305th OMS

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 305th OMS

The 305th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was an integral support unit of the United States Air Force, primarily assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the 305th OMS was responsible for the routine and specialized maintenance of aircraft such as the KC-135 Stratotanker and C-141 Starlifter at bases including Grissom Air Force Base and McGuire Air Force Base. The squadron played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of strategic airlift and aerial refueling missions during major conflicts and peacetime operations. As part of Air Force-wide organizational changes in the early 1990s, the 305th OMS was inactivated or redesignated, with its responsibilities integrated into consolidated maintenance groups.

Unit Members

Jeff Blair

U.S. Air Force

305th OMSView Profile

Stephen Jaworski

U.S. Air Force

305th OMSView Profile

Photos

U.S. Air Force • 1976

stationed at johnson air force base in japan

U.S. Air Force • 1949

About 305th OMS

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins: The 305th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was part of the 305th Air Mobility Wing, originally activated at Grissom Air Force Base, Indiana. • Mission: The primary mission of the 305th OMS was to maintain and support the wing’s fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers and EC-135 command post aircraft. • Cold War Role: During the Cold War, the squadron played a critical role in Strategic Air Command’s (SAC) nuclear deterrence mission by ensuring rapid generation and launch readiness of tanker and command post aircraft. • Vietnam Era Support: The 305th OMS supported air refueling operations for combat and cargo missions bound for Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. • 24/7 Operations: The squadron maintained around-the-clock operations to keep aircraft ready for immediate deployment, often working in extreme weather conditions. • Desert Storm Involvement: Members of the 305th OMS deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, maintaining aircraft that enabled long-range bombing and transport missions. • Unit Emblem: The squadron’s patch featured a flying eagle grasping a wrench and lightning bolt, symbolizing both technical expertise and readiness. • Exceptional Maintenance: The 305th OMS earned several Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for superior performance and mission readiness. • Community and Camaraderie: The squadron was known for its strong sense of teamwork and close ties with the local community at Grissom AFB. • Inactivation and Legacy: After restructuring in the 1990s, the 305th OMS was inactivated, but its legacy of excellence continues through successor maintenance units in the Air Mobility Command.