John Meadows

The 47th Bomb Wing was a unit of the United States Air Force, activated in 1947 as part of the post-World War II expansion of the Air Force. Originally stationed at Biggs Air Force Base, Texas, the wing operated the North American B-45 Tornado, the USAF’s first operational jet bomber. The 47th Bomb Wing was later deployed to RAF Sculthorpe, England, in 1952, strengthening NATO’s air power during the early years of the Cold War. The wing was inactivated in 1962 as the B-45 was phased out and the Air Force reorganized its bomber forces.

The 26th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (26th AMS) was a vital unit within the United States Air Force, primarily responsible for the maintenance, servicing, and repair of assigned aircraft to ensure mission readiness. Throughout its history, the squadron supported various operational and training missions, often attached to larger wings such as the 26th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. Its personnel maintained aircraft such as the RF-4C Phantom II, playing a key role in reconnaissance operations, especially during the Cold War era in Europe. The 26th AMS was recognized for its excellence in aircraft maintenance and its crucial support to U.S. and NATO operations before eventual inactivation as force structure needs changed.