About this Unit
The 20th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (20th MMS) was a United States Air Force unit stationed at RAF Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire, England, during the Cold War. The squadron was responsible for the storage, maintenance, and handling of conventional and nuclear munitions, supporting the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing’s operational readiness. Activated in the 1950s, the 20th MMS played a critical role in NATO’s deterrent posture against the Warsaw Pact by ensuring the rapid availability and safety of ordnance for F-111 aircraft. The unit remained active at Upper Heyford until the base’s closure and the withdrawal of USAF forces from the UK in the early 1990s.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Role: The 20th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (20th MMS) was a key USAF unit at RAF Upper Heyford, UK, primarily responsible for the storage, maintenance, and handling of munitions, including nuclear weapons, during the Cold War.
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Strategic Importance: The 20th MMS supported the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), ensuring a rapid response capability for strike missions across Europe as part of NATO’s deterrence posture.
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Operation Chrome Dome Support: The squadron played a role in supporting Operation Chrome Dome, the continuous airborne alert missions involving nuclear-armed bombers during the height of the Cold War.
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Weapons Storage Area: The “Bomb Dump,” a highly secured and secretive section of RAF Upper Heyford, was managed by the 20th MMS. It housed a variety of conventional and special (nuclear) munitions in reinforced igloos.
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Special Weapons Handling: The 20th MMS specialized in the assembly, disassembly, and maintenance of special weapons, including the B61 and B43 nuclear bombs, which equipped the F-111E Aardvark aircraft.
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Security Measures: The squadron’s activities were guarded by several layers of security, including USAF Security Police, K-9 units, and advanced alarm systems, reflecting the sensitivity of their mission.
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Emergency Exercises: The 20th MMS regularly conducted simulated accident and security breach drills, sometimes involving British police and fire services, to ensure readiness for any scenario.
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Cold War Tensions: During periods of heightened East-West tension, the squadron operated on high alert, with personnel working around the clock to prepare munitions for potential rapid deployment.
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Community Relations: Despite the secretive nature of their work, many 20th MMS personnel engaged with the local Oxfordshire community, participating in charity events and fostering Anglo-American relations.
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Legacy: After the end of the Cold War and the subsequent closure of Upper Heyford in the 1990s, the 20th MMS was deactivated. Former members often recall the critical role they played in maintaining peace through strength during a pivotal era in world history.
