About this Unit
The 7350th Security Police Squadron was a United States Air Force unit primarily stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, during the Cold War era. Established in the late 1960s, the squadron was tasked with providing law enforcement, security, and force protection for critical USAF assets and personnel in Europe, particularly during heightened tensions with the Warsaw Pact. The 7350th Security Police played a key role in safeguarding nuclear storage sites, flight lines, and supporting NATO operations. In the early 1990s, as part of post-Cold War restructuring, the unit was inactivated and its responsibilities were transferred to successor security forces squadrons.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 7350th Security Police Squadron was activated in the early 1950s at Rhein-Main Air Base, West Germany, a strategic hub for U.S. Air Force operations during the Cold War.
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Cold War Role: The unit played a critical role in securing U.S. assets and personnel during heightened tensions with the Soviet Union, particularly in the divided city of Frankfurt.
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Operation "Vittles": Members of the 7350th provided vital security for aircraft and aircrews involved in the Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles) after World War II.
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Specialized Training: The squadron received advanced training in counter-sabotage, anti-terrorism, and rapid response due to the ever-present threat of espionage and terrorist attacks in Europe.
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VIP Security: The 7350th frequently provided security for visiting dignitaries, including U.S. presidents, NATO officials, and other high-profile military leaders transiting through Rhein-Main.
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Post-World War II Era: The unit helped maintain order and enforce U.S. military regulations during the occupation period and the subsequent rebuilding of West Germany.
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Notable Incident: In the 1970s, members of the 7350th helped thwart an attempted terrorist attack at Rhein-Main, believed to be orchestrated by the Red Army Faction (RAF).
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K-9 Units: The squadron operated one of the largest and most effective military working dog programs in Europe, specializing in explosives detection and perimeter security.
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International Cooperation: The 7350th often worked alongside German Polizei and other NATO forces, fostering international military police cooperation and joint training exercises.
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Legacy: After the end of the Cold War and the closure of Rhein-Main Air Base in 2005, the 7350th Security Police's traditions and honors were absorbed by successor units, leaving a lasting legacy in USAF security operations in Europe.
