June 1, 1953: Activation of 19th Periodic Maintenance Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan

Happy birthday to the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron! On June 1, 1953, the 19th Periodic Maintenance Squadron activated at Kadena Air Base, Japan. It did so in an effort to improve the aircraft-in-commission rates of the 19th Bombardment Wing’s B-29s. After three years of constant flying in the Korean War, the planes of the 19 BW desperately needed reliable maintenance to continue its operations. Beforehand, the 19 BW had depended upon borrowed maintenance and logistics support from other units, and as a result the aircraft-in-commission rate had deteriorated. Personnel assigned to the newly activated Periodic Maintenance Squadron were dedicated to the routine inspections of the Wing’s B-29s. Almost immediately after activation, the aircraft-in-commission rates improved significantly. In 1956, the unit was redesignated the 19th Organizational Maintenance Squadron, and in 2002, again redesignated as the 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. The squadron’s original emblem was the SAC hand providing assistance to the Wing’s three flying squadrons, and included are pictures of maintainers on B-29s assigned to the 19th Bombardment Wing.