About this Unit
The **4th Component Maintenance Squadron (4th CMS)** is a key support unit stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (SJAFB) in North Carolina. Historically, the squadron has played a vital role in maintaining and repairing aircraft components for the 4th Fighter Wing, ensuring the operational readiness of F-15E Strike Eagle jets. The 4th CMS specializes in avionics, propulsion, electronic warfare, and other critical systems, directly contributing to the wing’s combat effectiveness. Through numerous conflicts and peacetime operations, the squadron has upheld a tradition of excellence in aircraft maintenance, supporting both national defense and global Air Force missions.
Historical Facts
• Origins: The 4th Component Maintenance Squadron (4th CMS) traces its lineage to the support elements of the historic 4th Fighter Wing, which originally formed in the 1940s and was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (SJAFB), North Carolina.
• Mission Focus: The 4th CMS plays a critical role in maintaining and repairing avionics, engines, and various aircraft components, primarily supporting the F-15E Strike Eagle fleet at SJAFB.
• Desert Storm Support: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the 4th CMS was instrumental in sustaining the high mission-capable rates of the 4th Fighter Wing’s aircraft, ensuring rapid response and combat readiness.
• Awards and Recognition: The squadron has earned multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for excellence in maintenance operations and deployment readiness over the decades.
• Deployment Record: Members of the 4th CMS have deployed globally to support contingency operations, including tours in Southwest Asia, Europe, and Africa, highlighting their flexibility and technical expertise.
• Technological Advancements: The squadron has implemented advanced diagnostic tools and computer-aided testing systems, ensuring the 4th Fighter Wing’s jets remain at the cutting edge of combat capability.
• Environmental Initiatives: The 4th CMS pioneered eco-friendly practices in hazardous materials management, earning accolades for reducing the environmental footprint of aircraft maintenance activities.
• Engine Shop Excellence: The squadron’s propulsion section is renowned Air Force-wide for its rapid turnaround times on F-15E engines, directly impacting flight operations tempo.
• Community Engagement: 4th CMS Airmen regularly participate in local outreach and STEM education programs, fostering strong ties between military and civilian communities in Goldsboro, NC.
• Heritage and Pride: The squadron’s patch and motto, “Maintain to Prevail,” reflect a proud tradition of technical mastery and unwavering support to the 4th Fighter Wing’s combat mission.
