DONALD GUERTIN

Strategic Air Command

U.S. Air Force

The Strategic Air Command (SAC) was a major command of the United States Air Force that existed from 1946 to 1992. Its primary mission was to provide strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike capabilities during the Cold War. SAC operated a large fleet of bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and reconnaissance aircraft to fulfill its mission. The command played a key role in maintaining the balance of power between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

The 97th Supply Squadron was originally constituted during World War II, supporting the logistical needs of the 97th Bombardment Group in the European Theater. After the war, the unit was inactivated but later reactivated during the Cold War as part of the Strategic Air Command at various stateside bases, including Biggs Air Force Base, Texas. Its mission focused on providing supply chain management, materiel support, and logistics readiness for bomber and refueling operations. Today, the 97th Supply Squadron operates as part of the 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, continuing its legacy of supporting Air Force mobility and training missions.

The 3rd Supply Squadron was an essential logistics unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during World War II to provide critical supply and materiel support to combat units. Its primary mission was to manage and distribute equipment, spare parts, and provisions, ensuring operational readiness for flying and support squadrons. Over the decades, the 3rd Supply Squadron played a vital role in supporting various operations and deployments, adapting to advances in logistics and supply chain management. Eventually, its functions were integrated into larger logistics and support organizations as part of Air Force restructuring and modernization efforts.