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ABOUT 17th MMS
- Origins and Activation: The 17th Munitions Maintenance Squadron (17th MMS) was activated in the late 1950s as part of the United States Air Force's response to the growing need for specialized munitions handling during the Cold War.
- Role in NATO: The 17th MMS was stationed at RAF Wethersfield, England, and supported NATO operations by maintaining and securing U.S. nuclear munitions for the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing.
- Nuclear Mission: The unit was responsible for the storage, maintenance, and readiness of nuclear weapons, ensuring rapid deployment capability during heightened alerts.
- Highly Trained Personnel: Members of the 17th MMS underwent rigorous security clearances and specialized training due to the sensitive nature of their work with nuclear arms.
- Operation Chrome Dome Support: The squadron indirectly supported Operation Chrome Dome, the airborne alert missions of nuclear-armed bombers, by ensuring munitions were ready for deployment.
- Cold War Tensions: The squadron routinely participated in exercises and real-world alerts, often working long hours in secure bunkers to prepare for potential Soviet threats.
- Community Ties: Despite the secrecy of their mission, 17th MMS personnel often engaged in community events with the local British population, fostering strong Anglo-American relations.
- Security Innovations: The unit helped pioneer advanced security measures still in use today, including two-person integrity and coded access systems for weapons storage.
- Deactivation: As the Cold War wound down and U.S. nuclear weapons were withdrawn from RAF Wethersfield, the 17th MMS was deactivated and its personnel reassigned or retired.
- Veterans' Legacy: Former members of the 17th MMS are active in preserving the unit's history, sharing stories and memorabilia at reunions and through online communities dedicated to Cold War veterans.