376 OMS

• Origins: The 376th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was activated as part of the U.S. Air Force and served under the 376th Bombardment Wing. • Strategic Air Command: The squadron was a vital component of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), responsible for maintaining and supporting the wing’s fleet of B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers. • Location: The 376 OMS was stationed at Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts, during its most active years in the Cold War. • Cold War Readiness: The squadron played a critical role in keeping bombers on constant alert status, supporting America’s nuclear deterrence posture. • Vietnam War Support: While not deployed directly, the 376 OMS supported missions by maintaining aircraft and equipment that were sent to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. • Aircraft Expertise: Members of the squadron specialized in the maintenance of B-52G bombers and KC-135A tankers, ensuring operational readiness for global missions. • Accolades: The 376th OMS and its parent wing received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for sustained excellence and mission accomplishment. • Community Involvement: The personnel frequently participated in base and local community activities, fostering strong military-civilian relations in the Chicopee, Massachusetts, area. • Transition and Inactivation: The squadron was inactivated in the early 1990s, following the end of the Cold War and the downsizing of SAC assets. • Legacy: Former 376 OMS members maintain a strong alumni network, sharing stories and preserving the squadron’s history through reunions and online communities.