Gary Thompson

The 388th Wing, stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, traces its origins to World War II, when it was activated as the 388th Bombardment Group in 1942 and served in the European Theater. Reactivated and redesignated several times over the decades, the unit has played a prominent role in tactical fighter operations, flying aircraft such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Today, the 388th Wing is a leading combat unit, operating the advanced F-35A Lightning II to provide air superiority, global strike, and rapid deployment capabilities for the U.S. Air Force. The Wing’s Weapons Standardization Section (WSS) ensures the highest standards of munitions and weapons system proficiency, supporting both training and operational missions.

The 432nd Wing, originally activated as the 432nd Observation Group in 1943, has a distinguished history within the United States Air Force. Over the decades, it has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, including service in Vietnam as a tactical reconnaissance and fighter wing. In 2007, the unit was reactivated at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, as the 432nd Wing, becoming the first U.S. Air Force unit dedicated solely to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations. Today, the 432nd Wing operates MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-170 Sentinel drones, providing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike capabilities in support of U.S. and allied operations worldwide.

The **8th Wing**, known as the "Wolf Pack," is a United States Air Force unit stationed at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Activated in 1948, the wing has a storied history, including distinguished service during the Korean War, where it conducted tactical fighter operations. At Kunsan AB, the 8th Wing's mission focuses on maintaining combat readiness and deterring aggression on the Korean Peninsula. The **Wing Staff Squadron (WSS)** supports the wing’s leadership and operations, ensuring the seamless coordination of base functions and mission success in defense of South Korea.

The 8th Aircraft Generation Squadron (AGS), later known as the 8th Weapons System Battalion (WSB), was stationed at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea (ROK), as a key component of the 8th Fighter Wing, also known as the "Wolf Pack." The unit was primarily responsible for the maintenance, generation, and readiness of F-16 aircraft, ensuring combat capability in the face of regional threats. During its tenure at Kunsan AB, the 8th AGS/WSB played a vital role in supporting United States Forces Korea (USFK) and strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance through joint exercises and rapid deployment operations. The unit's contributions significantly enhanced the base's operational effectiveness, maintaining a high state of readiness on the Korean Peninsula.

The 1st Aircraft Generation Squadron (1st AGS) and the 71st Aircraft Maintenance Unit (71st AMU) at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, have played crucial roles in maintaining the combat readiness of the United States Air Force. The 1st AGS, historically part of the 1st Fighter Wing, was responsible for the generation and maintenance of fighter aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, supporting both training and operational missions. The 71st AMU, as a component unit, provided specialized maintenance support to the 71st Fighter Squadron, ensuring their aircraft were mission-capable for rapid deployment and air superiority missions. Over the years, these units have contributed significantly to the Air Force’s operational capabilities, supporting numerous exercises, deployments, and real-world contingencies from Langley AFB.

The 57th Aircraft Generation Squadron (57th AGS) was an essential maintenance unit assigned to the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Activated in the late 20th century, the 57th AGS was responsible for the maintenance, repair, and generation of aircraft supporting the USAF's premier training and tactics development programs, including the prestigious Red Flag exercises. The unit ensured operational readiness of various aircraft, notably supporting aggressor squadrons and advanced fighter training. In the early 2000s, the 57th AGS was inactivated as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, with its functions absorbed by newly structured maintenance groups.

57th Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 57th Wing, based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, is a key component of the United States Air Force’s Air Combat Command. Originally activated in 1941 as the 57th Pursuit Group, it distinguished itself in World War II, particularly in the North African and Italian campaigns. Reactivated and redesignated several times over the decades, the unit now oversees advanced air combat training, including the famed USAF Weapons School and the Aggressor squadrons. Today, the 57th Wing plays a pivotal role in preparing Air Force personnel for modern aerial warfare through exercises such as Red Flag.

57th Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 57th Wing, based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, is a key component of the United States Air Force’s Air Combat Command. Originally activated in 1941 as the 57th Pursuit Group, it distinguished itself in World War II, particularly in the North African and Italian campaigns. Reactivated and redesignated several times over the decades, the unit now oversees advanced air combat training, including the famed USAF Weapons School and the Aggressor squadrons. Today, the 57th Wing plays a pivotal role in preparing Air Force personnel for modern aerial warfare through exercises such as Red Flag.

The 46th Test Wing, headquartered at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, was a key unit within the U.S. Air Force responsible for the developmental testing and evaluation of air-delivered weapons, navigation, and guidance systems. Its Armament Flight (Arm. Flt.) specialized in the assessment and improvement of advanced munitions and armament systems, ensuring operational effectiveness and reliability. The Wing played a crucial role in testing cutting-edge weapon technologies that enhanced the combat capabilities of the Air Force. In 2012, the 46th Test Wing was inactivated and its mission and personnel were integrated into the 96th Test Wing as part of an Air Force Materiel Command restructuring.

The 49th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (49th FIS) was an active United States Air Force unit primarily tasked with air defense missions during the Cold War. Originally activated in 1941, the squadron saw service in World War II, operating in the Pacific Theater. Reactivated during the Cold War, the 49th FIS was stationed at Griffiss Air Force Base, New York, where it flew aircraft such as the F-106 Delta Dart to protect northeastern U.S. airspace. The unit was inactivated in 1987 as part of a broader restructuring of continental air defense forces.

3rd Wing 

U.S. Air Force

The 3rd Wing is a United States Air Force unit stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska. It is responsible for providing air defense, combat search and rescue, and aerial transportation support in the Pacific region. The wing is equipped with F-22 Raptor stealth fighters, C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, and HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters. Additionally, the 3rd Wing conducts regular training exercises to maintain readiness for any potential threats in the region.