Rachael Preston

The 1550th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was an integral support unit within the United States Air Force, activated as part of the 1550th Aircrew Training and Test Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. Established in the 1970s, the squadron was responsible for the maintenance and repair of aircraft assigned to the wing, primarily supporting search and rescue, special operations, and training missions using aircraft such as the HH-3E Jolly Green Giant and HC-130. The 1550th FMS provided critical technical expertise, ensuring aircraft readiness and mission capability during both peacetime operations and contingency deployments. The squadron continued its support role until the wing's inactivation and subsequent reorganization in the early 1990s.

The 604th Direct Air Support Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Vietnam War. Established in 1966, it was tasked with providing direct air support and coordination between ground forces and tactical air assets. Stationed primarily at Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, the squadron played a vital role in facilitating close air support missions for U.S. Army and allied units. The 604th contributed significantly to the effectiveness of air-ground operations until its inactivation in 1972 following the drawdown of U.S. combat forces in Southeast Asia.

49th Wing

U.S. Air Force

The 49th Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force based at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico. It is responsible for the testing, evaluation, and training of remotely piloted aircraft, as well as providing combat support for ongoing military operations. The wing also conducts research and development in the field of unmanned aerial systems and collaborates with other branches of the military and international partners. Overall, the 49th Wing plays a critical role in advancing the capabilities of unmanned aircraft for the defense of the United States and its allies.