3973rd Combat Defense Squadron

Following WW2, tensions heightened between the United States and the Soviet Union. The division of Europe was in dispute and the Soviet Union had developed the atomic bomb. There was mutual suspicion and profound distrust. The Cold War was well underway.

Wanting military installations as close as possible to strategic Soviet targets in the event of war, President Dwight D Eisenhower signed an agreement in 1953 with General Francisco Franco allowing for US Air Force bases in Spain. One of those installations was Morón Air Base, located approximately 35 miles from Seville. On 1 June 1957, the 3973rd Air Base Group at Morón was formally activated. Less than a year later, the first B-47s were assigned to the base to conduct Reflex operations. Security for the bomber aircraft as well as the entire base was accomplished through the Air Police of the 3973rd Combat Defense Squadron.

By 1966, most of those who served in Spain during the Cold War era were transferred elsewhere and eventually lost contact. But 40 years later, the efforts of a few resulted in the first reunion of many of those airmen. That initial gathering was the beginning of an annual event. The name "Los Toros de 3973rd CDS" was chosen for the group. This is their website.