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During the [[Korean War]], the squadron's primary mission included electronic counter measures and bomb-damage assessment photography. Operating out of Japan for greater efficiency, the squadron began flying combat missions on 29 June 1950. On 18 October 1950, a crew spied over 75 enemy fighter planes at [[Antung Airfield]], across the [[Yalu River]], immediately prior to the [[Chinese intervention]].<ref name="afhra">{{Cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090611-102.pdf|format=PDF |title= USAF Organizations in Korea 1950-1953|author= Judy G. Endicott|date= |work= |publisher= Air Force Historical Research Agency|accessdate=25 October 2009 }}</ref> In 1950 the squadron returned to the United States and was assigned to the 5th Strategic Recon Wing at [[Travis AFB]], California, whereupon it switched to flight [[RB-36]]s.<ref name="fb111a" /> The [[91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron]] assumed the duties of the 31st.<ref name="afhra" />
During the [[Korean War]], the squadron's primary mission included electronic counter measures and bomb-damage assessment photography. Operating out of Japan for greater efficiency, the squadron began flying combat missions on 29 June 1950. On 18 October 1950, a crew spied over 75 enemy fighter planes at [[Antung Airfield]], across the [[Yalu River]], immediately prior to the [[Chinese intervention]].<ref name="afhra">{{Cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090611-102.pdf|format=PDF |title= USAF Organizations in Korea 1950-1953|author= Judy G. Endicott|date= |work= |publisher= Air Force Historical Research Agency|accessdate=25 October 2009 }}</ref> In 1950 the squadron returned to the United States and was assigned to the 5th Strategic Recon Wing at [[Travis AFB]], California, whereupon it switched to flight [[RB-36]]s.<ref name="fb111a" /> The [[91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron]] assumed the duties of the 31st.<ref name="afhra" />


In 1955 the squadron was redesignated the '''31st Bombardment Squadron (H)''' being equipped with B-36Js and began standing nuclear alert. In 1960 was reassigned to SAC provisional [[4126th Strategic Wing]], being re-equipped with [[B-52|B-52G Stratofortress]] intercontinental heavy bombers. Was reassigned to [[Beale AFB]], [[California]] by SAC to disperse its heavy bomber force. Conducted worldwide strategic bombardment training missions and providing nuclear deterrent. Was inactivated in 1963 when SAC inactivated its provisional Strategic Wings, redesignating them permanent Air Force Wings. Squadron was inactivated with aircraft/personnel/equipment being redesignated [[744th Bombardment Squadron]] in an in-place, name-only transfer.
In 1955 the squadron was redesignated the '''31st Bombardment Squadron (H)''', and in 1960 it was relocated to [[Beale AFB]]. It was deactivated in February 1963.


On 1 July 1986 it was once more reactivated at [[Edwards AFB]], CA, and tasked to be the final inspection station of the [[Strategic Air Command]]'s new weapons systems.<ref name="fb111a" />
On 1 July 1986 it was once more reactivated at [[Edwards AFB]], CA, and tasked to be the final inspection station of the [[Strategic Air Command]]'s new weapons systems.<ref name="fb111a" />

Revision as of 15:57, 25 June 2010

31st Test and Evaluation Squadron
31st Test and Evaluation Squadron patch
Active26 June 1917   24 March 1923
1 April 1931   February 1963
1 July 1986  
Country United States
BranchUnited States Air Force
Part of53d Test and Evaluation Group, 53d Wing, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, Air Combat Command
Garrison/HQEdwards AFB, CA
Motto(s)Glory on the field of battle,
Courage before every danger,
Fidelity to our nation and flag,
And Honor before all men
EngagementsWorld War I
World War II: Pearl Harbor, Midway, Solomon Islands, Bougainville, Rabaul, Operation Hailstone, Noemfoor, Philippines, Leyte Gulf, Borneo
Korean War
Decorations File:NavyPres.gif
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Carl Spaatz
Cold War Emblem of the 31st Bombardment Squadron

The 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron (31 TES) is a United States Air Force unit, assigned to the 53d Test and Evaluation Group, 53d Wing, Air Combat Command.. It is stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

The squadron was initially organized on 26 June 1917 as the 31st Aero Squadron, a part of the Army Signal Corps. 31 TES served in combat during both World Wars, as well as the Korean War.

Mission

The 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron performs flight testing for the Strategic Air Command, in addition to monitoring and participating in operational test and evaluation at Edwards AFB.[1] The 31TES provides testing and evaluation of weapons systems, as well as training for officers from the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center and Air Force Materiel Command.[2]

History

The 31st Aero Squadron was organized on 26 June 1917 at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas, under the command of 1st Lieutenant John E. Rossel.[3] A part of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, it received personnel from First Company, B Provisional Battalion.[4] The squadron served in France during World War I under a series of commanders, the most notable of which was Captain Carl "Tooey" Spaatz, who would later go on to become the first Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.[1][4] Following the war, the squadron was deactivated.

On 1 April 1931, the redesignated 31st Bombardment Squadron was activated at March Field, California. The 31st left for Hickam Field, Hawaii on 1 February 1938, becoming the first bombardment unit to be based there.[4] On 7 December 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and Hickam Field, and all of the squadron's B-18 Bolo bomber aircraft were either damaged or destroyed.[1] Refitted with B-17 heavy bombers, the squadron was assigned to the 7th Air Force and relocated to Kipapa Gulch, Oahu. During the course of the War, the 31st took part in numerous battles in the Pacific campaign, including the Battle of Midway, as well as the Solomon Islands campaign, Bougainville Campaign, New Guinea Campaign, Operation Hailstone, Philippines Campaign, and Borneo Campaign.[4]

After World War II, the squadron was redesignated the 31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. A part of the Far East Air Forces, it served throughout the Pacific and Korea on B-29 and RB-29 bombers.[1]

During the Korean War, the squadron's primary mission included electronic counter measures and bomb-damage assessment photography. Operating out of Japan for greater efficiency, the squadron began flying combat missions on 29 June 1950. On 18 October 1950, a crew spied over 75 enemy fighter planes at Antung Airfield, across the Yalu River, immediately prior to the Chinese intervention.[5] In 1950 the squadron returned to the United States and was assigned to the 5th Strategic Recon Wing at Travis AFB, California, whereupon it switched to flight RB-36s.[1] The 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron assumed the duties of the 31st.[5]

In 1955 the squadron was redesignated the 31st Bombardment Squadron (H) being equipped with B-36Js and began standing nuclear alert. In 1960 was reassigned to SAC provisional 4126th Strategic Wing, being re-equipped with B-52G Stratofortress intercontinental heavy bombers. Was reassigned to Beale AFB, California by SAC to disperse its heavy bomber force. Conducted worldwide strategic bombardment training missions and providing nuclear deterrent. Was inactivated in 1963 when SAC inactivated its provisional Strategic Wings, redesignating them permanent Air Force Wings. Squadron was inactivated with aircraft/personnel/equipment being redesignated 744th Bombardment Squadron in an in-place, name-only transfer.

On 1 July 1986 it was once more reactivated at Edwards AFB, CA, and tasked to be the final inspection station of the Strategic Air Command's new weapons systems.[1]

Lineage

Deactivated 24 March 1923.
  • Redesignated 31st Bombardment Squadron.
Reactivated 1 April 1931.
Redesignated 31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron in October 1947.
Redesignated 31st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) in 1955.
Discontinued, and inactivated on February 1963; personnel/aircraft/equipment redesignated as 744th Bombardment Squadron
  • Redesignated 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron.
Reactivated 1 July 1986.

Assignments

Attached to: 71st Reconnaissance Group, 18 August 1948
Attached to Far East Air Forces, December 1949-16 November 1950)

Stations

Aircraft operated

A Nieuport 24 Bis, similar to those flown by the 31st Aero Squadron in France during World War I.

31st Aero Squadron

31st Bombardment Squadron

By the end of World War II, the 31st Bombardment Squadron was mostly flying Douglas B-18s and Boeing B-17 bombers like this one.

31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron

31st Bombardment Squadron (H)

Today the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron flies a number of advanced aircraft, including the F-22.

31st Test & Evaluation Squadron

Decorations

Campaign streamers

World War I: World War I Service Streamer

World War II: Philippine Islands 1941   1942, Central Pacific 1941   1943, Guadalcanal 1942   1943, New Guinea 1943   1944, Northern Solomons 1943   1944, Eastern Mandates 1944, Bismarck Archipelago 1943   1944, Western Pacific 1944   1945, Leyte 1944   1945, Luzon 1944   1945, Southern Philippines 1945, China Offensive 1945, Air Combat, Asiatic-Pacific Theater,

Korean War: UN Defensive 1950, UN Offensive 1950, CCF Intervention 1950–1951

Awards

World War II:

  • Navy Presidential Unit Citation:
    • South Pacific, 1–9 December 1942 (For Participation in the Reinforcement of Guadalcanal)
  • Distinguished Unit Citations:
    • Woleai Island, 18 April   15 May 1944,
    • Borneo, 30 September 1944
  • Philippine Presidential Unit Citation

Korean War:

  • Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 27 July   15 November 1950

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award

  • 1 June 2006   31 May 2008
  • 1 June 2004   31 May 2006
  • 1 June 2002   31 May 2004
  • 1 June 1998   31 May 2000
  • 1 June 1994   31 May 1996
  • 30 May 1992   29 May 1994
  • 1 July 1990   29 May 1992
  • 1 July 1988   30 June 1990
  • 1 July 1985   30 June 1987[12]

See also

References

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

  1. ^ a b c d e f FB-111A.net (2007). "31st Test and Evaluation Squadron". Retrieved 24 October 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ GlobalSecurity.org. "31st Test and Evaluation Squadron [31st TES]". Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  3. ^ Andrews, 2Lt. J.B. (1922). "31st Aero Squadron (Training)". In Edgar S. Gorrell, Col., U.S. Air Service (ed.). History of the American Expeditionary Forces Air Service, 1917-1919. Vol. Series E, Vol. 7. National Archives and Records Administration. pp. 271–273. Retrieved 25 October 2009. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month= and |coauthors= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: editors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ a b c d Joanne Emerick. "Chronological History of the 31st Bomb Squadron, 1917-1945". 31stbombers.org. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  5. ^ a b Judy G. Endicott. "USAF Organizations in Korea 1950-1953" (PDF). Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 25 October 2009.
  6. ^ Michael E. Hanlon (2000). "The Nieuport 24". WorldWarI.com. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  7. ^ Michael E. Hanlon (2000). "The Nieuport 27". WorldWarI.com. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  8. ^ a b Dorr, Robert F. (1997). 7th Bombardment Group/Wing, 1918-1995. KY: Turner Publishing Company. p. 29. ISBN 978-1563112782. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  9. ^ Naval History via Flix. "US 31st Bombardment Squadron". Flix. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  10. ^ J. Baugher (2000). "B-36 Service History with USAF". Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  11. ^ The California State Military Museum. "Historic California Posts: Beale Air Force Base". Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  12. ^ Air Force Personnel Center Unit Awards
  • Maurer, Maurer. Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Air Force Historical Studies Office, 1969. ISBN 0-89201-097-5.
  • USAF Engineers Page

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=31st_Test_and_Evaluation_Squadron&oldid=370108373"