42nd Avionics Maintenance Squadron

• Strategic Role: The 42nd Avionics Maintenance Squadron (AMS) was part of the 42nd Bombardment Wing at Loring Air Force Base in Maine, supporting the Strategic Air Command's B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers. • Cold War Mission: The unit played a vital role during the Cold War, ensuring the electronic and avionics systems of nuclear-capable aircraft were mission-ready at all times. • 24/7 Readiness: The squadron maintained round-the-clock operations to support the rapid response requirements of the nuclear deterrence mission. • Expertise in Avionics: Personnel were highly trained in maintaining complex navigation, radar, bombing, and communication systems integral to the B-52 and KC-135 fleets. • Supporting Alert Crews: The 42nd AMS directly supported alert aircraft crews, who were on standby for immediate deployment during periods of heightened tension. • Technological Advancements: The squadron was among the first to maintain upgraded avionics systems, such as the AN/ASQ-38 bombing navigation system, enhancing bombing accuracy. • Participation in Major Exercises: The unit regularly took part in SAC-wide readiness and “Elephant Walk” drills, which involved the rapid launch of multiple bombers to demonstrate nuclear strike capability. • Recognition and Awards: The squadron received several Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for exemplary performance and mission support during the 1970s and 1980s. • Community Involvement: Members of the 42nd AMS were active in the Loring AFB and local Maine communities, supporting morale and welfare activities. • Legacy: After the end of the Cold War, the squadron was inactivated in the early 1990s along with the closure of Loring AFB, but its legacy lives on among veterans and through historical records.