513th OMS

• Origins and Activation: The 513th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) was originally activated as part of the United States Air Force, supporting various bomb wings during the Cold War. • Key Mission: The 513th OMS specialized in maintaining and servicing bomber and tanker aircraft, including the B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker, ensuring their combat readiness. • Strategic Air Command Affiliation: The squadron was an integral part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), which was responsible for America’s nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. • Stationed at Pease AFB: The 513th OMS was based at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire, a key SAC installation during its operational years. • Vietnam War Support: While not directly deployed, maintenance provided by the 513th OMS enabled aircraft to participate in missions during the Vietnam War, supporting operations like Arc Light. • Readiness and Alerts: During the height of the Cold War, the 513th OMS maintained aircraft on constant alert, ready to launch at a moment’s notice in the event of a nuclear crisis. • Innovation in Maintenance: The squadron implemented advanced maintenance techniques and quick-turnaround procedures that became models for other units in the Air Force. • Unit Awards: The 513th OMS received several Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for exceptional performance and mission support. • Deactivation: The squadron was inactivated in the early 1990s as part of the post-Cold War drawdown and the closure of Pease AFB. • Legacy: Veterans of the 513th OMS continue to gather and share memories, preserving the unit's legacy of excellence and camaraderie through reunions and online communities.