460th FMS

• Origins: The 460th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was originally activated to provide aircraft maintenance and logistical support for its parent wing. • Association: The unit was part of the 460th Bombardment Wing, which was active during the Cold War and stationed at various bases, including Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Vietnam. • Vietnam War Service: The 460th FMS played a crucial role in supporting reconnaissance and surveillance operations during the Vietnam War, maintaining aircraft such as the RB-66 Destroyer and EB-66 models. • Technical Expertise: Squadron members specialized in intricate tasks such as aircraft engine maintenance, avionics, and airframe repairs, often under challenging conditions. • Distinguished Service: The 460th FMS earned multiple awards for its outstanding performance and contributions to air operations in Southeast Asia. • Rapid Response: The unit was recognized for its ability to quickly repair and return damaged aircraft to service, often within hours of receiving them, which was vital for ongoing missions. • Personnel: At its peak, the squadron consisted of hundreds of skilled technicians, mechanics, and support personnel drawn from across the United States. • Legacy: After U.S. operations ceased in Vietnam, the 460th FMS was inactivated, but its traditions and achievements are honored by successor maintenance units in the U.S. Air Force. • Notable Stories: Anecdotes from veterans recall the ingenuity of the squadron’s airmen, such as improvising repairs using limited resources and working around the clock during major offensives. • Commemoration: Former members of the 460th FMS have held reunions and contributed to oral history projects, preserving the squadron’s legacy and sharing their experiences with future generations.