18th FMS

The 18th FMS, or 18th Field Maintenance Squadron, was a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, historically assigned to the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. Established during the Cold War era, the unit was responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft and support equipment, ensuring the operational readiness of the wing’s fighter squadrons. The 18th FMS played a key role during various regional crises and routine operations, supporting aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-15 Eagle. In the early 1990s, as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization, the squadron was redesignated and merged into the 18th Maintenance Squadron, continuing its mission under a new structure.