Bill Savage

The 99th Bomb Wing was originally activated in 1947 as part of the United States Air Force’s Strategic Air Command, inheriting the lineage of the distinguished 99th Bombardment Group from World War II. Throughout the Cold War, the wing operated heavy bombers such as the B-29 Superfortress and later the B-52 Stratofortress, maintaining a nuclear deterrent role. The unit was stationed at various bases, including Westover Air Force Base, and played a key part in strategic bombardment readiness. In the post-Cold War era, the 99th Bomb Wing was inactivated, but its legacy continues in the form of the 99th Air Base Wing, which supports operations at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

The 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (56th AMS) is a unit of the United States Air Force currently assigned to the 56th Maintenance Group at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The squadron provides maintenance and support for the F-16 Fighting Falcon and, more recently, the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, ensuring the operational readiness of one of the Air Force's largest fighter wings. With a heritage tracing back to earlier organizational structures supporting advanced pilot training, the 56th AMS plays a crucial role in sustaining the combat capabilities of the 56th Fighter Wing. Through its dedicated personnel, the squadron upholds a tradition of excellence in aircraft maintenance, directly contributing to the effectiveness of U.S. and allied airpower.