35th OMS George AFB CA

• Origins and Mission: The 35th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was a key support unit at George Air Force Base, California, primarily responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of tactical fighter aircraft. • Aircraft Supported: The squadron maintained a variety of aircraft over the years, notably the F-4 Phantom II and later the F-4G "Wild Weasel" variants, which were specialized in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions. • Vietnam War Legacy: Many of the personnel and aircraft from the 35th OMS had experience or lineage tracing back to combat operations during the Vietnam War, carrying forward lessons learned into Cold War operations. • Wild Weasel Role: The 35th OMS played a crucial support role during the transition of the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing to the "Wild Weasel" mission, which was vital for electronic warfare and SEAD tactics. • Desert Storm Deployment: Elements of the 35th OMS, along with their aircraft, were rapidly deployed to the Middle East during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-91, supporting coalition air operations against Iraq. • Base Closure: The inactivation of George AFB in 1992 as part of the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) process marked the end of the 35th OMS's presence, closing a significant chapter in USAF tactical aviation history. • Decorations: The 35th OMS and its parent wing received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for their exemplary performance and readiness during times of crisis and transition. • Training Excellence: The squadron was renowned for its high standards in training ground crews and maintainers, often serving as a benchmark for other OMS units in the Tactical Air Command. • Community Involvement: Members of the 35th OMS were active in the Victorville and High Desert community, participating in local events and fostering good relations between the Air Force and civilians. • Legacy Today: The heritage of the 35th OMS lives on through veterans' associations, reunions, and the preservation of aircraft once maintained by the squadron, displayed in museums and memorials across the country.