U.S. Air Force

The 8th Security Police Squadron (8th SPS) is a United States Air Force unit with a distinguished record in base defense and law enforcement operations. Activated at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, during the Vietnam War, the 8th SPS was responsible for safeguarding the base, its personnel, and vital aircraft assets. The squadron played a critical role during frequent enemy attacks, notably repelling sapper and mortar assaults that threatened base operations. Following the end of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia, the 8th SPS continued its mission in various locations, adapting to evolving global security challenges as part of the 8th Fighter Wing, known as the "Wolf Pack."

**9 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Strategic Air Command (9 AMSq SAC):** The 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (9 AMSq) was a vital support unit within the Strategic Air Command (SAC) of the United States Air Force. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron was tasked with the maintenance, repair, and readiness of SAC’s high-priority bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, often supporting units such as the 9th Bombardment or Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. The 9 AMSq played a crucial role in ensuring that aircraft like the B-52 Stratofortress or SR-71 Blackbird were mission-ready during periods of heightened nuclear alert and global reconnaissance. Through their technical expertise and dedication, the squadron contributed significantly to America’s strategic deterrence and rapid response capabilities until SAC’s reorganization in the early 1990s.

The 90th Missile Maintenance Squadron (90 MIMS), part of the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, is responsible for maintaining and supporting the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system. The unit traces its origins to the Cold War era, playing a critical role in ensuring the operability and readiness of the United States' strategic missile deterrent. Over the decades, 90 MIMS has adapted to technological advancements and evolving security needs, supporting missile upgrades and complex maintenance operations. The squadron continues to provide vital support to the nation’s ICBM mission, contributing significantly to strategic deterrence and global stability.

The 904th Combat Support Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Cold War era. Its primary mission was to provide essential base support services, including logistics, supply, security, and civil engineering, to ensure the operational readiness of assigned combat squadrons. Stationed at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, the 904th played a vital role in sustaining Strategic Air Command operations, particularly in support of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) sites. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of Air Force organizational restructuring in the early 1990s.

The **913th Tactical Airlift Group** was a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, activated in 1963 at Willow Grove Naval Air Station, Pennsylvania. Originally equipped with Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcars, the group was tasked with providing tactical airlift support, including troop and cargo transport, airdrop missions, and aeromedical evacuation. In the 1970s, the unit transitioned to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, enhancing its capabilities and increasing its role in numerous training exercises and operational missions, both domestically and overseas. The 913th was inactivated in 2007 as part of Air Force restructuring but was later reactivated as the 913th Airlift Group, continuing its legacy of providing vital air mobility support.

The 91st Field Maintenance Missile Squadron (FMMS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for the maintenance and support of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) during the Cold War era. Stationed at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, the squadron played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness and reliability of the missile systems assigned to the 91st Strategic Missile Wing. Its personnel were highly trained in missile electronics, guidance systems, and warhead maintenance, directly contributing to the nation's strategic deterrence posture. The 91st FMMS was eventually reorganized and redesignated as part of broader Air Force restructuring efforts within the missile maintenance community.

The 93rd Supply Squadron was originally activated during World War II as part of the 93rd Bombardment Group, supporting B-24 Liberator operations in the European Theater. Tasked with managing logistics, fuel, munitions, and critical parts, the unit ensured the sustained combat readiness of the group’s aircraft. After the war, the squadron underwent several activations and inactivations, adapting to changing Air Force supply and logistics needs during the Cold War. Throughout its service, the 93rd Supply Squadron played a vital role in maintaining the operational effectiveness of its parent wing, earning commendations for its efficiency and support.

The 940th Air Refueling Wing (940 ARW) is a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, currently stationed at Beale Air Force Base, California. Established in 1963 as the 940th Troop Carrier Group, it has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, including tactical airlift and air refueling roles. The wing began operating the KC-135 Stratotanker in the 1970s, providing vital aerial refueling support to U.S. and allied aircraft worldwide. Today, the 940th ARW continues to enhance global reach and combat readiness through its air refueling and support missions.

The 94th Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU) is a key support element of the United States Air Force, typically aligned under the 94th Fighter Squadron, part of the 1st Fighter Wing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. The unit traces its legacy to World War I, originally supporting the famed "Hat in the Ring" squadron. The 94th AMU specializes in maintaining and generating combat-ready aircraft, most recently the F-22 Raptor, ensuring peak operational readiness for air superiority missions. Its dedicated personnel have supported numerous deployments and exercises, contributing to air dominance in operations worldwide.

The 95th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (95th FIS) was a United States Air Force unit with a distinguished history dating back to World War II. Activated in 1942, it initially served as a training and air defense unit before participating in combat operations in the European Theater, flying P-38 Lightnings. After the war, the squadron was re-designated and played a key role in continental air defense during the Cold War, operating advanced jet interceptors such as the F-86 Sabre, F-89 Scorpion, and F-106 Delta Dart. The 95th FIS was inactivated in 1969 as part of a broader restructuring of Air Defense Command forces.

The 96th Food Service Squadron was a support unit within the United States Air Force, tasked with providing essential food and nutritional services to personnel. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron was originally activated to serve at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, supporting a wide array of missions and exercises. Throughout its operational history, the 96th Food Service Squadron played a vital role in maintaining troop morale and readiness by ensuring high-quality meal services during both peacetime and contingency operations. The unit was eventually reorganized as part of broader Air Force restructuring, with its functions integrated into consolidated support squadrons under the 96th Mission Support Group.

The 96th Medical Operations Squadron (96th MDOS) was a key medical unit stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, as part of the 96th Medical Group. Activated in the late 20th century, the squadron provided comprehensive healthcare services, including emergency, surgical, and specialty care, to military personnel, their families, and retirees. The 96th MDOS played a vital role in supporting mission readiness by maintaining the health and medical readiness of the base’s large and diverse population. In 2019, the squadron was inactivated as part of an Air Force-wide medical restructuring, with its functions integrated into other medical units at Eglin AFB.

The 96th Medical Group traces its origins to World War II, when it was first activated to provide medical support to combat operations. Throughout its history, the unit has been based primarily at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, serving as the primary healthcare provider for military personnel, their families, and retirees in the region. Over the decades, the 96th Medical Group has participated in numerous humanitarian missions and supported various military operations, ensuring readiness and comprehensive care. Today, it remains a vital component of the 96th Test Wing, delivering advanced medical services and supporting the mission of the United States Air Force.

The 98th Armament & Electronics Maintenance Squadron (98th Armt & Elect Maint Sq) was a United States Air Force unit tasked with the maintenance and repair of armament and electronic systems for assigned aircraft. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in supporting SAC (Strategic Air Command) operations by ensuring the reliability of weapons and avionics on bombers and support aircraft. The unit was stationed at various bases, with key assignments at Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska. The 98th Armt & Elect Maint Sq was inactivated as part of broader Air Force restructuring in the late 1960s, with its mission absorbed by successor maintenance organizations.

The 98th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (98th FIS) was an active unit of the United States Air Force, originally constituted during World War II. Activated in 1942, it initially performed air defense and training roles within the continental United States. Reactivated during the Cold War, the squadron became part of the nation’s air defense network, operating jet interceptors such as the F-86 Sabre and later the F-102 Delta Dagger. The 98th FIS was stationed at various key bases, including Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, before being inactivated in 1968 as part of broader Air Defense Command reductions.

The 9th Services Squadron is a support unit of the United States Air Force, historically associated with the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, California. Activated in the mid-20th century, the squadron has provided essential morale, welfare, and recreation services, as well as food, lodging, and fitness support to Air Force personnel and their families. Throughout its history, the 9th Services Squadron has played a key role in supporting the wing’s high-altitude reconnaissance mission, including operations involving the U-2 and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. The squadron has earned recognition for its contributions to mission readiness and quality of life during both peacetime and periods of deployment.

The 9th Weather Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force responsible for providing meteorological support to military operations. Activated during World War II, it played a crucial role in delivering weather forecasts and analysis to support air missions and strategic planning. Over the years, the squadron was stationed at various locations, including bases in the continental United States and overseas. The unit underwent several inactivations and reactivations, reflecting changes in Air Force organizational structure and operational needs, before ultimately being inactivated as part of post-Cold War force reductions.

AFCENT, short for Allied Forces Central Europe, was established in August 1953 as a key NATO military headquarters responsible for the defense of Central Europe during the Cold War. Initially located in Fontainebleau, France, the headquarters was moved to Brunssum, the Netherlands, in 1967 following France’s withdrawal from NATO’s integrated military command. AFCENT coordinated multinational land and air forces from member nations, playing a crucial role in the planning and execution of collective defense strategies. In 2000, AFCENT was redesignated as Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum, reflecting NATO’s shift to a more flexible, joint operational structure.

The Air Force Data Systems Development Center (AFDSDC) was established in 1967 at Gunter Air Force Station, Alabama, to lead the development and management of automated data processing systems for the United States Air Force. Its mission was to design, test, and implement computer systems that supported command, control, and administrative functions across the Air Force. Over the years, AFDSDC played a crucial role in modernizing Air Force information technology infrastructure and enhancing operational efficiency. The unit underwent several reorganizations and eventually became part of the Air Force Communications Command, reflecting the evolving nature of cyber and information warfare capabilities.

**AFSWC** stands for **Air Force Special Weapons Center**, a pivotal unit in the history of the United States Air Force. Established in 1949 at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, the AFSWC was responsible for research, development, and testing of nuclear weapons and their delivery systems during the early Cold War era. The center played a crucial role in advancing nuclear technology, coordinating with the Atomic Energy Commission, and ensuring the readiness and safety of the Air Force's strategic arsenal. In 1963, the AFSWC was reorganized and its functions were absorbed into other Air Force commands, but its legacy continues in the realms of nuclear stewardship and advanced weapons development.

Air Base Ground Defense (ABGD) Training at Camp Bullis, TX, is a foundational course designed to prepare U.S. Air Force Security Forces in defending air bases against ground threats. Established as part of the Air Force’s emphasis on force protection, the ABGD program at Camp Bullis has trained thousands of airmen since its inception in the late 20th century. The course covers small unit tactics, weapons proficiency, and field operations in realistic combat scenarios across the rugged terrain of Camp Bullis. Graduates of ABGD are equipped with critical skills to secure airfields worldwide, supporting Air Force operations in both peacetime and conflict.

The Air Force Civil Engineering Support Agency (AFCESA) was established in 1977 to provide technical support, expertise, and policy guidance for civil engineering activities across the United States Air Force. Headquartered at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, AFCESA played a pivotal role in ensuring the readiness, sustainability, and modernization of Air Force bases worldwide, including managing infrastructure, emergency response, and environmental programs. Over the decades, the agency contributed significantly to the development of standards for airfield repair, energy management, and disaster recovery operations. In 2012, AFCESA was merged into the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC), continuing its mission under a broader organizational structure to better support Air Force installations globally.

The Air Force Commissary is not a traditional combat or operational military unit; instead, it is a critical support organization within the United States Air Force. Established to provide essential grocery and household goods to service members and their families, the commissary system traces its roots to the late 19th century, with the Air Force inheriting its commissary operations upon its creation in 1947. Over the decades, Air Force Commissaries have played a vital role in maintaining morale and quality of life for airmen stationed both domestically and overseas. Today, they are operated by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), continuing their mission of service and support for the Air Force community worldwide.

The AMMO, commonly known as the Munitions Squadron or "Ammo Troop," is a vital unit within the United States Air Force responsible for the assembly, inspection, storage, and delivery of munitions. Established in the mid-20th century, AMMO units have played a crucial role in every major conflict involving U.S. airpower, from the Vietnam War to present-day operations. These units ensure that all types of ordnance—from small arms ammunition to precision-guided bombs—are safely prepared and ready for use by combat aircraft. The AMMO motto, “IYAAYAS” (If You Ain’t Ammo, You Ain’t Shit), reflects the pride and esprit de corps of these highly trained specialists who keep the Air Force armed and ready.