George Wessler

The 60th Military Airlift Wing (60th MAW) was activated on 1 January 1966 at Travis Air Force Base, California, as part of the Military Airlift Command. Throughout the Vietnam War and the Cold War era, the wing provided global airlift support, transporting troops, equipment, and humanitarian aid across the Pacific and worldwide. The 60th MAW operated a variety of aircraft, including the C-141 Starlifter and the C-5 Galaxy, playing a crucial role in strategic airlift operations. In 1991, following organizational changes, the wing was redesignated as the 60th Airlift Wing, continuing its legacy of rapid global mobility.

The 177th Fighter Wing is a unit of the New Jersey Air National Guard, stationed at Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, New Jersey. Established in 1958, its origins trace back to earlier fighter squadrons tasked with air defense missions during the Cold War. Over the decades, the 177th has operated various aircraft, including the F-106 Delta Dart and currently the F-16 Fighting Falcon, reflecting its evolving mission of homeland defense and federal taskings. The wing has supported both domestic operations, such as disaster relief, and overseas deployments, participating in Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and other missions worldwide.

The 60th Field Maintenance Squadron (60th FMS) was a vital support unit assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, California. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was responsible for maintaining and repairing a diverse fleet of aircraft, including C-5 Galaxies, KC-10 Extenders, and C-141 Starlifters. Throughout its history, the 60th FMS played a crucial role in ensuring aircraft readiness for global airlift and refueling missions, supporting operations from Vietnam through Operation Desert Storm and beyond. The unit exemplified technical excellence and teamwork until its functions were eventually merged into broader maintenance groups during Air Force organizational restructuring.

628th Air Base Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 628th Air Base Wing is a United States Air Force unit based at Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina. It serves as the host unit for the base and provides support for its various tenant commands. The wing is responsible for ensuring the base operates smoothly and efficiently, supporting the mission of providing rapid global mobility for the Air Force. It also plays a key role in supporting the local community and maintaining positive relationships with surrounding civilian populations.

The 438th Military Airlift Wing (MAW) was an active unit of the United States Air Force, originally established in the Air Force Reserve in 1949. It was activated during the Korean War, providing vital airlift support for troops and equipment. The wing was later re-designated and stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, where it played a key role in worldwide airlift operations, including humanitarian missions and support for global contingencies. The 438th MAW was inactivated in the 1990s as part of post-Cold War force reductions, with its legacy carried on by successor mobility and airlift units.