United States Air Force (USAF) Military Units

Quick Links to USAF Tactical Fighter Wings in Europe:

20th Tactical Fighter Wing History 

38th Tactical Bombardment Wing Tactical Missile Wing History 

48th Tactical Fighter Wing History

485th Tactical Missile Wing History

81st Tactical Fighter Wing History

NATO Tiger Meets History

The United States Air Force (USAF) was established as an independent military service on 18 September 1947, evolving from the United States Army Air Forces that had played a decisive role during the Second World War. Since then, the USAF has become one of the world's most advanced air forces, responsible for air superiority, global strike capability, reconnaissance, air mobility, missile operations, space support and combat search and rescue.

Throughout the Cold War, the USAF maintained a significant presence around the world, particularly in Europe through the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE). Fighter wings, reconnaissance squadrons, missile units and support organisations were stationed across the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey and other NATO nations to deter aggression and support allied operations.

The collection on this website focuses heavily on the units, aircraft and personnel that served during this period. Many of the original patches and insignia featured here were worn by airmen assigned to tactical fighter wings, fighter squadrons, missile wings, maintenance organisations, transportation squadrons, security police units and specialist support groups.

USAF units have operated many iconic aircraft including the F-84 Thunderjet, F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, F-101 Voodoo, F-4 Phantom II, F-111 Aardvark, A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. These aircraft and the units that flew them played a vital role in NATO air power throughout the Cold War and beyond.

This section allows you to explore USAF military units by wing, squadron, aircraft, mission type and period of service. Whether researching a specific unit history, identifying a patch or building a collection of original insignia, these pages provide an introduction to the organisations that shaped United States Air Force operations around the world.

Explore USAF Military Units

Fighter Wings and Squadrons

Explore tactical fighter wings, fighter squadrons and combat units stationed throughout the United States, Europe and overseas locations.

Missile Wings and Missile Squadrons

Discover Ground Launched Cruise Missile units, tactical missile wings and strategic missile organisations that formed an important part of NATO's Cold War deterrent.

Reconnaissance Units

Learn about reconnaissance wings and squadrons that gathered intelligence and supported military operations across Europe and beyond.

Support and Maintenance Units

Explore transportation, maintenance, munitions, medical, communications and logistics organisations that supported flying operations.

Security Police and Combat Support Units

Browse security police groups, combat support organisations and specialist units responsible for protecting personnel, aircraft and installations.

Training and Test Units

Discover training organisations, operational conversion units and test squadrons that developed future USAF capabilities.

Select a category below to explore original patches, insignia and historical information relating to United States Air Force units from the Cold War to the present day.

• Fighter Wings & Squadrons
• Missile Wings & Squadrons
• Reconnaissance Units
• Support & Maintenance Units
• Security Police Units
• Training & Test Units