Dan Boyd

The 35th Fighter Squadron (35th FS), known as the "Pantons," was activated in 1940 and played a significant role in World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater with distinction. The squadron flew various fighter aircraft, including the P-40 Warhawk and P-51 Mustang, supporting Allied operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. During the Korean War, the 35th FS flew F-80 Shooting Stars and F-51 Mustangs, providing close air support and conducting interdiction missions. Today, the squadron is based at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, operating F-16 Fighting Falcons as part of the 8th Fighter Wing and maintaining readiness to support United States and allied defense commitments on the Korean Peninsula.

The 6151st Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (CAMS) was an integral United States Air Force unit stationed at Osan Air Base, South Korea, during the Korean War and the early Cold War years. Activated in the early 1950s, the squadron was responsible for providing comprehensive aircraft maintenance support for fighter and reconnaissance units operating in the region. The 6151st CAMS played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of various aircraft, including the F-86 Sabre, which was vital for air superiority missions. The squadron’s efforts contributed significantly to the sustained air operations and deterrence posture of U.S. forces on the Korean Peninsula during a period of heightened tension.

The 37th Bomb Squadron, originally activated in 1917, is one of the oldest bomber units in the United States Air Force. It participated in World War I and later distinguished itself in World War II, flying B-17 Flying Fortress missions in the European Theater. During the Cold War, the squadron operated various strategic bombers, including the B-47 Stratojet and the B-52 Stratofortress. Today, the 37th Bomb Squadron is based at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and operates the B-1B Lancer, maintaining a key role in global strike capabilities.

The 11th Tactical Air Support Squadron (11th TASS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily active during the Vietnam War. Established in 1963, the squadron was tasked with forward air control (FAC) missions, directing airstrikes and providing close air support for ground forces. Flying aircraft such as the O-2 Skymaster and OV-10 Bronco, the 11th TASS operated extensively in Southeast Asia, supporting U.S. and allied ground operations. The unit was inactivated in 1973 following the drawdown of American involvement in Vietnam.

The 355th Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS) was a key maintenance unit assigned to the 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. Activated in the late 20th century, the squadron was responsible for maintaining, servicing, and generating combat-ready A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The 355th AGS played a crucial role in supporting operations and deployments, ensuring aircraft were mission-ready for training and combat missions. In 2002, as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, the squadron was inactivated and its functions were incorporated into newly structured Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons (AMXS).

The 355th Fighter Squadron (355th FS), known as the "Fightin' Falcons," was activated in November 1942 and distinguished itself during World War II as part of the Eighth Air Force in Europe, flying P-47 Thunderbolts and later P-51 Mustangs on bomber escort and ground attack missions. After World War II, the squadron was inactivated and reactivated several times, participating in the Vietnam War operating F-105 Thunderchiefs out of Thailand. Over the decades, the 355th FS has flown a variety of aircraft, including the A-10 Thunderbolt II, supporting close air support missions. Today, the squadron remains an integral part of the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and continues its legacy of excellence in fighter operations.

The 31st Aircraft Generation Squadron (31st AGS) was a vital maintenance unit within the United States Air Force, originally assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing. Activated in the 1990s at Aviano Air Base, Italy, the squadron was responsible for the generation, servicing, and maintenance of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The 31st AGS played a crucial support role during multiple NATO operations, including Operation Allied Force in 1999, ensuring mission readiness and aircraft availability. In the early 2000s, as part of an Air Force-wide restructuring, the 31st AGS was inactivated and its responsibilities were absorbed by the newly formed Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

The 84th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (84th FIS) was an active unit of the United States Air Force, originally constituted during World War II as the 84th Pursuit Squadron in 1942. It served in the European Theater, flying combat missions with P-47 Thunderbolts, before inactivation in 1945. Reactivated during the Cold War, the squadron was assigned to the Air Defense Command, equipped with various interceptor aircraft including the F-86 Sabre and F-106 Delta Dart, and tasked with defending U.S. airspace from potential Soviet threats. The 84th FIS was eventually inactivated in 1985 as air defense priorities shifted and newer technologies emerged.

The **51st Operations Group (51st OG)** is a key component of the United States Air Force, currently assigned to the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base, South Korea. Originally activated as the 51st Pursuit Group in 1941, the unit distinguished itself in World War II and later the Korean War, flying combat missions and earning numerous citations for valor. Reactivated during the Cold War and reorganized under the Objective Wing structure in 1992, the 51st OG continues to provide air defense and offensive air capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. Today, it operates advanced fighter aircraft, maintaining readiness to defend the Republic of Korea and support U.S. interests in the region.

The 43rd Munitions Maintenance Squadron (43rd MMS) was a United States Air Force unit responsible for the storage, maintenance, and handling of nuclear and conventional munitions during the Cold War. Activated in the 1950s, it was originally assigned to support the 43rd Bombardment Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. The squadron played a critical role in ensuring the readiness and reliability of the wing’s Strategic Air Command bombers by maintaining their armament. The unit was inactivated in the late 1960s as part of Air Force restructuring and changes in the nation's strategic deterrence posture.

The 343rd Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS) was a unit of the United States Air Force primarily assigned to the 343rd Wing at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The squadron was responsible for the maintenance and generation of assigned aircraft, ensuring their readiness for missions and operations, particularly supporting A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. Throughout its operational history, the 343rd AGS played a vital role in sustaining air combat capabilities in the Arctic region during the late Cold War and post-Cold War periods. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of Air Force reorganization and restructuring efforts.

The 8th Maintenance Squadron (8th MXS) is a vital unit within the 8th Fighter Wing, stationed at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea. Tasked with providing intermediate-level maintenance, the 8th MXS supports the wing’s F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet through aircraft component repair, fabrication, munitions, and maintenance support. The unit traces its heritage to the Korean War era, adapting over decades to advances in aircraft technology and mission requirements. The 8th MXS’s skilled personnel ensure the Wolf Pack’s readiness and rapid response capability in defense of the Korean Peninsula.

The 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron (19th TASS) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Vietnam War era. Established in 1963, the squadron's primary mission was to provide forward air control (FAC) and close air support (CAS) for ground forces, operating mainly the O-1 Bird Dog and later the O-2 Skymaster aircraft. The 19th TASS played a crucial role in directing air strikes, reconnaissance, and coordinating air-ground operations across Southeast Asia, particularly in South Vietnam and Laos. The squadron was inactivated in 1972 following the drawdown of U.S. operations in the region.