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History of 2nd Airborne Missile Maintenance Squadron

The 2nd Airborne Missile Maintenance Squadron was an integral support unit of the United States Air Force, activated in the early years of the Cold War. Its primary mission was the maintenance, inspection, and readiness of airborne-launched missile systems, ensuring the operational capability of strategic bomber fleets. The squadron played a key role in supporting deterrence efforts by maintaining air-launched cruise missiles and related armaments. It was eventually inactivated as missile technologies and military strategies evolved, with its responsibilities absorbed by newer, specialized units.

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ABOUT 2nd Airborne Missile Maintenance Squadron

  • Origins: The 2nd Airborne Missile Maintenance Squadron (2nd AMMS) was activated in 1962 at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, to support the Strategic Air Command’s (SAC) growing fleet of air-launched missiles.
  • Primary Mission: The unit was responsible for the maintenance, inspection, and readiness of AGM-28 Hound Dog and ADM-20 Quail missiles, which were pivotal to the nuclear deterrence strategy during the Cold War.
  • Support for B-52s: The 2nd AMMS played a critical role in the operational effectiveness of B-52 Stratofortress bombers, as these aircraft carried the squadron’s maintained missiles for strategic missions.
  • Cold War Readiness: The squadron maintained a 24/7 alert status, ensuring that missiles could be launched at a moment’s notice, reflecting the tense geopolitical climate of the 1960s and 1970s.
  • Innovations: The 2nd AMMS developed procedures for rapid missile loading and unloading, enhancing the survivability and flexibility of the bomber force.
  • Distinguished Unit: The squadron received multiple commendations for its outstanding performance during SAC Operational Readiness Inspections and exercises.
  • Personnel Expertise: The unit’s technicians were among the Air Force’s best-trained missile specialists, often selected to assist in developing new maintenance protocols for emerging missile systems.
  • Vietnam War Impact: Although not deployed overseas, the squadron’s work directly influenced U.S. strategic capabilities during the Vietnam War and deterred Soviet aggression.
  • Deactivation: The 2nd AMMS was inactivated in the early 1970s as missile systems evolved and new maintenance structures were put in place, marking the end of an era in airborne missile support.
  • Legacy: Veterans of the 2nd AMMS have contributed to oral histories and reunions, preserving the stories of their crucial but often unsung contributions to America’s strategic defense.

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