Michael Sellers

The 146th Airlift Wing (146 AW) is a unit of the California Air National Guard, stationed at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station near Oxnard, California. Established in 1943 as the 373rd Fighter Group, the unit has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, notably transitioning to airlift operations in the post-World War II era. The 146th AW has participated in numerous humanitarian and combat missions, including aerial firefighting with its Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS), disaster relief, and overseas deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Today, the wing operates the C-130J Hercules, providing tactical airlift capabilities to both state and federal missions.

The 401st Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) was first activated in 1957 as part of the United States Air Force, initially stationed at England Air Force Base, Louisiana. It played a significant role during the Cold War, deploying to Europe and providing air defense and tactical fighter support for NATO, notably operating out of Torrejon Air Base, Spain, from 1966. The wing flew various aircraft over its history, including the F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, and F-16 Fighting Falcon, adapting to evolving combat requirements. The 401st TFW was inactivated in 1994, marking the end of its distinguished service in both peacetime and crisis operations.

The 93rd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (93rd OMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force assigned to the 93rd Bombardment Wing at Castle Air Force Base, California. Activated during the Cold War, its primary mission was to provide maintenance support for the wing’s fleet of B-52 Stratofortress bombers, ensuring their readiness for strategic deterrence operations. The 93rd OMS played a critical role in sustaining aircraft availability during major exercises and alert commitments throughout the 1950s to the 1990s. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of the post-Cold War drawdown and restructuring of Air Force strategic forces.

The 922nd Radio Relay Squadron (RRS) was a United States Air Force unit specializing in communications and signal relay operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron played a vital role in maintaining long-range radio communications for command and control across various USAF theaters. The 922nd RRS was often deployed to strategic locations, providing critical support for both peacetime and contingency operations. Over its years of service, the unit contributed significantly to the effectiveness and reliability of Air Force communications before its eventual inactivation.

315th Airlift Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 315th Airlift Wing is a unit within the United States Air Force Reserves, based at Joint Base Charleston in South Carolina. The primary mission of the 315th Airlift Wing is to provide global airlift capabilities in support of various U.S. military operations and humanitarian efforts. The Wing operates C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, which are used to transport troops, supplies, and equipment to locations around the world. In addition to its operational missions, the 315th Airlift Wing also plays a key role in training and preparing reserve forces for their roles in national defense.

The 932nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was a United States Air Force unit activated during the early Cold War period. Established in 1952, the squadron was primarily responsible for operating radar sites to provide early warning and air defense against potential airborne threats. Stationed at various locations, including Fuchu Air Station in Japan, the 932nd AC&W played a vital role in monitoring and securing the airspace in the Pacific region. The squadron was inactivated in 1960 as part of a broader reorganization and modernization of air defense systems.

The 35th Tactical Fighter Wing (35th TFW) traces its origins to World War II, initially activated as the 35th Fighter Group in 1940. It saw extensive combat in the Pacific Theater, supporting Allied operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. Reactivated and redesignated as the 35th TFW during the Cold War, the unit played a significant role in the Vietnam War, flying F-100 Super Sabres and later F-4 Phantoms from bases in Southeast Asia. Throughout its history, the 35th TFW has demonstrated adaptability and valor, contributing to U.S. airpower across multiple conflicts and regions.

The 81st Tactical Fighter Wing (81st TAC) was a United States Air Force unit activated during World War II and later reactivated during the Cold War. Initially formed as the 81st Fighter Group in 1942, it participated in combat operations in the Mediterranean Theater. During the Cold War, the unit was stationed at RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge in the United Kingdom, where it played a significant role in NATO’s air defense with aircraft such as the F-101 Voodoo and A-10 Thunderbolt II. The 81st TAC was inactivated in 1993 following the post-Cold War drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe.