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3rd Air Division (3 AD) of the United States Air Force, Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii.
"NO KA OI," which is a Hawaiian phrase meaning "the best" or "is the best."
The 3rd Air Division (3d AD) is an inactive United States Air Force organization. Its last assignment was with Strategic Air Command, assigned to Fifteenth Air Force, being stationed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.
The 3rd Air Division was a major command unit of the Strategic Air Command (SAC).
While it was historically based at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, its headquarters moved to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, 12 September 1988 – 1 April 1992.
The 3rd Air Division was activated in September 1943 as an intermediate command and control organization between command and wing levels.
It was inactivated on 1 April 1992 at Hickam.
Established as 3rd Bombardment Division on 30 August 1943. Activated on 13 September 1943.
Redesignated 3rd Air Division on 1 January 1945. Inactivated on 21 November 1945.
Organized on 23 August 1948. Discontinued on 1 May 1951.
Redesignated 3rd Air Division (Operational) on 8 October 1953. Activated on 25 October 1953. Inactivated on 1 March 1954.
Redesignated 3rd Air Division on 8 June 1954. Activated on 18 June 1954. Inactivated on 1 April 1970.
Activated on 1 January 1975. Inactivated on 1 April 1992.
Electronic Security or Engineering Installation squadron/element that supported the division's command and control functions.
Electronic Security: During the Cold War, SAC units frequently had attached Electronic Security (ES) units responsible for communications security and electronic intelligence.
Engineering Installation: Some patches with "ES" refer to Engineering and Services, though in a division-level command like 3 AD, a specialized electronic or technical support role is common.
Electronic Systems or Electronic Security. These directorates or units were responsible for the specialized command, control, and electronic intelligence infrastructure required for SAC's strategic mission in the Pacific.
"ES" refers to Electronic Systems.
This directorate was responsible for the specialized command, control, and electronic infrastructure required to support the division's strategic and nuclear deterrence missions.
