11th OMS

• Origins: The 11th OMS (Organizational Maintenance Squadron) was originally activated in the United States Air Force, primarily tasked with aircraft maintenance and support. • Vietnam War Service: The 11th OMS played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, maintaining and supporting B-52 Stratofortress bombers for Strategic Air Command operations. • Andersen Air Force Base: The unit was stationed at Andersen AFB, Guam, where it became vital in sustaining around-the-clock bombing missions during Operation Arc Light. • “Eleventh Hour” Nickname: The squadron was unofficially nicknamed the "Eleventh Hour Maintainers" due to their reputation for completing critical maintenance tasks under tight deadlines. • Operation Linebacker: The 11th OMS contributed significantly to Operation Linebacker and Linebacker II, the intensive bombing campaigns over North Vietnam in 1972. • Aircraft Expertise: The squadron specialized in maintaining not only B-52s but also KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft, ensuring sustained air operations. • Awards: The 11th OMS received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its exemplary performance during high-tempo combat operations. • Cold War Role: Beyond the Vietnam era, the squadron supported deterrence missions throughout the Cold War, maintaining aircraft readiness for potential rapid deployment. • Legacy of Innovation: Many maintenance procedures and best practices developed by the 11th OMS were later adopted across the Air Force for bomber and tanker units. • Inactivation and Legacy: The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of post-Cold War Air Force restructuring, but its history is preserved in veteran associations and commemorative events.