About this Unit
The 307th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was a unit of the United States Air Force stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Activated at U-Tapao in the late 1960s, the 307 FMS provided essential maintenance and logistical support for the B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft operating in Southeast Asia. The squadron played a critical role in sustaining the intensive air operations of Operation Arc Light and Operation Linebacker. Following the winding down of U.S. involvement in Vietnam, the 307 FMS was inactivated as U.S. forces withdrew from Thailand in the mid-1970s.
Historical Facts
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307th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) Role: The 307th FMS was a vital United States Air Force unit tasked with the maintenance and repair of B-52 bombers and KC-135 tankers stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield during the Vietnam War.
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Support for Operation Arc Light: The squadron played a crucial role in supporting Operation Arc Light, the strategic bombing campaign against North Vietnam and targets along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
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Round-the-Clock Operations: Maintenance crews from the 307th FMS worked 24/7 to keep aircraft mission-ready, often facing intense conditions due to heat, humidity, and monsoon weather.
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Largest B-52 Base Outside the U.S.: U-Tapao was the largest B-52 operating base outside the continental US, and the 307th FMS was central in supporting its massive fleet.
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Rapid Turnaround Times: The squadron developed innovative techniques to rapidly repair and turn around aircraft, sometimes getting B-52s back in the air within hours after returning from missions.
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Involvement in Operation Linebacker: The 307th FMS provided critical maintenance during Operations Linebacker I and II, the intensive bombing campaigns of 1972 that pressured North Vietnam to negotiate peace.
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International Cooperation: The unit worked alongside Thai military personnel and other allied forces, creating a unique environment of multinational cooperation at U-Tapao.
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Combat Damage Repairs: The squadron was often tasked with repairing battle-damaged bombers, sometimes performing field expedient repairs to return aircraft to service quickly.
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Camaraderie and Morale: Stories abound of the strong sense of brotherhood among the 307th FMS airmen, who often shared hardships, holidays, and successes far from home.
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Legacy and Recognition: Veterans of the 307th FMS have held reunions and maintain an active network, preserving the history and stories of the unit’s time at U-Tapao, often sharing memorabilia, photos, and oral histories.
