509th MMS

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 509th MMS

The 509th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (509th MMS) was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 509th Bombardment Wing at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire. Established during the Cold War, the squadron was responsible for the storage, maintenance, and readiness of nuclear and conventional munitions for the wing's strategic bomber fleet. The 509th MMS played a key role in supporting the wing’s mission, ensuring that munitions were safely managed and readily available for B-52 Stratofortress operations. The squadron was inactivated as part of realignments following the end of the Cold War and changes in U.S. nuclear strategy.

Unit Members

allen rice

U.S. Air Force (1979 - 1983)

509th MMSView Profile

SVC

Steve Van Cott

U.S. Air Force (1973 - 1979)

509th MMSView 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 509th MMS

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Manhattan Project Connection: The 509th Maintenance Squadron (MMS) traces its lineage to units supporting the 509th Composite Group, which dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. • Modern Role: The 509th MMS is part of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, and provides maintenance support for the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. • Stealth Support: The 509th MMS specializes in maintaining the B-2’s unique radar-absorbing coatings and airframe, which are critical to its stealth capabilities. • Redesignations: Over the years, the squadron has undergone several redesignations, reflecting changes in its mission and aircraft supported. • Global Reach: Personnel from the 509th MMS have deployed worldwide, supporting bomber operations in locations including Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, and RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom. • Bomber Task Force: The unit regularly participates in Bomber Task Force missions, enabling the U.S. Air Force to demonstrate global strike capabilities and reinforce alliances. • Innovation in Maintenance: The 509th MMS has pioneered advanced composite repair techniques for the B-2, often sharing best practices with other units. • Heritage Days: The squadron honors its historical link to the 509th Composite Group with annual heritage events and by hosting veterans of the original atomic missions. • Awards and Recognition: The 509th MMS has received multiple Air Force maintenance effectiveness awards for outstanding performance and mission readiness. • Community Engagement: Members of the 509th MMS are active in the local Missouri community, participating in STEM outreach, veteran support initiatives, and local events to foster good relations.