Steven Sanson

The 363rd Fighter Wing was first activated during World War II as the 363rd Fighter Group in 1943, serving in the European Theater with the Ninth Air Force and flying reconnaissance and escort missions. After the war, the unit underwent several redesignations, including a period as a tactical reconnaissance wing during the Cold War. It became the 363rd Tactical Fighter Wing, operating from Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, where it flew aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The wing played an active role in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, conducting combat missions over Iraq and Kuwait. The 363rd was inactivated in 1993, but its heritage continues through various successor units.

The 363rd Supply Squadron was an integral support unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during the post-World War II era. It was primarily assigned to the 363rd Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The squadron provided logistics, supply chain management, and materiel support to ensure the operational readiness of combat aircraft and personnel. Over the decades, the 363rd Supply Squadron played a critical role during the Cold War and participated in various contingencies until its inactivation as part of broader Air Force restructuring initiatives.

The 1836th Engineering Installation Group (1836 EIG) is a specialized unit within the United States Air Force, known for its expertise in engineering, installing, and maintaining critical communications and information systems infrastructure. Established during the Cold War era, the unit has played a vital role in supporting Air Force operations by ensuring robust and secure communications capabilities at home and abroad. Over the decades, the 1836 EIG has deployed to numerous locations around the world, providing rapid-response support for both peacetime and contingency operations. Through its technical proficiency and dedication, the unit continues to be an essential component of the Air Force’s global communications network.

The 449th Supply Squadron was an integral support unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated during the Cold War era. Assigned to the 449th Bombardment Wing at Kincheloe Air Force Base, Michigan, the squadron provided essential materiel management, supply distribution, and logistical support for the wing's strategic bomber operations. Throughout its service, the 449th Supply Squadron ensured the readiness and sustainment of B-52 Stratofortress aircraft and associated mission equipment. The squadron was inactivated alongside the wing in 1977, following the closure of Kincheloe AFB and reductions in the Strategic Air Command’s force structure.

The 51st Tactical Fighter Wing (51 TFW) was originally activated as the 51st Fighter Wing in 1948, serving in the Far East during the early years of the Cold War. The wing gained distinction during the Korean War, flying F-80 and F-86 aircraft, and becoming one of the top scoring units against enemy MiGs. In the post-Korean War era, the 51 TFW transitioned through various aircraft and missions, maintaining air defense readiness in the Pacific region. Today, redesignated as the 51st Fighter Wing, it is based at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and plays a vital role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula.

The 3380th Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) was a unit of the United States Air Force, primarily stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Activated during the Cold War era, the 3380th CES was responsible for providing essential engineering, construction, and base maintenance support for the training mission at Keesler AFB. The squadron ensured operational readiness by maintaining infrastructure, supporting disaster response, and facilitating rapid repairs to base facilities. Over the years, its personnel played a crucial role in supporting both day-to-day operations and emergency contingencies at one of the Air Force’s premier technical training installations.

The 21st Airforce Supply Squadron was established in the early 1950s to provide critical logistical and materiel support to air operations during the early years of the Cold War. Stationed primarily at key USAF bases in Europe and the United States, the squadron specialized in the rapid procurement, storage, and distribution of aviation parts, fuel, and munitions. Throughout its service, the 21st Airforce Supply Squadron played a vital role in supporting both peacetime operations and crisis responses, including the Berlin Airlift and later NATO exercises. The unit was eventually reorganized in the 1990s as part of broader Air Force logistics modernization efforts, with its legacy continuing in successor supply and logistics units.

The 322nd Airlift Division was an integral unit of the United States Air Force, first established during World War II in 1944 as the 322nd Troop Carrier Wing. Reactivated and redesignated several times, it played a significant role during the Cold War, overseeing tactical and strategic airlift operations throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The Division was instrumental in supporting NATO missions, humanitarian relief efforts, and rapid mobility exercises, demonstrating exceptional logistic capabilities. Headquartered at Ramstein Air Base, Germany for much of its history, the 322nd Airlift Division was inactivated in 1992 following post-Cold War organizational restructuring.

The 3380th Maintenance and Supply Group was a United States Air Force unit established at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, in the post-World War II era. Tasked with providing logistical, maintenance, and supply support, the group played a crucial role in sustaining the operations of Keesler’s technical training mission. Throughout its existence, the 3380th supported a range of aircraft and training activities, ensuring operational readiness and efficiency. The group was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of broader Air Force restructuring efforts in the latter half of the 20th century.

The 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, known as the "Wolf Pack," is a distinguished unit of the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) with a storied history dating back to its activation in 1948. During the Vietnam War, the wing became renowned for its combat effectiveness while operating out of Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, flying F-4 Phantom II aircraft on interdiction, air superiority, and close air support missions. Under the legendary leadership of Colonel Robin Olds, the 8th TFW achieved significant aerial victories and played a pivotal role in Operation Bolo, a successful effort to lure and destroy North Vietnamese MiGs. Today, the 8th Fighter Wing is based at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, and continues its legacy of readiness and deterrence with modern F-16 Fighting Falcons.

42nd Air Base Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 42nd Air Base Wing is a United States Air Force unit located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. It is responsible for providing support services to over 21,000 military personnel, civilians, and their families. The wing also provides base operations, security, and medical services for all personnel stationed at Maxwell AFB. In addition, they support various tenant units and organizations on the base.