Larry Simon

20th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 20th Fighter Wing is a unit of the United States Air Force based at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. It is responsible for providing combat-ready airpower and support to combatant commanders worldwide. The wing operates and maintains F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and is tasked with executing the Air Force's Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission. In addition to its wartime responsibilities, the 20th Fighter Wing also participates in a variety of peacetime operations and exercises to maintain readiness and interoperability with allied forces.

944th Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 944th Fighter Wing (944 FW) is an Air Force Reserve Command unit stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Established in 1963, the unit has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, eventually focusing on fighter training and operations. Throughout its history, the 944 FW has supported various contingencies and operations, providing combat-ready airmen and aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon and, more recently, the F-35 Lightning II. The wing plays a vital role in training reserve and active-duty pilots, ensuring the continued readiness and effectiveness of U.S. airpower.

The 607th Tactical Control Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1978 at Taegu Air Base, South Korea. Its primary mission was to provide tactical command and control of air operations in support of United States and Republic of Korea forces. The squadron operated radar and communications equipment to coordinate airspace and direct combat and support missions, playing a crucial role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula during the Cold War. The 607th was inactivated in 1992 as part of broader post-Cold War force reductions and command restructuring in the region.

Imported from legacy system. Member count: 10

The 71st Tactical Control Flight was a United States Air Force unit responsible for providing tactical air control and radar operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the unit played a vital role in directing fighter and attack aircraft for air defense and ground support missions. The 71st TCF was equipped with mobile radar systems and communications gear, enabling rapid deployment and setup in various theaters of operation. The unit was ultimately inactivated as advances in technology and changes in military doctrine led to the consolidation of tactical control capabilities.

The 20th Transportation Squadron was activated in 1948 at Wiesbaden Air Base, Germany, as part of the United States Air Force’s efforts to support post-World War II operations in Europe. Originally tasked with providing airlift and logistical support during the Berlin Airlift, the unit played a key role in transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies across the European theater. Over the decades, the squadron underwent several reassignments and redesignations, adapting to evolving Air Force missions and technological advancements. The 20th Transportation Squadron was eventually inactivated, with its lineage and honors carried on by successor units within the Air Force’s transportation and logistics structure.