Scott Riebel

The **64th Fighter Squadron** was first activated in 1941 and distinguished itself during World War II, participating in key campaigns in the Mediterranean and European Theaters, including North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Known as the "Fightin' Samurais," the squadron flew aircraft such as the P-40 Warhawk and P-47 Thunderbolt during the war. After several inactivations and reactivations, the 64th transitioned through various jet fighters and played an important adversary training role for the U.S. Air Force, notably at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Today, the 64th Fighter Squadron operates the F-35A Lightning II, continuing its legacy as a premier combat and training unit.

The 56th Component Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (56 CAMS) was a vital unit within the United States Air Force, primarily responsible for maintaining and supporting aircraft at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Established to provide specialized maintenance, the 56 CAMS played a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and operational capability of the 56th Fighter Wing's fleet, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Throughout its service, the squadron was renowned for its technical expertise and commitment to mission success, supporting pilot training and deployment requirements. Over time, the unit's structure and designation evolved as part of broader Air Force organizational changes, reflecting ongoing modernization and realignment efforts.

The 438th Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) was a support unit assigned to the 438th Military Airlift Wing (MAC) at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. Activated during the Cold War era, the 438 FMS was responsible for providing aircraft maintenance and logistical support, ensuring the operational readiness of the unit's airlift fleet, which primarily included C-141 Starlifter aircraft. As part of the Military Airlift Command (MAC), the squadron played a crucial role in supporting strategic airlift missions, both in peacetime and during contingencies. The 438 FMS was eventually inactivated or redesignated as part of Air Force restructuring efforts in the post-Cold War period.

**22nd OMS (Organizational Maintenance Squadron) Military History:** The 22nd Organizational Maintenance Squadron (22 OMS) was activated as part of the 22nd Bombardment Wing at March Air Force Base, California, during the Cold War era. Tasked with maintaining B-52 Stratofortress bombers and KC-135 Stratotankers, the squadron played a critical role in ensuring aircraft readiness for Strategic Air Command (SAC) alert missions and deployments. Throughout its service, the 22 OMS supported key operations, including airborne alert missions and deployments to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. The squadron was eventually inactivated as the Air Force reorganized its maintenance structure, but its legacy endures through the continued excellence of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing.

The 36th Field Maintenance Squadron (36th FMS) was a vital support unit within the United States Air Force, originally assigned to the 36th Fighter Wing at Bitburg Air Base, Germany, during the Cold War era. Tasked with maintaining and repairing aircraft, ground equipment, and support systems, the 36th FMS played a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of fighter jets such as the F-15 Eagle. Throughout its service, the squadron contributed to NATO’s deterrence mission in Europe, responding to heightened tensions and supporting numerous exercises and real-world contingencies. The unit was eventually inactivated following the post-Cold War drawdown and the closure of Bitburg Air Base in the 1990s.