About this Unit
The 100th Bomb Wing Field Maintenance Squadron was a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, primarily active during the Cold War. Activated at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire, the squadron provided essential maintenance and repair services for the 100th Bomb Wing’s fleet of B-47 Stratojet and later B-52 Stratofortress bombers. Their skilled technicians ensured aircraft readiness and mission capability, playing a crucial role in the United States’ strategic deterrence operations. The unit was inactivated as part of broader USAF organizational changes and transitions in strategic bomber operations.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 100th Bomb Wing traces its heritage to the famed 100th Bomb Group ("The Bloody Hundredth") of World War II, renowned for its heavy losses and remarkable courage during daylight bombing raids over Europe.
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Cold War Reactivation: The 100th Bomb Wing was activated at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire, in 1956 as part of the Strategic Air Command, initially flying B-47 Stratojet bombers.
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Field Maintenance Squadron Role: The 100th Field Maintenance Squadron was a key component of the wing, responsible for complex aircraft repairs, avionics, and ground equipment maintenance to keep the bombers mission-ready.
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KC-135 Tankers: In 1966, the 100th transitioned from bombers to aerial refueling, receiving KC-135 Stratotankers, which drastically changed its maintenance requirements and mission focus.
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Vietnam War Support: The unit’s tankers and maintenance crews played a vital role in supporting combat operations during the Vietnam War, enabling long-range bombing and reconnaissance missions.
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Innovative Maintenance Techniques: The Field Maintenance Squadron developed new maintenance and inspection processes to increase aircraft availability and reduce turnaround times, setting standards adopted throughout the Air Force.
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Unit Awards: The 100th Bomb Wing and its maintenance personnel received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for excellence in mission support and operational readiness.
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Strategic Air Command (SAC) Alert: During the height of the Cold War, the 100th maintained a constant alert posture, with maintenance crews ensuring bombers and tankers could be airborne within minutes during a nuclear crisis.
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Deactivation and Legacy: The 100th Bomb Wing was inactivated in 1976, but its lineage and honors were later transferred to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, now based at RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom.
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Enduring Motto: The wing’s motto, “Splendor et Justitia” (“In Splendor and Justice”), reflects its proud heritage and the dedication of its maintenance and operational personnel through decades of service.
