Philip Lightle

The **50th Tactical Fighter Wing** was a prominent United States Air Force unit stationed at Hahn Air Base, Germany, during the Cold War. Reactivated in 1953, the wing was tasked with providing air defense and tactical support for NATO forces in Europe, initially flying F-86 Sabres before transitioning to F-100 Super Sabres, F-4 Phantoms, and eventually the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Throughout its tenure at Hahn, the 50th TFW played a critical role in maintaining NATO’s deterrent posture against Warsaw Pact aggression. The wing was inactivated in 1991 following the end of the Cold War and the subsequent drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe.

**Basic/Tech School** serves as a foundational training unit primarily within the United States Air Force and other service branches. Established to provide newly enlisted personnel with essential military discipline and technical skills, Basic Military Training (BMT) began at locations such as Lackland Air Force Base during World War II. Upon completion of BMT, airmen proceed to Technical School, where they receive specialized instruction in their designated career fields, ranging from aircraft maintenance to cybersecurity. Over the decades, Basic/Tech School has continually adapted its curriculum to meet evolving operational demands, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for both military life and their technical roles.

The **1606th Air Base Wing** was an Air Force unit activated in October 1980, serving as the host unit at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The wing provided essential base support functions, including security, logistics, civil engineering, and personnel services for both tenant and visiting units. It played a vital role in supporting the Air Force's nuclear weapons, research, and testing missions at Kirtland. The 1606th Air Base Wing was inactivated in January 1993, when its responsibilities were assumed by the 377th Air Base Wing as part of an Air Force reorganization.

28th Bomb Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 28th Bomb Wing is a unit of the United States Air Force, based at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. It is responsible for operating and maintaining the B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft. The wing is also tasked with providing combat-ready forces for global strike operations. In addition, the 28th Bomb Wing supports various national security interests and delivers lethal, precise firepower when called upon.