United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978

Midland Pub Ltd. Very Good+. 2005. First Edition. Softcover. 1857801970 . Ex-library book but still in great condition - sturdy laminated cover and usual ex-lib type of markings. Pages clean and tight. One library stamp was marked out on top edge and this can be seen a bit on the very top edge of some pages. Cover has some scuffing but otherwise wear is very light. Illustrated in colour & b/w. ; 4to 11" - 13" tall; 260 pages; This book has been written to help aviation historians, photographers, enthusiasts, and history buffs to correctly identify the units to which US Air Force aircraft have been assigned to since 1978. In these years, the Air Force has been substantially reduced in size and has undergone dramatic reorganizations at every level. These changes in size and organization have been reflected in the Air Force's aircraft and units. Many aircraft have been retired, units inactivated, and bases closed. On the other hand, the aircraft remaining in service provide a very visible reflection of Air Force restructuring. Many aircraft now wear the insignia of newly-formed major commands. Others carry revised tail markings and paint schemes reflecting the assignment of their units to new commands. Still other aircraft, though remaining at the same base and operated by the same crews, carry new markings as the "flags" of illustrious units displaced by base closures replaced existing units. This book is divided into three major sections. The first of these has chapters containing tables covering every USAF wing, group, squadron, and detachment that was active and had assigned aircraft at any time between 30th April 1978 and 1st October 2002. These listings enable the reader to follow the organizational changes each Air Force flying unit underwent during the period. The second is an index of aircraft markings and finally there is a chronology showing when major events in this saga of Air Force reorganization took place. (916) .