Here’s a broad overview of key U.S. Air Force units and squadrons from 1899 to 2024, including some online associations and resources where available. This list is not exhaustive but highlights some significant units.
1. Early Aviation and the Predecessors to the Air Force (1899-1917)
- Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps (1907-1914): The first organization dedicated to military aviation in the U.S.
- 1st Aero Squadron (1913-Present): The oldest Air Force squadron, originally formed as part of the Signal Corps.
Resources:
- [National Museum of the U.S. Air Force - Early History](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/195467/aeronautical-division-us-signal-corps)
- [Air Force Historical Research Agency](https://www.airforcehistoryindex.org)
2. World War I Era (1917-1918)
- American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) Air Service
- 94th Aero Squadron (1917-Present): Known for its role in WWI, especially with the "Hat in the Ring" insignia.
Resources:
- [The Aviation History Online Museum - WWI](https://www.aviation-history.com/airwar/ww1.html)
- [WWI Aviation Resources - National Archives](https://www.archives.gov/research/military/ww1)
3. Interwar Period and WWII (1919-1945)
- 8th Air Force (1942-Present): Played a crucial role in the European theater during WWII.
- 15th Air Force (1943-Present): Another major WWII unit, operating in the Mediterranean theater.
- 49th Fighter Group (1942-Present): Renowned for its role in the Pacific Theater.
Resources:
- [8th Air Force Historical Society](https://www.8thafhs.org)
- [15th Air Force Association](https://15thafassociation.org)
- [49th Fighter Group Association](https://www.49thfg.org)
4. Cold War Era (1947-1991)
- Strategic Air Command (SAC) (1946-1992): Responsible for strategic bombing and nuclear deterrence.
- Tactical Air Command (TAC) (1946-1992): Focused on tactical air operations.
- Air Mobility Command (AMC) (1993-Present): Provides rapid strategic airlift capabilities.
Resources:
- [Air Force Historical Support Division - SAC](https://www.afhso.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/107032/strategic-air-command-sac)
- [Air Mobility Command - Official Site](https://www.amc.af.mil)
5. Modern Era (1991-Present)
- Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) (1990-Present): Provides special operations capabilities.
- Air Combat Command (ACC) (1993-Present): Oversees air combat and combat support.
- Space Force (2020-Present): A new branch focusing on space operations, originally part of the Air Force.
Resources:
- [Air Force Special Operations Command](https://www.afsoc.af.mil)
- [Air Combat Command](https://www.acc.af.mil)
- [U.S. Space Force](https://www.spaceforce.mil)
General Resources
- [Air Force Historical Research Agency](https://www.airforcehistoryindex.org): Comprehensive repository of Air Force history.
- [National Museum of the U.S. Air Force](https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil): Offers detailed information and exhibits on Air Force history and units.
- [Air Force Association](https://www.afa.org): Supports and informs about the Air Force and its units.
These units and resources represent a mix of historical and current entities, reflecting the evolving role of air power in the U.S. military. For detailed, specific information about each unit, visiting the official websites and historical archives is the best approach.