Randall Ricker

The 150th Fighter Wing, originally established as the 150th Fighter Group in 1957, is a unit of the New Mexico Air National Guard based at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Throughout its history, the wing has operated a variety of fighter aircraft, including the F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, and F-16 Fighting Falcon. The unit has participated in multiple federal activations, supporting both overseas deployments and homeland defense missions. In 2010, the unit transitioned from a flying mission to an associate role as the 150th Special Operations Wing, partnering with the active-duty 58th Special Operations Wing to provide training and support in special operations and search and rescue.

The 20th Tactical Fighter Wing (20 TFW) was originally activated in 1947 as part of the United States Air Force. The unit served prominently during the Cold War, stationed at various bases in Europe, including RAF Wethersfield and RAF Upper Heyford in the United Kingdom, where it provided air defense and tactical fighter capabilities for NATO. Flying aircraft such as the F-100 Super Sabre, F-111 Aardvark, and later the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the 20 TFW participated in numerous training exercises and maintained a high state of combat readiness. In 1993, the wing was inactivated at RAF Upper Heyford but was later reactivated at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, continuing its legacy as the 20th Fighter Wing.

The 27th Fighter Wing was established in 1947 as part of the post-World War II reorganization of the United States Air Force. Initially stationed at Kearney Army Airfield, Nebraska, the wing was equipped with the F-51 Mustang before transitioning to jet aircraft such as the F-84 Thunderjet. Throughout the Korean War, the 27th Fighter Wing played a significant role in providing air support and escort missions. Over the decades, the wing has been based at various locations and flown multiple advanced fighter aircraft, continuing its legacy of excellence in air combat and defense operations.

The 432nd Munitions Maintenance Squadron (432nd MMS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for the storage, maintenance, and handling of munitions. Activated during the early years of the Cold War, the squadron played a vital role in supporting tactical fighter wings, notably the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at bases such as Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base during the Vietnam War. The 432nd MMS ensured the safe and effective delivery of ordnance for combat missions, contributing to U.S. air operations in Southeast Asia. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader force reductions and organizational changes post-Vietnam.