31st Test and Evaluation Squadron: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Bwmoll3 (talk | contribs)
137,292 edits
→‎Overview: edited and expanded
Bwmoll3 (talk | contribs)
137,292 edits
→‎World War I: edited and expanded
Line 40: Line 40:
==History==
==History==
===World War I===
===World War I===
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.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia
The 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron traces its history to the organization of the 31st Aero Squadron at Kelly Field, Texas, on 26 June 1917, shortly after the United States' entry into [[World War I]].<ref name="Gorrell">Series "E", Volume 7, History of the 30th-37th Aero Squadrons. Gorrell's History of the American Expeditionary Forces Air Service, 1917–1919, National Archives, Washington, D.C.</ref> The first commander of the squadron was 1st Lieutenant John E. Rossel.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia
| last = Andrews
| last = Andrews
| first = [[Second Lieutenant|2Lt.]] J.B.
| first = [[Second Lieutenant|2Lt.]] J.B.
Line 59: Line 59:
| pages = 271–273
| pages = 271–273
}}
}}
</ref> A part of the U.S. [[Army Signal Corps]], it received personnel from First Company, B Provisional Battalion.<ref name="31b">{{Cite web |url= http://31stbombers.org/brief_history.htm|title= Chronological History of the 31st Bomb Squadron, 1917-1945|author= Joanne Emerick|date= |work= |publisher= 31stbombers.org|accessdate=24 October 2009 }}</ref> The squadron served in France during World War I under a series of commanders, the most notable of which was Captain [[Carl Spaatz|Carl "Tooey" Spaatz]], who would later go on to become the first [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force]].<ref name="fb111a" /><ref name="31b" /> Following the war, the squadron was demobilized.{{Citation needed|date=May 2012}}
</ref> A part of the U.S. [[Army Signal Corps]], it received personnel from First Company, B Provisional Battalion.<ref name="31b">{{Cite web |url= http://31stbombers.org/brief_history.htm|title= Chronological History of the 31st Bomb Squadron, 1917-1945|author= Joanne Emerick|date= |work= |publisher= 31stbombers.org|accessdate=24 October 2009 }}</ref> About the first of July, orders were recieved to equip the squadron for overseas duty. The entire month of July was spent in drill and preparation for foreign service.<ref name="Gorrell"/> Captain [[Carl Spaatz]], who would later go on to become the first [[Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force]].<ref name="fb111a">[http://www.fb-111a.net/31TES.html 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron</ref><ref name="31b" /> was placed in command on 13 July, bringing with him several men of previous military experience, who added much to the efficiency of the organization.<ref name="Gorrell"/>

====Across the Atlantic====
The squadron left Kelly field on 11 August for Fort Trotten New York, and after waiting transportation, the 31st was transported on 22 August to the Port of Entry, [[Hoboken, New Jersey]], and were boarded on the [[RMS Baltic (1903)|RMS Baltic]]. The next day, they left Pier 59, en-route to [[Halifax]], Nova Scotia where the ship anchored awaiting for a convoy. Finally, on 5 September, the convoy was formed and the trans-Atlantic journey began. <ref name="Gorrell"/>

On the night of 14 September, two red rockets were fired from an accompanying destroyer that had spotted a submarine periscope. The destroyer dropped depth charges on the submarine, and the Baltic made a sudden turn to port, that caused both men and anything loose aboard the ship to move. Suddenly a large explosion was heard and five long blasts were made by the ship's whistle and everyone on board was ordered to report to their assigned lifeboats. The Baltic's captain announced that a torpedo had struck the ship, but it had only made a glancing blow on the bow; that the emergency pumps were working and there was no danger.<ref name="Gorrell"/>


===Inter-war years===
===Inter-war years===

Revision as of 08:23, 29 July 2013

31st Test and Evaluation Squadron
31st Test and Evaluation Squadron Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II 09-5006. This aircraft was assigned to the squadron in March, 2013 for Operational Testing in how to best operate the aircraft in a combat environment.
Active26 June 1917 – 24 March 1923
1 April 1931 – February 1963
1 July 1986  – present
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
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Carl Spaatz
Insignia
31st Test and Evaluation Squadron emblem

The 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron (31 TES) is a United States Air Force unit, assigned to the 53d Test and Evaluation Group, stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The 31 TES is an Air Combat Command (ACC) tenant unit at Edwards, providing personnel to support combined test and evaluation on Air Force weapons systems.

Overview

The squadron provides Air Combat Command personnel to support combined test and evaluation on Air Force weapons systems. The unit also provides the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, and Air Force Materiel Command. with elite test team members who have an operational perspective to perform test and evaluation on Combat Air Force systems. [1]

The 31st TES is one of the oldest squadrons in the Air Force, its origins dating to 13 June 1917. Over this time, members of the squadron took part in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.[2]

History

World War I

The 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron traces its history to the organization of the 31st Aero Squadron at Kelly Field, Texas, on 26 June 1917, shortly after the United States' entry into World War I.[3] The first commander of the squadron was 1st Lieutenant John E. Rossel.[4] A part of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, it received personnel from First Company, B Provisional Battalion.[5] About the first of July, orders were recieved to equip the squadron for overseas duty. The entire month of July was spent in drill and preparation for foreign service.[3] Captain Carl Spaatz, who would later go on to become the first Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.[6][5] was placed in command on 13 July, bringing with him several men of previous military experience, who added much to the efficiency of the organization.[3]

Across the Atlantic

The squadron left Kelly field on 11 August for Fort Trotten New York, and after waiting transportation, the 31st was transported on 22 August to the Port of Entry, Hoboken, New Jersey, and were boarded on the RMS Baltic. The next day, they left Pier 59, en-route to Halifax, Nova Scotia where the ship anchored awaiting for a convoy. Finally, on 5 September, the convoy was formed and the trans-Atlantic journey began. [3]

On the night of 14 September, two red rockets were fired from an accompanying destroyer that had spotted a submarine periscope. The destroyer dropped depth charges on the submarine, and the Baltic made a sudden turn to port, that caused both men and anything loose aboard the ship to move. Suddenly a large explosion was heard and five long blasts were made by the ship's whistle and everyone on board was ordered to report to their assigned lifeboats. The Baltic's captain announced that a torpedo had struck the ship, but it had only made a glancing blow on the bow; that the emergency pumps were working and there was no danger.[3]

Inter-war years

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.[5] 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.[6] 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 World War II, the 31st took part in numerous battles in the Pacific campaign, including the Battle of Midway, the Solomon Islands campaign, the Bougainville Campaign, the New Guinea Campaign, Operation Hailstone, the Philippines Campaign, and the Borneo Campaign.[5]

Korean War

After the 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.[6]

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.[7]

Strategic Air Command

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 flying RB-36s.[6] The 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron assumed the duties of the 31st.[7]

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

Modern era

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.[6]

Lineage

Cold War Emblem of the 31st Bombardment Squadron
Demobilized 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 transferred to 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
  • 1 June 1998  – 31 May 2000
  • 1 June 2002  – 31 May 2004
  • 1 June 2004  – 31 May 2006
  • 1 June 2006  – 31 May 2008[14]

See also

References

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

  1. ^ GlobalSecurity.org. "31st Test and Evaluation Squadron [31st TES]". Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ a b c d e Series "E", Volume 7, History of the 30th-37th Aero Squadrons. Gorrell's History of the American Expeditionary Forces Air Service, 1917–1919, National Archives, Washington, D.C.
  4. ^ 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)
  5. ^ a b c d Joanne Emerick. "Chronological History of the 31st Bomb Squadron, 1917-1945". 31stbombers.org. Retrieved 24 October 2009.
  6. ^ a b c d e [http://www.fb-111a.net/31TES.html 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron
  7. ^ a b Judy G. Endicott. "USAF Organizations in Korea 1950-1953" (PDF). Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 25 October 2009.
  8. ^ Michael E. Hanlon (2000). "The Nieuport 24". WorldWarI.com. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  9. ^ Michael E. Hanlon (2000). "The Nieuport 27". WorldWarI.com. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  10. ^ a b Dorr, Robert F. (1997). 7th Bombardment Group/Wing, 1918-1995. KY: Turner Publishing Company. p. 29. ISBN 978-1-56311-278-2. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  11. ^ Naval History via Flix. "US 31st Bombardment Squadron". Flix. Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  12. ^ J. Baugher (2000). "B-36 Service History with USAF". Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  13. ^ The California State Military Museum. "Historic California Posts: Beale Air Force Base". Retrieved 26 October 2009.
  14. ^ 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=566256846"