40th FMS

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 40th FMS

The 40th Field Maintenance Squadron (40th FMS) was a crucial support unit within the United States Air Force, originally assigned to the 40th Bombardment Wing. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron was responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft, ensuring mission readiness for strategic bomber operations. Stationed at Schilling Air Force Base, Kansas, the 40th FMS provided essential technical expertise for the upkeep of B-47 Stratojets and later B-52 Stratofortress bombers. The unit was inactivated following the closure of Schilling AFB in 1965, with its personnel and functions absorbed by other maintenance organizations.

Unit Members

CAK

Clifford A Krapf

U.S. Air Force

40th FMSView Profile

Christina Martin

U.S. Air Force

40th FMSView Profile

Photos

Murphy's Last Yellow Alert

6595 • U.S. Air Force

Anniversary of Shepard's Flight From Cape Canaveral

6555th ASTG • U.S. Air Force

USAF Recruiting Photo

6595 • U.S. Air Force • 1981

U.S. Air Force • 1981

About 40th FMS

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins: The 40th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) traces its origins to the early Cold War era, supporting aircraft maintenance and ensuring operational readiness. • Strategic Location: The unit was assigned to Aviano Air Base, Italy, providing critical support to NATO and U.S. Air Force operations in Southern Europe. • Vietnam War Support: Personnel from the 40th FMS were deployed to Southeast Asia, offering vital maintenance support during the Vietnam War. • Aircraft Expertise: The squadron specialized in maintaining a variety of aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon and earlier F-4 Phantom II models. • Humanitarian Missions: The 40th FMS played a key role in supporting airlift operations for humanitarian missions in the Balkans during the 1990s. • Technological Innovations: The unit was among the first to implement advanced diagnostic tools for jet engines, improving maintenance efficiency and aircraft availability. • Desert Storm Participation: Elements of the 40th FMS were deployed to the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm, supporting coalition air operations. • Unit Awards: The squadron received multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for exceptional performance during both peacetime and contingency operations. • Transition and Inactivation: As part of Air Force restructuring in the 1990s and early 2000s, the 40th FMS was inactivated, with its mission absorbed by consolidated maintenance groups. • Legacy: Former members of the 40th FMS continue to reunite and share stories, preserving the unit’s legacy of excellence and camaraderie in Air Force history.