USAFE Det.

In 1962, the first USAF custodial unit "Detachment 0600" was activated at Kleine-Brogel to support the 10th Wing.

Detachment 0600 came under the 306th Munitions Maintenance Squadron and was the first American military unit with a combat mission to be assigned to Belgium since the end of World War II.

The unit is a 'Geographically Separated Unit' responsible to receive, indentify, inspect, store, recondition, ship, issue, deliver, maintain, test and assemble guided and unguided US munitions, and to provide custody and control of those munitions until receipt of proper authority to release them to the Belgian Air Force 10WTac in support of NATO's Strike Mission. These weapons, 20 of them (unconfimed), are of the B61 type.

Unconfirmed news reports say they will be replaced by the newer B61-12 that has increased accuracy and earth-penetration capability.

In July 1964, Det 0600 fell under the 7232nd Munitions Maintenance Group until it became Det. 1 under the 36th Tactical Fighter Wing (Bitburg AB, Germany) in 1967. 

On April 1 1972, Det. 1 was assigned the 7361st Munitions Support Sqn.(MUNSS).

The squadron was transferred to the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem, Germany in July 1976.

In October 1992, the 32nd Fighter Group at Soesterbeg AB in the Netherlands took command as the support base for Kleine-Brogel.

A year later, in October 1993, support reverted back to the 52nd at Spangdahlem.

July 1993 the 7361st was redesignated the 601st MUNSS; to be further designated the 617th MUNSS in July, 1994.

At that time, probably because of some USAF-rule, the name 'KLEINE-BROGEL' disappeared from the patch and was replaced with 'LEADING THE WAY'.

In July 1996 the 52nd Munitions Support Squadron was activated, reflecting direct subordination to the U.S. 52nd Wing under the post-Cold War nuclear weapons regional basing scheme.

It was at that time that the crowned lion of 10 W TAC was replaced with a generic one and the tabs became green.

Currently the 701st MUNSS is charged with safeguarding the ammunition.

Like other branches of the military, the United States Air Force maintains nuclear weapons systems.  Its nuclear weapons specialists are tasked with inspecting, repairing and storing such weapons and equipment.  They keep sensitive nuclear materials stable and secure and are among the most rigorously screened members of the U.S. military.  The Air Force categorizes this job as Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 2W2X1 Air Force Nuclear Weapons Specialists.  These airmen perform a wide array of duties around nuclear weapons; they inspect, maintain and assemble and disassemble bombs, missiles, launchers, bomb racks, and other related equipment and components.  They also conduct testing on alarm systems, develop rotation schedules for high-security locks and keys, and if conditions ever warrant, perform emergency disablement or evacuation of nuclear weapons and components.  Nuclear weapons specialists make sure all parts and components are regularly tested and updated to ensure maximum safety for military and civilian personnel.  In addition, these airmen are tasked with performing escort duties and limited conventional munitions functions associated with NATO's custodial detachments.  There are 3 levels : basic, senior and master.