17th Test Squadron

17th Test Squadron

17th Test Squadron team preparing test of Combat SkySat
Active 1990-1992; 1995–present
Country  United States
Branch  United States Air Force
Type Test
Role Test and Evaluation
Part of Air Combat Command
Garrison/HQ Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado
Motto Ex Scientia Vera Latin From Knowledge, Truth
Colors Orange & Black
Decorations AFOUA
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Commanders
Current
commander		 Lt Col Todd Bridges
Insignia
17th Test Squadron emblem (approved 11 September 1991, motto added 9 March 2010)[1]

The 17th Test Squadron is a United States Air Force test and evaluation unit, located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. The squadron is tasked with testing and evaluating space systems and associated support equipment.

Mission

The mission of the 17th Test Squadron is to enhance the military utility of space power through the operational test and evaluation of space systems.[2]

The official 17 TS Vision is Building a world-class Operational Test and Evaluation team that provides operationally-relevant, timely and unbiased assessments.[2]

History

On 6 April 1990, at Peterson Air Force Base Colorado the 1017th Test and Evaluation Squadron was activated. The mission of the 1017th was to perform Air Staff-directed Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) of Air Force Space Command space surveillance, missile warning, and command and control systems. The Squadron oversaw two operating locations at Falcon Air Force Base and Buckley Air National Guard Base. The unit inactivated on 15 October 1992.[3]

On 12 July 1995, the unit reactivated as the 17th Test Squadron.[1] Operating Location A was activated at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colorado.[4]

The stand-up ceremony was held on Friday, 21 July 1996, in the Presentation Center of the Joint National Test Facility at 1300. The special guests included Col Burkhart, the 50th Space Wing (50 SW) Vice Commander; Col Deese, the AFSPC Comptroller; Col Kingsberry, from the AFSPC Division of Space Control; Col Mercier, Commander of Detachment 4 of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center; and Col Springer, from AFSPC Division of Training and Standardization. After the reading of the activation orders, the 17 TS guidon was unsheathed, symbolizing the creation of a new USAF squadron. Then the guidon was passed to Col Howard J. Fry, the Commander of the Space Warfare Center and the Presiding Officer for the stand-up. Colonel Fry passed the guidon to Lt Col Carl Cox, the first Commander of the 17 TS, signifying the passing of all legal and operational responsibilities. At the formation of the squadron, manning was at just over ten people.[5]

As of 1 April 2013 the 17th Test Squadron was transferred to Air Combat Command under the 53rd Wing, located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, which serves as the focal point for the Combat Air Forces in electronic warfare, armament and avionics, chemical defense, reconnaissance, and aircrew training devices. The wing reports to the Air Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, a Direct Reporting Unit of Headquarters Air Combat Command. The wing is also responsible for operational testing and evaluation of new equipment and systems proposed for use by these forces.

Lineage

Inactivated on 15 October 1992

Assignments

Components

Detachment 3-Operating Location A: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Stations

Decorations

Award streamer Award Dates Notes
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award6 April 1990-5 April 19921017th Test and Evaluation Squadron[1]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award31 July 1996-30 July 199817th Test Squadron[1]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award31 July 1998-30 August 199917th Test Squadron[1]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 January 2000-30 September 200117th Test Squadron[1]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 September 2004-31 August 200517th Test Squadron[1]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 September 2005-31 August 200617th Test Squadron[1]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 September 2006-31 August 200717th Test Squadron[1]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 September 2007-31 August 200817th Test Squadron[1]
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award1 September 2002-1 September 200317th Test Squadron[1]
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award2 September 2003-31 August 200417th Test Squadron[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Robertson, Patsy (February 28, 2011). "Factsheet 7 Test Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Restricted Air Force Knowledge Now Community of Practice". Archived from the original on 9 September 2009. Retrieved 7 September 2009.
  3. ↑ Extracts of Report (U), HQ AFSPC/XPM, "Command Organization Chart Book," 1 October 1995 – 1 October 1997, 1 April 1999, SD II-69-77; Mission Directive, HQ AFSPC/XP, "Organization and Mission - Field, 17th Test Squadron (17 TS)," 2 January 1998, SD II-79; AFSPC and Rpt, SWC, [swc authorizations], 1 August 1999, SD II-80; Memo (U), HQ USAF/PE to AFSPC/XP, "Organizational Change Request for activation of the 17th Test Squadron," 29 June 1995, SD II-81; BP, 1017 TS, "History of the 1017th Test and Evaluation Squadron," ntd, SD II-82.
  4. ↑ Order , HQ AFSPC Special Order GD-018.
  5. ↑ Request and Authorization for Assumption of/Appointment to Command, HQ SWC Special Order GU-001.
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