748th AMXS turns two

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connor Estes
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron celebrated their second anniversary on Nov. 10.

Two years ago, the 56th and 493rd Aircraft Maintenance Units merged to become the 748th AMXS after splitting away from the 48th AMXS. The 748th AMXS mission is primarily focused on providing safe and reliable F-15 and HH-60 aircraft and developing technically-proficient, well-rounded Airmen.

"The 48 Fighter Wing's mission is to provide worldwide responsive combat air power and support to meet U.S. objectives," said Lt. Col. Argie Moore, 748th AMXS commander. "This doesn't happen without aircraft maintenance organizations such as the 748th. Few other career fields operate in an environment of greater inherent risk, higher expectations or more stringent compliance standards."

The 748th AMXS units offer unique capabilities to the 48th FW.

"The 748th AMXS is one of the most versatile squadrons I have ever been a part of," said Master Sgt. Andrew Van Houten, 493rd AMU production superintendent. "Not many squadrons, if any, in the Air Force have fixed-wing and rotary aircraft assigned together. Both the aircraft and helicopter maintenance units have completely different missions and yet we operate efficiently together every day."

Within the last year, the squadron was deployed 11 out of 12 months.

The 493rd AMU deployed in support of NATO operations in Lithuania, Romania and Iceland simultaneously. Shortly after returning from Lithuania they deployed for six months to Southwest Asia.

The 56th AMU, whose motto is "these things we do that others may live," is another part of the 748th AMXS and the only unit in U.S. Air Forces in Europe that provides combat search and rescue along with medevac capabilities.

The 56th AMU returned from a four-month deployment to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in April. While they were still on reconstitution they were recalled to deploy in support of Operation Unified Protector and Operation Odyssey Dawn. They were the first unit to deploy from RAF Lakenheath.

"In my unit, the 56th AMU, all sections deploy together and we have deployed four times in the last two years," said Tech. Sgt. Benton Brown, 56th AMU production expediter.

The 748th's hard work and endeavors have made their commander proud.

"First and foremost I'm proud that my Airmen honorably represent our squadron and country," said Moore. "The accomplishments over the last year are second to none."

The 748th AMXS was recently named the best aircraft maintenance squadron at RAF Lakenheath and are now competing for the best squadron in USAFE.