509th FMS (SAC)

```html • Origins with the 509th Bombardment Group: The 509th FMS traces its lineage to the 509th Bombardment Group, famous for dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. • Part of Strategic Air Command (SAC): The 509th FMS served under the Strategic Air Command, the U.S. Air Force's Cold War nuclear deterrent force. • Stationed at Pease Air Force Base: The 509th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was based at Pease AFB, New Hampshire, during much of the Cold War. • Support for B-52 Stratofortress: The unit's primary mission was maintenance and support for the B-52 Stratofortress bombers assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing. • KC-135 Stratotanker Operations: The squadron also maintained KC-135 Stratotankers, crucial for mid-air refueling and extending the range of strategic bombers. • 24/7 Alert Status: During the Cold War, the squadron maintained aircraft on constant alert, ready to launch within minutes in case of a nuclear crisis. • Specialized Maintenance Skills: The FMS included shops for avionics, hydraulics, engine maintenance, and nuclear weapons systems, requiring highly trained personnel. • Involvement in "Operation Chrome Dome": Maintenance crews supported the continuous airborne alert missions where B-52s with nuclear weapons flew nonstop patrols. • Base Closure and Transition: Pease AFB and the 509th FMS were inactivated in 1991 as part of post-Cold War drawdowns and base realignments. • Legacy and Honors: The 509th’s legacy continues with the 509th Bomb Wing, now operating the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. ```