 3636th Combat Crew Training Wing, solidifying its legacy as the cornerstone of USAF survival training until its relocation to Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, in 1971.

The 3640th Field Maintenance Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the early years of the Cold War. Stationed at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas, the squadron provided critical maintenance and support for training aircraft and equipment used by pilot training programs. Throughout its service, the 3640th ensured the operational readiness of base assets, contributing significantly to the Air Training Command’s mission. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force restructuring in the late 1960s.

The 3650th Medical Group was a United States Air Force unit established to provide comprehensive medical support to the 3650th Flying Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Activated in the early 1950s, the group played a crucial role in maintaining the health and readiness of aircrew and personnel during the height of the Cold War. Its medical professionals offered a wide range of services, from routine healthcare to emergency response, ensuring operational effectiveness. The unit underwent several reorganizations and redesignations as Air Force medical services evolved, eventually becoming part of broader medical operations at Sheppard AFB.

The 37th Tactical Airlift Wing (37 TAW), supported by the 316th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (316th OMS), operated out of Langley Air Force Base during the Cold War era. The 316th OMS provided essential maintenance and logistical support for the wing’s fleet of tactical airlift aircraft, ensuring mission readiness and rapid deployment capability. Throughout its tenure at Langley AFB, the unit participated in numerous training exercises and contingency operations, supporting both national defense objectives and overseas commitments. The dedication and expertise of the 316th OMS personnel were integral to the 37 TAW's reputation for operational excellence within the Tactical Air Command.

The 3720th Student Squadron (Air Training Command), based at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, was a key unit responsible for the basic military training of United States Air Force enlisted personnel during the mid-20th century. Established in the post-World War II era, the squadron played a pivotal role in preparing recruits for service during the early years of the Cold War. The 3720 StuSq was part of Lackland’s broader mission as the “Gateway to the Air Force,” ensuring new airmen met rigorous physical, academic, and disciplinary standards. Over time, the unit’s legacy continued as its training responsibilities were reorganized under evolving Air Force structures to meet modern needs.

3724th Basic Military Training Squadron (3724 BMTS) was a unit of the United States Air Force located at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Formed during the Cold War, the squadron was responsible for conducting basic military training for enlisted Airmen, shaping thousands of recruits into disciplined members of the Air Force each year. The unit played a critical role in preparing Air Force personnel for duty during times of both conflict and peace, adapting its curriculum to meet the evolving needs of the service. The 3724 BMTS was eventually inactivated as part of organizational restructuring, with its training mission absorbed by other units at Lackland.

The 373rd Security Police Squadron (SPS) was an Air Force security unit activated during the Vietnam War era. Stationed primarily at Da Nang Air Base in South Vietnam, the 373rd SPS was responsible for base security, perimeter defense, and law enforcement, often under the threat of enemy attacks. Members of the squadron played a crucial role during rocket and sapper assaults, working to protect personnel and vital equipment. The unit was inactivated following the drawdown of U.S. forces in Southeast Asia in the early 1970s.