36th FMS

The 36th Field Maintenance Squadron (36th FMS) was a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, originally assigned to the 36th Fighter Wing at Bitburg Air Base, Germany, during the Cold War era. Tasked with maintaining and repairing aircraft, ground equipment, and support systems, the 36th FMS played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of fighter jets such as the F-15 Eagle. Throughout its service, the squadron contributed to NATO’s deterrence mission in Europe, responding to heightened tensions and supporting numerous exercises and real-world contingencies. The unit was eventually inactivated following the post-Cold War drawdown and the closure of Bitburg Air Base in the 1990s.