Michael Winderbaum

The **913th Tactical Airlift Group** was a unit of the United States Air Force Reserve, activated in 1963 at Willow Grove Naval Air Station, Pennsylvania. Originally equipped with Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcars, the group was tasked with providing tactical airlift support, including troop and cargo transport, airdrop missions, and aeromedical evacuation. In the 1970s, the unit transitioned to the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, enhancing its capabilities and increasing its role in numerous training exercises and operational missions, both domestically and overseas. The 913th was inactivated in 2007 as part of Air Force restructuring but was later reactivated as the 913th Airlift Group, continuing its legacy of providing vital air mobility support.

The 380th Bomb Wing (380th BW) was originally activated during World War II as the 380th Bombardment Group, flying B-24 Liberators in the Southwest Pacific and earning two Distinguished Unit Citations for its combat achievements. Reactivated during the Cold War, the unit operated B-47 Stratojets at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York, as part of Strategic Air Command’s nuclear deterrence mission. The 380th BW was later stationed at Plattsburgh from 1963 to 1995, flying B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers. The wing was inactivated in 1995 following post-Cold War force reductions, but its lineage continues today as the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, providing air refueling, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in the Middle East.

BMTS Academics at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, is a vital component of Basic Military Training for the United States Air Force. Established to provide academic instruction and support, the unit ensures that new Airmen gain essential knowledge in Air Force history, customs, courtesies, and core values. Over the decades, BMTS Academics has adapted its curriculum to address evolving military requirements and technological advancements. Its mission is critical in preparing recruits not only physically, but intellectually for the demands of Air Force service.

52nd Fighter Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 52nd Fighter Wing is a United States Air Force unit based at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany. It is equipped with F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and is tasked with supporting NATO allies and deterring aggression in Europe. The wing is also responsible for providing air support for U.S. and coalition ground forces. Additionally, the 52nd Fighter Wing conducts training exercises and participates in international partnerships to promote stability and security in the region.

Lowry Air Force Base (AFB), located in Denver, Colorado, was established in 1938 and named after 2nd Lt. Francis Lowry, a Denver native and World War I aviator. Initially serving as a technical training center, Lowry AFB played a critical role during World War II, providing training for bombardiers, photographers, and later, missile crews during the Cold War. The base continued its mission as a center for technical and intelligence training throughout the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After more than five decades of service, Lowry AFB was officially closed in 1994 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.