U.S. Air Force

78th Air Base Wing

59 members

The 78th Air Base Wing (78 ABW) was originally activated in 1948, providing critical support and operational services to the United States Air Force. Throughout its history, the wing has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, reflecting the evolving needs of the Air Force. Since 1994, the 78th Air Base Wing has served as the host unit at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, where it delivers essential base support, security, and infrastructure services for the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex and other tenant organizations. The wing's steadfast dedication ensures mission readiness and the effective operation of one of the Air Force's most vital installations.

914th Airlift Wing

59 members

The 914th Airlift Wing, based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station in New York, was established in 1963 as the 914th Troop Carrier Group. Initially equipped with C-119 Flying Boxcars, the unit transitioned to C-130 Hercules aircraft in the 1970s, enhancing its tactical airlift capabilities. Over the decades, the 914th has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and major military deployments such as Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. In 2017, the wing transitioned to an air refueling mission, flying the KC-135 Stratotanker, and continues to provide vital aerial refueling and global mobility support for the U.S. Air Force.

The 13th Air Force (13th AF) was activated on 14 December 1942 during World War II, initially operating from New Caledonia in the South Pacific. It played a key role in the Pacific Theater, conducting air operations in the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and the Philippines, supporting Allied advances against Japanese forces. After the war, the 13th AF was based primarily in the Philippines and later Guam, maintaining regional security and participating in operations during the Cold War, Vietnam War, and beyond. The unit was inactivated in 2012 as part of a major reorganization of the United States Air Force's Pacific forces.

The 317th Airlift Wing, originally established as the 317th Troop Carrier Group in 1942, played a pivotal role during World War II, participating in major airborne operations across Europe, including D-Day and Operation Market Garden. In the postwar years, the unit supported various airlift missions, adapting to new aircraft and evolving operational requirements during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Reactivated and redesignated several times, the 317th has flown the C-130 Hercules since the 1960s, providing crucial tactical airlift capability for the United States Air Force. Today, stationed at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, the 317th Airlift Wing continues to support global mobility and humanitarian operations around the world.

The 49th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was originally activated in 1948 as part of the United States Air Force, with a distinguished lineage tracing back to World War II. Stationed at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, the 49th TFW played a significant role during the Cold War, flying aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, and later the F-15 Eagle. The wing was deployed to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, where it conducted combat operations and provided crucial air support. Throughout its history, the 49th TFW earned numerous accolades for its operational excellence before eventually transitioning to the 49th Fighter Wing, reflecting changes in mission and aircraft.

The 6917th Security Group was a United States Air Force signals intelligence unit established during the Cold War. Activated in the early 1950s, it was primarily based at San Vito dei Normanni Air Station, Italy. The group's mission focused on intercepting and analyzing communications from potential adversaries, supporting both national intelligence objectives and tactical operations in Europe and the Mediterranean. The 6917th Security Group played a crucial role in monitoring Soviet and Warsaw Pact activity until its inactivation in 1993, following the end of the Cold War and subsequent restructuring of U.S. intelligence assets.

The 6931st Security Group was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1970 at Iraklion Air Station, Crete, Greece. As part of the USAF Security Service (later Electronic Security Command), its primary mission was signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic surveillance during the Cold War, monitoring Soviet and Warsaw Pact communications in the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. The group played a critical role in collecting, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence to support U.S. and NATO operations in the region. The unit was inactivated in 1993 following the end of the Cold War and the closure of Iraklion Air Station.

The 1876th Communication Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated in the mid-20th century, primarily tasked with providing vital communications support. Stationed at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, the squadron played a crucial role in maintaining secure and reliable communication systems for both the Academy and associated operations. The unit was responsible for operating telephone, radio, and data transmission services, ensuring seamless connectivity for command and control functions. Over time, the 1876th Communication Squadron adapted to technological advancements until it was eventually inactivated or re-designated as part of broader Air Force organizational changes.

The 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron (32 TFS), known as the "Wolfhounds," was originally activated in 1940 as part of the United States Army Air Corps. During World War II, the unit served in the defense of the Panama Canal before being inactivated and later reactivated during the Cold War. From 1955 to 1994, the 32 TFS was based at Soesterberg Air Base in the Netherlands, where it played a crucial role in NATO air defense, operating aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, F-102 Delta Dagger, and F-15 Eagle. The squadron was inactivated in 1994 following the end of the Cold War and the restructuring of U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

71st Flying Training Wing

56 members

The 71st Flying Training Wing, based at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma, was activated on August 25, 1972. Its primary mission is to conduct undergraduate pilot training for the United States Air Force, as well as allied nations, preparing pilots for a variety of aircraft. Over the decades, the wing has flown numerous training aircraft, including the T-37 Tweet, T-38 Talon, and T-6 Texan II. The 71st FTW continues to play a vital role in producing highly skilled pilots, supporting both national defense and international partnerships.

81st Training Wing

56 members

The **81st Training Wing** (81st TRW) is a prominent unit of the United States Air Force, headquartered at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Established during World War II in 1942, the wing originally served as a fighter unit, participating in various training and operational roles throughout its history. In the postwar era, the 81st underwent several reorganizations before assuming its current mission in 1948 to provide technical training for Air Force personnel. Today, the 81st Training Wing is recognized as a vital center for cyber, electronics, medical, and weather training, supporting the readiness of the U.S. Air Force and allied forces.

910th Airlift Wing

56 members

The 910th Airlift Wing, based at Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Ohio, traces its origins to 1963 when it was established as the 910th Troop Carrier Group. Initially equipped with the C-119 Flying Boxcar, the unit provided vital airlift support for personnel and cargo. Over the decades, the 910th transitioned to newer aircraft, including the C-130 Hercules, expanding its capabilities to include aerial spray missions for pest and oil spill control. The Wing has participated in numerous operations, both at home and abroad, contributing to humanitarian relief, disaster response, and ongoing military operations.

The 1501st Air Transport Wing (MATS) was activated on 1 June 1948 at Fairfield-Suisun Air Force Base, California (later Travis Air Force Base), as part of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS). It played a key role in strategic airlift operations during the early Cold War, supporting both peacetime and contingency missions, including the Korean War and humanitarian relief. The wing operated a variety of heavy transport aircraft, such as the C-54 Skymaster, C-97 Stratofreighter, and later the C-124 Globemaster II, facilitating vital global logistics and personnel movements. The 1501st Air Transport Wing was discontinued and inactivated on 18 January 1966 as part of a broader reorganization of Air Force airlift forces.

The 318th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (FIS) was a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to the Air Defense Command (ADC). Originally activated during World War II, the squadron was reactivated during the Cold War to provide air defense for the Pacific Northwest and later the West Coast of the United States. Throughout its service, the 318th FIS operated various aircraft, including the F-94 Starfire, F-102 Delta Dagger, and F-106 Delta Dart, reflecting the evolution of interceptor technology. The unit was inactivated in December 1989, having played a vital role in continental air defense during its decades of service.

911th Airlift Wing

55 members

The **911th Airlift Wing** is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, headquartered at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania. Established in 1963, the wing has a long history of tactical airlift missions, originally flying the C-119 Flying Boxcar before transitioning to the C-130 Hercules and, more recently, to the modern C-17 Globemaster III. The 911th has supported numerous operations, including humanitarian missions, disaster relief, and overseas deployments such as Operations Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Throughout its history, the wing has been recognized for its excellence in mobility and its vital role in supporting both national defense and global humanitarian efforts.

The 48th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (48th FIS) was an active United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with air defense missions during the Cold War. Originally constituted as the 48th Pursuit Squadron in 1940, it served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, flying various aircraft including the P-40 Warhawk and P-47 Thunderbolt. Reactivated during the Korean War era, the squadron transitioned to jet interceptors such as the F-86 Sabre and later the F-106 Delta Dart, defending the northeastern United States from potential aerial threats. The 48th FIS was inactivated in 1987 as part of the drawdown of air defense forces.

The 12th Security Police Squadron (12th SPS) was an Air Force unit responsible for base security, law enforcement, and force protection, primarily at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron safeguarded vital assets, including aircraft and personnel, while supporting strategic air operations. Members of the 12th SPS participated in various training exercises and real-world contingencies to maintain a constant state of readiness. The unit was eventually inactivated following the closure of Bergstrom AFB in the early 1990s, as part of broader post-Cold War drawdowns.

The 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron (20th TASS) was activated during the Vietnam War to provide forward air control (FAC) and close air support coordination for U.S. and allied ground forces. Established in 1965, the squadron initially operated the O-1 Bird Dog and later transitioned to the O-2 Skymaster and OV-10 Bronco aircraft, flying dangerous low-level missions to identify enemy positions and direct airstrikes. The 20th TASS played a crucial role in supporting operations such as Operation Rolling Thunder and interdiction missions along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. After the Vietnam War, the squadron continued FAC missions before being inactivated in 1972.

The 42nd Bombardment Wing was a prominent unit of the United States Air Force, activated in 1953 at Limestone (later Loring) Air Force Base, Maine. As part of Strategic Air Command, the wing operated B-36 Peacemaker and later B-52 Stratofortress bombers, playing a crucial role in America’s nuclear deterrence during the Cold War. The wing regularly participated in alert duties and global exercises, maintaining a high state of readiness. The unit was inactivated in 1994 following the closure of Loring AFB, capping over four decades of distinguished service.

Air Training Command (ATC) was a major command of the United States Air Force responsible for the training of airmen, officers, and technical specialists. Established in 1946, ATC played a vital role during the Cold War, adapting its programs to meet the demands of jet aviation, missile technology, and expanding Air Force missions. ATC oversaw basic military training, flight instruction, and technical schooling at numerous bases across the United States. In 1993, Air Training Command was inactivated and its functions merged with Air University to form the current Air Education and Training Command (AETC).

The 463rd Airlift Wing was originally activated as the 463rd Troop Carrier Wing in 1953, specializing in tactical airlift missions. Throughout the Cold War, the unit operated aircraft such as the C-119 Flying Boxcar and later the C-130 Hercules, providing crucial air transport, paratrooper drops, and cargo delivery for U.S. and allied forces. The wing played significant roles in operations ranging from the Vietnam War to humanitarian and contingency missions worldwide. It was inactivated in 2008, with its personnel and equipment reassigned as part of Air Force organizational restructuring.

673rd Air Base Wing

52 members

The 673rd Air Base Wing was activated on July 24, 2010, as part of the United States Air Force's initiative to streamline installation support functions at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Formed by combining elements from Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson under the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission, the wing provides essential mission support, base operations, and quality-of-life services for Air Force, Army, and partner units stationed at the joint base. The 673rd Air Base Wing supports more than 24,000 personnel, including active duty, Guard, Reserve, civilians, and family members, ensuring operational readiness in the strategically vital Arctic region. Since its inception, the wing has played a crucial role in enabling joint operations and supporting national defense objectives in the Pacific and Arctic theaters.

The 6990th Security Group was a United States Air Force signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit activated in 1965 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. Its primary mission was to provide electronic surveillance and intelligence support during the Vietnam War and throughout the Cold War in the Pacific region. The group operated RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and other intelligence-gathering platforms, intercepting and analyzing communications from adversaries. The 6990th Security Group remained active until it was inactivated in 1993 as part of post-Cold War restructuring of Air Force intelligence assets.

87th Air Base Wing

51 members

The 87th Air Base Wing, headquartered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, was activated on March 3, 2009, as part of the Air Force's integration with Army and Navy support elements at the newly formed joint base. Its lineage traces back to the 87th Troop Carrier Wing, established during the Korean War era, but the current wing was organized to provide installation support and mission services for all branches operating at the joint base. The wing manages essential functions such as security, logistics, civil engineering, and medical services, ensuring operational readiness for over 80 mission partners. Since its activation, the 87th Air Base Wing has played a critical role in supporting global mobility and expeditionary operations for the U.S. military.