U.S. Air Force

The 3415th Air Base Group (ABG) was a support unit of the United States Air Force, stationed at Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado. Activated in the mid-20th century, its primary mission was to provide base operations support for the training and technical schools located at Lowry, including logistics, administration, and facility management. The group played a crucial role during the Cold War era, ensuring efficient functioning of the base as it hosted thousands of Air Force personnel for training in missile, electronics, and munitions specialties. The 3415 ABG remained active until Lowry AFB’s closure in 1994, after which the unit was inactivated as part of the base realignment and closure process.

The 3500th Air Base Group (ATC) was a unit of the United States Air Force under the Air Training Command (ATC). Activated in the late 1940s at Reese Air Force Base, Texas, its primary mission was to provide base support and administrative services for the training operations conducted at the base. Over its years of service, the group played a crucial role in supporting pilot training programs during the Cold War era. The unit was eventually inactivated and redesignated as part of broader USAF organizational changes in the 1970s.

The 3518th USAF Recruiting Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force tasked with recruiting personnel to meet the growing needs of the service during the Cold War era. Activated in the mid-20th century, the squadron operated under the Air Force Recruiting Service, with its headquarters located in the central United States. Its primary mission was to attract and enlist qualified candidates for a wide array of Air Force specialties, supporting both active duty and reserve components. The 3518th played a vital role in maintaining the strength and readiness of the Air Force before being inactivated as recruiting structures were reorganized in later decades.

The 3546th Recruiting Squadron was a United States Air Force unit tasked with managing and executing recruitment operations within its designated region. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in meeting Air Force manpower requirements by attracting and enlisting qualified personnel. The unit coordinated outreach initiatives, processed applicants, and maintained liaison with local communities to support Air Force readiness. Over its period of activity, the 3546th Recruiting Squadron contributed significantly to sustaining the operational strength of the Air Force before its eventual inactivation or reorganization as part of broader recruiting command restructures.

The 3562nd Recruiting Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force tasked with recruiting and enlisting qualified personnel to serve in various Air Force specialties. Established during the Cold War era, the squadron played a crucial role in maintaining the Air Force's manpower requirements by reaching out to communities, schools, and colleges within its assigned region. The squadron operated under the Air Force Recruiting Service, adapting its strategies over the years to meet changing enlistment goals and demographic trends. Its dedicated recruiters contributed significantly to sustaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Air Force throughout its period of service.

The 361st Training Squadron (361 TRS) is a unit of the United States Air Force assigned to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC), stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Established in its current form in the mid-20th century, the squadron's primary mission is to provide technical training for Airmen in aerospace propulsion, helicopter maintenance, and related fields. Over the decades, the 361 TRS has trained thousands of personnel, supporting Air Force readiness and global operations by ensuring a highly skilled maintenance workforce. The unit continues to adapt its curriculum and training methods to meet the evolving demands of modern air and space power.

The 3615th Student Training Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily active during the Cold War era. It was established at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, where it played a key role in training enlisted airmen in technical specialties, particularly aircraft maintenance and support roles. The squadron was part of the larger Air Training Command, contributing to the readiness and capability of the Air Force through comprehensive technical instruction. The 3615th was eventually inactivated as part of broader realignments within the Air Force’s training structure in the late 20th century.

The 3615th Flying Training Wing was a unit of the United States Air Force, activated in 1953 at Craig Air Force Base, Alabama. Its primary mission was to conduct basic and advanced flight training for Air Force pilots during the Cold War era. The wing played a critical role in preparing thousands of aviators, utilizing aircraft such as the T-33 Shooting Star and T-37 Tweet. The 3615th Flying Training Wing remained active until 1972, when it was inactivated as part of an Air Force reorganization and the closure of Craig AFB.

The 366th Operations Support Squadron (366th OSS) is a vital unit within the 366th Fighter Wing, based at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Activated in 1992, the squadron provides essential operational support, including airfield management, weather forecasting, intelligence, and mission planning, ensuring the Wing's combat readiness. The 366th OSS has played a critical role in supporting deployments and exercises both at home and abroad, contributing to a wide array of Air Force operations. Its expertise and dedication have been instrumental in maintaining the effectiveness and success of the "Gunfighters" of the 366th Fighter Wing.

The 36th Rescue Flight (36th RQF) is a United States Air Force unit that traces its origins to the 36th Air Rescue Squadron, activated in the early 1990s. Stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, the unit’s primary mission is to provide combat search and rescue (CSAR), as well as support for survival, evasion, resistance, and escape (SERE) training for aircrew. Utilizing UH-1N Iroquois helicopters, the 36th RQF conducts real-world rescue operations, including civilian search and rescue missions throughout the Pacific Northwest. Over the years, the unit has garnered recognition for its professionalism and dedication to saving lives in both peacetime and contingency operations.

The 38th Combat Support Wing (38 CSW) traces its origins to World War II, when it was first activated as the 38th Bombardment Group in 1940. The unit participated in combat operations in the Pacific Theater, earning numerous campaign streamers before inactivation after the war. Reactivated and redesignated several times during the Cold War, the wing took on roles ranging from missile operations to base support across Europe. In its more recent history, the 38th Combat Support Wing provided vital support functions for U.S. Air Force installations throughout Europe, ensuring mission readiness before its inactivation in 2007.

The 38th Tactical Airlift Squadron (38th TAS) was a United States Air Force unit established during World War II, originally activated as the 38th Troop Carrier Squadron in 1942. The unit participated in key operations in the European Theater, including airborne assaults and resupply missions. During the Cold War, the 38th TAS was reactivated and assigned various tactical airlift roles, primarily operating C-130 Hercules aircraft to support U.S. and allied forces worldwide. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of the post-Cold War force reductions, having earned a distinguished record for its service and operational versatility.

The 3rd Civil Affairs Detachment (3rd CA Det) is a United States Army Reserve unit specializing in civil-military operations and civil affairs support. Activated in the mid-20th century, the detachment has supported both domestic and overseas missions, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and stability operations. Throughout its history, the 3rd CA Det has deployed to various theaters, working alongside local populations, non-governmental organizations, and allied military forces to facilitate reconstruction and governance efforts. The unit is recognized for its adaptability and expertise in bridging the gap between military objectives and civilian needs in complex environments.

Certainly! The 3rd Operations Maintenance Squadron (3rd OMS) was a key support unit within the United States Air Force, historically assigned to the 3rd Wing. Activated during the Cold War, the squadron was primarily responsible for the maintenance and operational readiness of aircraft and ground support equipment, ensuring mission capability for assigned fighter and attack squadrons. Throughout its service, the 3rd OMS supported various operations and deployments, contributing to both training and combat missions in the Pacific and other theaters. The squadron underwent several reorganizations and, like many maintenance units, was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader USAF structural changes.

The 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, traces its origins to the 5th Cavalry, which was constituted in 1855 and has since participated in numerous pivotal conflicts in U.S. military history. Reactivated and redesignated multiple times, the 3rd Squadron saw distinguished service during the Vietnam War, earning several commendations for its reconnaissance and security operations. In the post-Cold War era, the unit has deployed in support of peacekeeping and combat operations, including missions in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, the 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry continues its legacy as a reconnaissance and security force within the U.S. Army, upholding its motto, “Loyalty and Courage.”

The 4000th Aerospace Activities Group (AAG), assigned to the 1st Space Wing (Space Command), was activated at Loring Air Force Base, Maine, in the mid-1980s as part of the U.S. Air Force’s expanding focus on space operations during the final years of the Cold War. The unit’s primary mission included supporting strategic missile warning, space surveillance, and satellite command and control operations, leveraging Loring’s advantageous location for polar orbit coverage. Throughout its tenure, the 4000 AAG played a vital role in integrating ground-based radar and communications systems with national space defense networks. The unit was inactivated in the early 1990s following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent realignment of U.S. space assets and closure of Loring AFB.

The 401st Bombardment Group (BG) was activated in April 1943 as part of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Assigned to the Eighth Air Force and based at Deenethorpe, England, the group flew B-17 Flying Fortresses in strategic bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. The 401st BG participated in key operations, including the bombing of industrial targets in Germany and support for the Normandy invasion. The unit earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its heroic actions before being inactivated in August 1945 after the war’s end.

The 404th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) is a unit of the United States Army Reserve, specializing in civil-military operations. Activated in 1955, the battalion has supported a range of missions, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and stability operations in conflict zones. The 404th has deployed personnel to regions such as the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where they facilitated cooperation between military forces, local governments, and civilian populations. Through its efforts, the battalion has played a critical role in rebuilding infrastructure, restoring essential services, and fostering positive relations with host nations.

The 414th Combat Support Squadron was activated during the height of the Cold War in 1962, originally stationed at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Tasked with providing essential logistics, engineering, and base defense, the squadron ensured operational readiness for both strategic bomber and missile wings. During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the 414th deployed personnel and equipment to support coalition air operations in Southwest Asia. In the 21st century, the unit continues to play a vital role in global contingency operations, adapting to modern warfare’s dynamic requirements.

The 41st Component Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (41st CAMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force primarily tasked with the maintenance and support of aircraft components for its assigned wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the 41st CAMS provided critical maintenance services for the aircraft of the 41st Wing, including periodic inspections, system repairs, and component overhauls. The squadron played a vital role in ensuring the operational readiness of aircraft deployed for both training and combat missions. Eventually, organizational restructuring within the Air Force led to the inactivation or consolidation of many CAMS units, including the 41st, as maintenance functions were realigned under new structures to enhance efficiency.

The 42nd Civil Engineer Squadron (42 CES) is a unit of the United States Air Force, stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Tracing its lineage to various engineering units, 42 CES has played a critical role in providing engineering support, emergency management, and infrastructure maintenance for the base and its tenant organizations. Over the years, the squadron has supported both stateside and deployed operations, ensuring mission readiness for Maxwell’s role in Air University and Air Education and Training Command. The 42 CES is recognized for its rapid response capabilities during natural disasters and its commitment to improving base facilities and quality of life for personnel.

The 42nd Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) Fire Protection Flight, often referred to as "SAC Fire Protection," traces its origins to its critical role under Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Established during the Cold War, the unit was tasked with providing rapid and effective fire response to safeguard key personnel, aircraft, and nuclear assets vital to national security. Over the decades, 42 CES Fire Protection has evolved, incorporating advanced firefighting technology and rigorous training to respond to both structural and aircraft emergencies. Today, the unit continues its legacy of excellence, supporting the mission of the 42nd Air Base Wing and ensuring the safety of Maxwell-Gunter's personnel and resources.

The 4258th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (4258 AMS) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Vietnam War. Stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand, the squadron was primarily responsible for the maintenance and support of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. The 4258 AMS played a critical role in sustaining the air operations of Strategic Air Command missions, including the intensive bombing campaigns of Operation Arc Light and Operation Linebacker. The unit was eventually inactivated in the mid-1970s as U.S. combat operations in Southeast Asia wound down.

The 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron (43 CES) is a unit of the United States Air Force, historically based at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. The squadron has provided critical engineering, emergency services, and base support, enabling rapid deployment and sustainment of airlift operations—especially in support of the XVIII Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Division. Over the years, 43 CES has played a vital role in both stateside and deployed environments, supporting contingency, humanitarian, and combat missions worldwide. Their expertise ranges from infrastructure maintenance to disaster response, embodying the Air Force’s mission to fly, fight, and win.