352d Maintenance Squadron

The 352d Maintenance Squadron Is a maintenance squadron in the United States Air Force, United States European Command, it is currently based at Royal Air Force base RAF Mildenhall In Suffolk, eastern England

Mission

The 352d Maintenance Squadron are the team that keep the aircraft of the 352d Special Operations Group in the air, providing maintenance for the Lockheed MC-130 -H "Combat Talon II"/ -P "Combat Shadow" Heavy aircraft, flown by the two operational squadrons of the group, as well as looking after the Quartermaster and administrative aspects of keeping the group combat ready.

tructure

The 352d Maintenance Squadron is divided into three main flights. The first is the Aircraft Maintenance Unit (AMU). The AMU is responsible for the maintenance, launch and recovery, and all immediate combat and sortie generation support of the MC-130H Combat Talon IIs and MC-130P Combat Shadows. The AMU is staffed by maintenance technicians. Their hard work and dedication has earned their unit numerous awards.

Secondly, is the Maintenance Flight (MXF) is responsible for all backshop repairs and ISO inspections.

Lastly, scheduling and coordination with the 2 operations squadrons, and all other administrative duties not otherwise accomplished by the AMU and MXF is the responsibility of the Maintenance Operations Flight (MOF).

Assignments

There are currently 2 squadrons within the 352 SOG that operate aircraft, all maintained by 352d, these include -

*7th Special Operations Squadron - Operating the MC-130H "Combat Talon II" Heavy Lifting Aircraft,

*67th Special Operations Squadron - Operating the MC-130P "Combat Shadow" Heavy Lifting Aircraft,

(Both of those being essentially specially adapted Lockheed C-130 Hercules, one of the most versatile and rugged craft in the USAF's arsenal), and,

In all cases, the 352d Maintenance Squadron is responsible for the upkeep of engines, avionics, guidance systems, and all and sundry equipment for the aircraft themselves, keeping them combat ready at all times, and also performing quartermasters duties directly related with the craft, keeping adequate levels of spare parts, supplies, maintenance equipment, and munitions.

External links

* [http://www2.afsoc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=224 352d Special Operations Group Factsheet]