U.S. Air Force

The 37th Air Expeditionary Group (37th AEG) is a provisional unit of the United States Air Force assigned to Air Combat Command. Its history traces back to World War II, when it was originally activated as the 37th Bombardment Group in 1940, flying B-18 Bolo and later B-25 Mitchell bombers in the Caribbean and Panama Canal Zone for antisubmarine patrols. The unit was inactivated in 1943 but has been reactivated multiple times in a provisional status to support various contingency operations, including deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Today, the 37th AEG is activated as needed to provide flexible, rapid-response airpower for expeditionary missions worldwide.

The 37th Bomb Squadron, originally activated in 1917, is one of the oldest bomber units in the United States Air Force. It participated in World War I and later distinguished itself in World War II, flying B-17 Flying Fortress missions in the European Theater. During the Cold War, the squadron operated various strategic bombers, including the B-47 Stratojet and the B-52 Stratofortress. Today, the 37th Bomb Squadron is based at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and operates the B-1B Lancer, maintaining a key role in global strike capabilities.

The 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron (390th TFS), known as the "Wild Boars," was deployed to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. Arriving in 1965, the squadron was equipped with F-4C Phantom II fighter-bombers and played a critical role in air superiority, ground attack, and close air support missions. The 390th TFS participated in major operations such as Rolling Thunder and Linebacker, striking key enemy targets in North Vietnam and Laos. The squadron earned a distinguished reputation for its effectiveness and bravery before rotating out of Da Nang in 1972.

The 3rd SRI Group is a specialized unit within the Indonesian Army’s Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), known as "Satuan Reaksi Cepat" or Quick Reaction Unit. Established in the early 2000s, the unit was created to address emerging security threats and to enhance rapid deployment capabilities for counter-terrorism and high-risk operations. The 3rd SRI Group has participated in numerous national and international missions, including peacekeeping assignments and internal security operations across Indonesia. Renowned for its professionalism and agility, the unit continues to play a crucial role in safeguarding national security and responding to critical incidents with speed and precision.

The 401st Commodities Reclamation Squadron (CRS) was a unit of the United States Air Force, historically associated with the 401st Air Expeditionary Group. The squadron specialized in reclaiming, refurbishing, and recycling valuable aircraft components and materiel, supporting logistics and maintenance operations. Throughout its service, the 401st CRS played a critical role in sustaining aircraft readiness by maximizing resource utilization and reducing supply chain shortages. The unit contributed to various operations before its eventual inactivation as part of broader USAF organizational changes.

The **4060th Air Refueling Wing** was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, activated on July 1, 1952, at Dow Air Force Base, Maine. It operated under the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and was primarily responsible for providing air refueling support, initially utilizing KB-29 and later KC-97 Stratofreighter aircraft. The wing played a crucial role in extending the range and endurance of SAC’s bomber fleet during the early years of the Cold War. In 1963, the 4060th was discontinued as part of a larger reorganization, and its mission, personnel, and equipment were transferred to the newly activated 397th Air Refueling Wing.

The 40th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (A&E), commonly referred to as the 40th A&E, traces its origins to the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, where it provided essential armament and electrical maintenance support for bomber and fighter units. Throughout the Cold War, the unit adapted to advancing aviation technology, ensuring mission readiness for a variety of aircraft platforms. The 40th A&E played a critical support role in major operations, including deployments during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Today, the 40th A&E continues its legacy of excellence, maintaining cutting-edge aircraft and supporting global Air Force missions with highly skilled personnel.

The 414th Component Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (CAMS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for the maintenance and support of assigned aircraft components. Activated during the late Cold War period, the 414th CAMS was most notably stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, where it supported the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing. The squadron played a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness of F-15 Eagles and later F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighters through expert maintenance and logistical support. In the early 1990s, as part of Air Force restructuring and the adoption of the Objective Wing organization, the 414th CAMS was inactivated and its functions were absorbed by other maintenance units.

The 414th Fighter-Interceptor Training Group (Air Defense) [414th FITGRU (AD)] was a United States Air Force unit under Air Defense Command (ADC), tasked with training aircrews for air defense missions during the Cold War era. It operated in association with the 433rd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (433 FIS), which flew aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre and later the F-102 Delta Dagger. The group was responsible for preparing pilots and ground personnel to defend North American airspace against potential threats. The training provided by the 414th FITGRU (AD) and its affiliated squadrons played a crucial role in maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of continental air defense forces during the height of the Soviet threat.

The 4258th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was a United States Air Force unit active during the Vietnam War era. Stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield in Thailand, the squadron provided critical maintenance support for B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers participating in Operation Arc Light and other Southeast Asia operations. The 4258th FMS ensured round-the-clock aircraft readiness, enabling sustained strategic bombing campaigns over Vietnam. The squadron was eventually inactivated in 1975 as U.S. operations in Southeast Asia drew down and the base was returned to the Thai government.

The 437th Civil Engineer Squadron (437 CES) is a vital support unit assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. The squadron traces its origins to the establishment of the 437th Troop Carrier Wing in 1949, though its current engineering functions evolved over decades of Air Force restructuring. Tasked with maintaining base infrastructure, emergency response, and readiness, 437 CES has supported numerous operations, including deployments during Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. The squadron remains a cornerstone of installation support, ensuring mission success for airlift and mobility operations worldwide.

The 43rd Supply Squadron was a key logistics unit stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in supporting United States Air Force operations in the Pacific theater, ensuring the steady flow of supplies, equipment, and materials essential for mission readiness. The 43rd Supply Squadron contributed to the effectiveness of B-52 Stratofortress bomber operations and other strategic missions based out of Andersen AFB, particularly during the Vietnam War and subsequent regional contingencies. The unit’s dedication to logistical excellence helped maintain Andersen’s status as a vital hub for air power projection in the Asia-Pacific region.

44 Transport Squadron (44 Trans Sq) is a logistics unit of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), historically part of the South African Air Force (SAAF). Established in the early 1970s at Air Force Base Waterkloof, the squadron specializes in providing ground transport support, including the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies to various air force units and operations. Throughout its service, 44 Trans Sq has played a crucial role in both domestic and regional operations, supporting humanitarian missions and peacekeeping deployments. The squadron is recognized for its professionalism and logistical expertise, ensuring the operational readiness of the SAAF.

The 445th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (FIS) was a unit of the United States Air Force Air Defense Command (ADC) activated in 1953. Initially stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, the squadron’s primary mission was the air defense of the Great Lakes region during the early Cold War. The 445th FIS operated aircraft such as the North American F-86D Sabre and later the Convair F-102 Delta Dagger. The squadron was inactivated in 1968 as part of a general reduction of continental air defense forces.

The 449th Supply Squadron was an integral support unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during the Cold War era. Assigned to the 449th Bombardment Wing at Kincheloe Air Force Base, Michigan, the squadron provided essential materiel management, supply distribution, and logistical support for the wing's strategic bomber operations. Throughout its service, the 449th Supply Squadron ensured the readiness and sustainment of B-52 Stratofortress aircraft and associated mission equipment. The squadron was inactivated alongside the wing in 1977, following the closure of Kincheloe AFB and reductions in the Strategic Air Command’s force structure.

The 4500th Civil Engineering Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era, primarily supporting operations at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Tasked with providing essential engineering, construction, and maintenance services, the squadron played a crucial role in ensuring base infrastructure and facilities were mission-ready. Its personnel were trained in rapid runway repair, utilities management, and disaster response, supporting both peacetime and contingency operations. The unit was eventually inactivated or re-designated as part of broader Air Force organizational changes in the latter part of the 20th century.

The 4510th Combat Support Group was a United States Air Force unit activated in the late 1950s to provide essential support services at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. It played a crucial role in supporting pilot training operations, particularly for advanced fighter aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre. The group was responsible for a wide range of base functions, including logistics, maintenance, security, and administrative support. The 4510th Combat Support Group continued its mission until it was inactivated in 1971, with its duties transferred to successor organizations as part of Air Force restructuring.

The 455th Missile Wing was originally established as the 455th Bombardment Group during World War II, flying B-24 Liberators in combat missions over Europe from 1943 to 1945. After the war, the unit was inactivated and later reactivated during the Cold War era as the 455th Strategic Missile Wing. Stationed at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, the wing operated intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), including the Minuteman series, as part of the United States’ nuclear deterrent force. The 455th Missile Wing contributed to Strategic Air Command’s mission until its inactivation in the late 1960s, reflecting changes in force structure and missile technology.

**458th Tactical Airlift Squadron:** The 458th Tactical Airlift Squadron was activated in 1942 and initially served as a troop carrier unit during World War II, providing critical air transport in the European Theater. After the war, the squadron participated in various airlift operations and was later involved in tactical airlift missions during the Vietnam War, flying C-7 Caribou aircraft. The unit was inactivated in the early 1970s as part of a broader Air Force restructuring. **76th Military Airlift Squadron:** The 76th Military Airlift Squadron traces its lineage to World War II, where it served as a transport and airlift unit. Throughout the Cold War, the squadron operated heavy airlift aircraft, including the C-141 Starlifter, supporting global logistics, humanitarian missions, and strategic deployments. The 76th was instrumental in operations such as the Berlin Airlift and later provided support during contingencies in the Middle East before its inactivation in the 1990s. **8th Military Airlift Squadron:** Originally established in the 1940s, the 8th Military Airlift Squadron provided vital air transport during World War II and subsequent conflicts. The squadron operated a variety of aircraft, including the C-124 Globemaster II and C-141 Starlifter, and was known for its long-range strategic airlift missions. The unit supported numerous global operations, including Vietnam War logistics and humanitarian airlifts, before being inactivated as part of Air Mobility Command reorganizations.

The 4603rd Supply Squadron was a United States Air Force unit primarily active during the Cold War era. Tasked with overseeing logistics and supply operations, the squadron played a pivotal role in supporting air bases by ensuring the availability of critical equipment, spare parts, and materiel. It contributed significantly to the readiness and operational efficiency of assigned units, particularly those involved in strategic air defense and reconnaissance missions. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of broader Air Force reorganizations, but its legacy lies in its support to national defense during a period of heightened global tension.

The 4640th Support Squadron (Air Defense Command) was a United States Air Force unit activated to provide specialized support services within the Air Defense Command (ADC) structure during the Cold War. Stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, the squadron operated primarily in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Its primary mission included logistical, administrative, and operational support to ADC units responsible for continental air defense. The squadron was eventually discontinued as part of broader organizational changes within the Air Defense Command in the early 1960s.

The 46th Air Refueling Squadron (46th ARS) was an important component of the United States Air Force’s air mobility and refueling operations. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron was equipped with KC-135 Stratotankers, providing vital in-flight refueling support to strategic bombers and tactical aircraft, thereby extending their range and mission capabilities. The 46th ARS played a significant role in supporting U.S. and NATO operations, participating in numerous exercises and deployments throughout its service. The squadron was ultimately inactivated as part of post-Cold War force reductions, but its contributions remain a testament to the USAF’s global reach and operational flexibility.

The 4789th Air Base Group was a United States Air Force unit activated in the early 1950s during the height of the Cold War. Stationed at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in Newfoundland, Canada, the group was responsible for managing base operations, support services, and logistical functions vital to Strategic Air Command (SAC) bomber missions. It played a key role in maintaining readiness for the deployment and refueling of SAC aircraft as part of North America's early warning and deterrence network. The group was inactivated in the late 1950s as military priorities shifted and base operations were reorganized.

The 498th Fighter Squadron was activated in 1942 as part of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Initially equipped with P-39 Airacobras, the squadron later transitioned to P-47 Thunderbolts and participated in combat operations in the European Theater. The 498th supported ground forces through close air support missions and bomber escort duties, contributing significantly to the Allied advance across France and into Germany. After the war, the squadron was inactivated in 1946 as part of the postwar drawdown of U.S. military forces.