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53rd Test and Evaluation Group

January 31, 2023

The 53rd Test and Evaluation Group is a group of the United States Air Force. It is a part of the 53rd Wing, and is headquartered at Nellis AFB, Nevada.[2]

53rd Test and Evaluation Group
Group F-35A Lightning II[note 1]
Active1942–1947, 1955–1960, 1988–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleTest and evaluation
Part ofAir Combat Command
Garrison/HQNellis AFB
EngagementsMediterranean Theater of Operations World War II Army of Occupation
DecorationsDistinguished Unit Citation
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Insignia
53rd Wing Emblem[note 2]
79th Fighter Group emblem[1][note 3]
Aircraft flown
AttackA-10
BomberB-1, B-2, B-52
FighterF-15C & E, F-16, F-22
Multirole helicopterHH-60
ReconnaissanceMQ-1, RQ-4, U-2

The Group was originally activated in 1942 as the 79th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), becoming the 79th Fighter Group (Single Engine) a few months later. Later that year it moved overseas to Egypt, where it was assigned to Ninth Air Force and participated in combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Italy until April 1945. After the end of World War II, it became part of the Army of Occupation until it was inactivated in 1947.

The group was activated again in 1955 as the 79th Fighter Group (Air Defense) as part of a program of Air Defense Command (ADC) to replace its air defense groups with fighter units with distinguished records in World War II. It provided air defense of the Great Lakes region until it was inactivated in 1960.

In 1988, Tactical Air Command activated the 4443rd Test and Evaluation Group as an operational test unit at Eglin AFB, an Air Force Systems Command (AFSC) base that was home to AFSC's Armament Center. In December 1991, as the USAF eliminated its Major Command controlled (MAJCON) four-digit units, the 79th was consolidated with the 4443rd, and the combined unit was designated the 79th Test and Evaluation Group. In 1998, as a result of USAF policy that subordinate groups carry the same number as their parent wing, the 79th TEG was inactivated and replaced by the newly constituted 53rd Test and Evaluation Group. In 1999, the unit moved from Eglin AFB to Nellis AFB, Less than two years later, USAF consolidated the 79th and 53rd TEGs to provide one continuous history to its weapons test and evaluation group.

The unit consists of seven squadrons, two detachments, and a named flight. Its mission is to manage the flying activities of the 53rd wing at Barksdale, Beale, Creech, Dyess, Edwards, Eglin, Nellis, and Whiteman Air Force bases.[2]

Units

The group consists of seven squadrons, two direct detachments, and a named flight. These units perform tactical development, operational tests, and evaluations for Air Combat Command.[2] In addition, the group assists the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center with testing and operating the YAL-1 Airborne Laser, MQ-9, and F-35A.[2]

Squadrons

Detachments

The group includes three detachments which are not part of the regular squadron structure:

  • Detachment 1 – Based at Edwards AFB, Detachment 1 performs operational test.[citation needed]
  • Detachment 2 – Based at Beale AFB, Detachment 2 performs evaluations of the Lockheed U-2 and RQ-4 Global Hawk and train personnel in the operation of the equipment.[2]
  • Detachment 3 – Based at Nellis AFB, Detachment 3 trains and evaluates aircrews in the use of Foreign Materiel Exploitations for the Air Force Materiel Command.[2]

Named flights

The group includes one named flight:

  • Combat Search and Rescue Combined Test Force – Based at Nellis AFB, the CSAR Combined Test Force currently operates the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter and Guardian Angel Weapons System in an attempt to consolidate all combat search and rescue operation efforts.[2]

History

World War II

The group was constituted as 79th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 13 January 1942 and activated at Dale Mabry Field, Florida on 9 February 1942, drawing its personnel from the 56th and 81st Fighter Groups.[3] its original squadrons were the 85th,[4] 86th,[5] and 87th Pursuit Squadrons.[6] The group was redesignated the 79th Fighter Group (Single Engine) in May 1942. The group trained in the United States, then moved to Egypt by sea via Brazil in October–November 1942,[3] where it became part of Ninth Air Force.[7]

The group trained with P-40 Warhawks's while moving westward in the wake of the British drive across Egypt and Libya to Tunisia.[7] Although many of the group's pilots flew combat missions with other organizations, the 79th group itself did not begin combat operations until March 1943.[7] By escorting bombers, attacking enemy shipping, and supporting ground forces, the 79th took part in the Allied operations that defeated Axis forces in North Africa, captured Pantelleria, and conquered Sicily.[7] The group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for its support of British Eighth Army during that period, March–August 1943.[7]

The group was assigned to Twelfth Air Force in August 1943 and continued to support the British Eighth Army by attacking troop concentrations, gun positions, bridges, roads, and rail lines in southern Italy.[7] It operated in the area of the Anzio beachhead, from January to March 1944. The group participated in the drive on Rome, from March to June 1944, and converted to P-47 Thunderbolts during that time.[7] It flew escort and strafing missions in southern France during August and September 1944, and afterward returned to Italy and engaged in interdictory and close support operations in northern Italy.[7] The group received a second DUC for numerous missions flown at minimum altitude in intense flak to help pierce the enemy line at the Santerno River in Italy in April 1945.[7]

79th Ftr Gp

Aerial Victories Number Note
Group Hq 1 [8]
85th Fighter Squadron 28 [9]
86th Fighter Squadron 26 [10][note 5]
87th Fighter Squadron 41.5 [11]
Group Total 96.5

The group remained overseas as part of United States Air Forces in Europe after the war as part of the occupation force.[7] It was transferred, without personnel and equipment, to the US in June 1947 and inactivated on 15 July 1947.[7]

Air Defense Command

 
TF-102 of the 86th FIS at Youngstown MAP

The group was redesignated the 79th Fighter Group (Air Defense), assigned to ADC and activated on 18 August 1955 at Youngstown MAP, Ohio[7] as part of ADC's Project Arrow, which was designed to bring back on the active list the fighter units which had compiled memorable records in the two world wars.[12] At Youngstown, the group assumed the personnel and equipment of the 502nd Air Defense Group, which was simultaneously inactivated.[13] The group provided air defense over eastern Ohio as part of 30th Air Division of ADC's Central Air Defense Force and acted as the host unit for the Air Force portion of Youngstown MAP. The 79th was assigned several support organizations to fulfill this responsibility.[14][15][16] One of the group's original components, the 86th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (FIS), flying radar equipped and rocket armed North American F-86D Sabres was already stationed at Youngstown and transferred from the 502nd.[17]

In September 1957 the 86th FIS traded its Sabres for Convair F-102 Delta Dagger aircraft equipped with data link for interception control through the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment system.[17] The Air Force transferred command of Youngstown MAP from ADC to Continental Air Command on 1 March 1960 and the 79th Fighter Group and its components inactivated that date.[18]

Lineage

79th Test and Evaluation Group

  • Constituted as 79th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 13 January 1942
Activated on 9 February 1942
Redesignated 79th Fighter Group (Single Engine) in May 1942
Inactivated on 15 July 1947
  • Redesignated as 79th Fighter Group (Air Defense) on 20 June 1955
Activated on 18 August 1955
Inactivated on 1 March 1960[13]
  • Redesignated 79th Tactical Fighter Group on 31 July 1985[19] (remained inactive)
  • Redesignated 79th Test and Evaluation Group on 1 December 1991
  • Consolidated with 4443rd Test and Evaluation Group on 15 December 1991
Inactivated on 20 November 1998
  • Consolidated on 25 June 2000 with 53rd Test and Evaluation Group as 53rd Test and Evaluation Group

4443rd Test and Evaluation Group

  • Designated as 4443rd Test and Evaluation Group and activated on 1 July 1988
  • Consolidated with 79th Test and Evaluation Group on 15 December 1991 as 79th Test and Evaluation Group

53rd Test and Evaluation Group

  • Constituted as 53rd Test and Evaluation Group and activated on 20 November 1998
  • Consolidated on 25 June 2000 with 79th Test and Evaluation Group

Assignments

Components

Test Units

Edwards Air Force Base, California
Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana
Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri
Edwards Air Force Base, California
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
  • 4486th Fighter Weapons Squadron, 1 October 1988 - 30 November 1991
  • HH-60G Combined Test Force (later Combat Rescue Combined Test Force), 1 October 2002 – present

Stations

[7][22]

Awards and Campaigns

Award streamer Award Dates Notes
  Distinguished Unit Citation March 1943-17 August 1943 79th Fighter Group, North Africa and Sicily[7]
  Distinguished Unit Citation 16 April 1945–20 April 1945 79th Fighter Group, Italy[7]
  Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 April 1989-31 March 1991 4443rd Test & Evaluation Group (later 79th Test & Evaluation Group)[22]
  Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 June 1994-31 May 1996 79th Test & Evaluation Group[22]
  Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 June 1998-31 May 2000 79th Test & Evaluation Group (later 53rd Test & Evaluation Group)[22]
  Air Force Organizational Excellence Award 1 January 1992-31 December 1993 79th Test and Evaluation Group[22]
Campaign Streamer Campaign Dates Notes
  Air Combat, EAME Theater 79th Fighter Group[7]
  Egypt-Libya 79th Fighter Group[7]
  Tunisia 79th Fighter Group[7]
  Sicily 79th Fighter Group[7]
  Naples-Foggia 79th Fighter Group[7]
  Anzio 79th Fighter Group[7]
  Rome-Arno 79th Fighter Group[7]
  Southern France 79th Fighter Group[7]
  Northern Apennines 79th Fighter Group[7]
  Po Valley 79th Fighter Group[7]
  World War II Army of Occupation 2 May 1945 – 25 June 1947 79th Fighter Group[7]

Aircraft

Additionally, the group has flying hours assigned to the B-2 Spirit bomber, RQ-4 Global Hawk, and Lockheed U-2.

See also

References

Notes

Explanatory notes
  1. ^ Aircraft is Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II, serial 09-5005, taken at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
  2. ^ The group uses this emblem with the group designation on the scroll when assigned to the 53rd Wing Bailey, Factsheet 53 Test & Evaluation Group.
  3. ^ Apparently, never officially approved. Maurer, Combat Units, p. 145. The blue stripe at top represent the sky, the hieroglyphic numbers display the group's number and the falcon headed Egyptian god, Horus is the central figure. Lind, Frontispiece.
  4. ^ This remains the group emblem, but is not used while assigned to the 53rd Wing. Bailey, Factsheet 53 Test 7 Evaluation Group.
  5. ^ Newton & Senning gives figure as 25.99 due to one victory shared by three pilots credited as .33 to each
  6. ^ Located at Alexandria by 1 January 1943 Abstract, History of 79th Ftr Gp CY 1943. Retrieved 13 May 2012
  7. ^ Part of the group remained behind at Madna.
  8. ^ The group history identifies this field as "Bron Airdrome".
Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Watkins, pp. 30–31
  2. ^ a b c d e f g USAF. (PDF). Eglin AFB, Florida: 53rd Wing, USAF. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 February 2009. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
  3. ^ a b c d Abstract, History of 79th Ftr Gp, activation-Aug 43. Retrieved 13 May 2012
  4. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 295
  5. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 297–298
  6. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 299–300
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z Maurer, Combat Units, pp. 144–145
  8. ^ Newton & Senning, p. 572
  9. ^ Newton & Senning, p. 578
  10. ^ Newton & Senning, pp. 578–579
  11. ^ Newton & Senning, p. 579
  12. ^ Buss, et al., p.6
  13. ^ a b Cornett & Johnson, p. 81
  14. ^ a b Kane, Robert B. (24 February 2010). "Factsheet 79 Medical Wing (AFDW)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  15. ^ a b Cornett & Johnson, p. 137
  16. ^ a b Cornett & Johnson, p. 145
  17. ^ a b Cornett & Johnson, p. 120
  18. ^ Abstract, History of 79th Ftr Gp, Jan–Mar 1960. Retrieved 13 May 2012
  19. ^ Department of the Air Force/MPM Letter 648q, 31 July 1985, Subject: Reconstitution, Redesignation, and Consolidation of Selected Air Force Organizations
  20. ^ Maurer, Combat Units, p. 425
  21. ^ . Air Force Historical Research Agency. 10 May 2007. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Bailey, Carl E. (29 March 2010). . Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 19 October 2016.
  23. ^ . Air Force Historical Research Agency. 5 October 2007. Archived from the original on 13 October 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  24. ^ a b c Cornett & Johnson, p. 73
  25. ^ Robertson, Patsy (20 February 2015). . Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  26. ^ Robertson, Patsy (20 February 2015). . Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  27. ^ Robertson, Patsy (20 February 2015). . Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  28. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 385
  29. ^ See Abstract, History of 79th Air Base Squadron 1958–1959. Retrieved 14 May 2012
  30. ^ Kane, Robert B. (15 January 2010). "Factsheet 49 Test and Evaluation Squadron (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  31. ^ Warnock, A. Timothy (2 December 2007). "Factsheet 72 Test and Evaluation Squadron (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  32. ^ Abstract, History of 79th Ftr Gp, Jan 1944. Retrieved 13 May 2012
  33. ^ Abstract,, History of 79th Ftr Gp, Jun 1944. Retrieved 13 May 2012 The group moved by ship.
  34. ^ a b Airfield Identification Numbers from Johnson
  35. ^ Abstract,, History of 79th Ftr Gp, Sep 1944. Retrieved 13 May 2012
  36. ^ Abstract, History of 79th Ftr Gp, Mar 1945. Retrieved 13 May 2012
  37. ^ Abstract, History of Hoershing AB, Nov 1946. Retrieved 13 May 2012
  38. ^ Abstract, History of 79th Ftr Gp, Jul 1945. Retrieved 13 May 2012

Bibliography

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

  • Buss, Lydus H.(ed), Sturm, Thomas A., Volan, Denys, and McMullen, Richard F., History of Continental Air Defense Command and Air Defense Command July to December 1955, Directorate of Historical Services, Air Defense Command, Ent AFB, CO, (1956)
  • Cornett, Lloyd H; Johnson, Mildred W (1980). A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization, 1946–1980 (PDF). Peterson AFB, CO: Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center.
  • Johnson, 1st Lt. David C. (1988). (PDF). Maxwell AFB, AL: Research Division, USAF Historical Research Center. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 September 2015.
  • Lind, Capt. Ragnar G., ed. (1946). The Falcon: Combat History of the 79th Fighter Group, United States Army Air Forces, 1943–1945. Munich, Germany: F. Bruckmann. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  • Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1983) [1961]. Air Force Combat Units of World War II (PDF) (reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-912799-02-1. LCCN 61060979.
  • Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1982) [1969]. Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II (PDF) (reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-405-12194-6. LCCN 70605402. OCLC 72556.
  • Newton, Wesely P. Jr.; Senning, Calvin F. (1963). (PDF). Research Studies Institute, USAF Historical Division, Air University. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  • Watkins, Robert A. (2009). Insignia and Aircraft Markings of the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II. Vol. IV, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations. Atglen,PA: Shiffer Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 978-0-7643-3401-6.

Further reading

  • Coles, Harry C., (1945) Ninth Air Force in the Western Desert Campaign to 23 January 1943, USAF Historical Study No. 30
  • Coles, Harry C., (1945) Participation by the Ninth and Twelfth Air Forces in the Sicilian Campaign, USAF Historical Study No. 37
  • Leonard, Barry (2009). (PDF). Vol. II, 1955–1972. Fort McNair, DC: Center for Military History. ISBN 978-1-43792-131-1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 December 2019. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
  • Woerpel, Don. The 79th Fighter Group: Over Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy in World War II. Atglen, Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing, 2007. ISBN 0-7643-1322-3.

January 31, 2023
53rd, test, evaluation, group, group, united, states, force, part, 53rd, wing, headquartered, nellis, nevada, group, lightning, note, active1942, 1947, 1955, 1960, 1988, presentcountry, united, statesbranch, united, states, forceroletest, evaluationpart, ofair. The 53rd Test and Evaluation Group is a group of the United States Air Force It is a part of the 53rd Wing and is headquartered at Nellis AFB Nevada 2 53rd Test and Evaluation GroupGroup F 35A Lightning II note 1 Active1942 1947 1955 1960 1988 presentCountry United StatesBranch United States Air ForceRoleTest and evaluationPart ofAir Combat CommandGarrison HQNellis AFBEngagementsMediterranean Theater of Operations World War II Army of OccupationDecorationsDistinguished Unit CitationAir Force Outstanding Unit AwardAir Force Organizational Excellence AwardInsignia53rd Wing Emblem note 2 79th Fighter Group emblem 1 note 3 Aircraft flownAttackA 10BomberB 1 B 2 B 52FighterF 15C amp E F 16 F 22Multirole helicopterHH 60ReconnaissanceMQ 1 RQ 4 U 2 The Group was originally activated in 1942 as the 79th Pursuit Group Interceptor becoming the 79th Fighter Group Single Engine a few months later Later that year it moved overseas to Egypt where it was assigned to Ninth Air Force and participated in combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations in Egypt Libya Tunisia and Italy until April 1945 After the end of World War II it became part of the Army of Occupation until it was inactivated in 1947 The group was activated again in 1955 as the 79th Fighter Group Air Defense as part of a program of Air Defense Command ADC to replace its air defense groups with fighter units with distinguished records in World War II It provided air defense of the Great Lakes region until it was inactivated in 1960 In 1988 Tactical Air Command activated the 4443rd Test and Evaluation Group as an operational test unit at Eglin AFB an Air Force Systems Command AFSC base that was home to AFSC s Armament Center In December 1991 as the USAF eliminated its Major Command controlled MAJCON four digit units the 79th was consolidated with the 4443rd and the combined unit was designated the 79th Test and Evaluation Group In 1998 as a result of USAF policy that subordinate groups carry the same number as their parent wing the 79th TEG was inactivated and replaced by the newly constituted 53rd Test and Evaluation Group In 1999 the unit moved from Eglin AFB to Nellis AFB Less than two years later USAF consolidated the 79th and 53rd TEGs to provide one continuous history to its weapons test and evaluation group The unit consists of seven squadrons two detachments and a named flight Its mission is to manage the flying activities of the 53rd wing at Barksdale Beale Creech Dyess Edwards Eglin Nellis and Whiteman Air Force bases 2 Contents 1 Units 1 1 Squadrons 1 2 Detachments 1 3 Named flights 2 History 2 1 World War II 2 2 Air Defense Command 3 Lineage 4 Assignments 5 Components 6 Stations 7 Awards and Campaigns 8 Aircraft 9 See also 10 References 10 1 Notes 10 2 Bibliography 11 Further readingUnits EditThe group consists of seven squadrons two direct detachments and a named flight These units perform tactical development operational tests and evaluations for Air Combat Command 2 In addition the group assists the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center with testing and operating the YAL 1 Airborne Laser MQ 9 and F 35A 2 Squadrons Edit 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron 72d Test and Evaluation Squadron 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron 417th Test and Evaluation Squadron 418th Test and Evaluation Squadron 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron 556th Test and Evaluation SquadronDetachments Edit The group includes three detachments which are not part of the regular squadron structure Detachment 1 Based at Edwards AFB Detachment 1 performs operational test citation needed Detachment 2 Based at Beale AFB Detachment 2 performs evaluations of the Lockheed U 2 and RQ 4 Global Hawk and train personnel in the operation of the equipment 2 Detachment 3 Based at Nellis AFB Detachment 3 trains and evaluates aircrews in the use of Foreign Materiel Exploitations for the Air Force Materiel Command 2 Named flights Edit The group includes one named flight Combat Search and Rescue Combined Test Force Based at Nellis AFB the CSAR Combined Test Force currently operates the HH 60G Pave Hawk helicopter and Guardian Angel Weapons System in an attempt to consolidate all combat search and rescue operation efforts 2 History EditWorld War II Edit The group was constituted as 79th Pursuit Group Interceptor on 13 January 1942 and activated at Dale Mabry Field Florida on 9 February 1942 drawing its personnel from the 56th and 81st Fighter Groups 3 its original squadrons were the 85th 4 86th 5 and 87th Pursuit Squadrons 6 The group was redesignated the 79th Fighter Group Single Engine in May 1942 The group trained in the United States then moved to Egypt by sea via Brazil in October November 1942 3 where it became part of Ninth Air Force 7 The group trained with P 40 Warhawks s while moving westward in the wake of the British drive across Egypt and Libya to Tunisia 7 Although many of the group s pilots flew combat missions with other organizations the 79th group itself did not begin combat operations until March 1943 7 By escorting bombers attacking enemy shipping and supporting ground forces the 79th took part in the Allied operations that defeated Axis forces in North Africa captured Pantelleria and conquered Sicily 7 The group was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation DUC for its support of British Eighth Army during that period March August 1943 7 The group was assigned to Twelfth Air Force in August 1943 and continued to support the British Eighth Army by attacking troop concentrations gun positions bridges roads and rail lines in southern Italy 7 It operated in the area of the Anzio beachhead from January to March 1944 The group participated in the drive on Rome from March to June 1944 and converted to P 47 Thunderbolts during that time 7 It flew escort and strafing missions in southern France during August and September 1944 and afterward returned to Italy and engaged in interdictory and close support operations in northern Italy 7 The group received a second DUC for numerous missions flown at minimum altitude in intense flak to help pierce the enemy line at the Santerno River in Italy in April 1945 7 79th Ftr Gp Aerial Victories Number NoteGroup Hq 1 8 85th Fighter Squadron 28 9 86th Fighter Squadron 26 10 note 5 87th Fighter Squadron 41 5 11 Group Total 96 5The group remained overseas as part of United States Air Forces in Europe after the war as part of the occupation force 7 It was transferred without personnel and equipment to the US in June 1947 and inactivated on 15 July 1947 7 Air Defense Command Edit TF 102 of the 86th FIS at Youngstown MAP The group was redesignated the 79th Fighter Group Air Defense assigned to ADC and activated on 18 August 1955 at Youngstown MAP Ohio 7 as part of ADC s Project Arrow which was designed to bring back on the active list the fighter units which had compiled memorable records in the two world wars 12 At Youngstown the group assumed the personnel and equipment of the 502nd Air Defense Group which was simultaneously inactivated 13 The group provided air defense over eastern Ohio as part of 30th Air Division of ADC s Central Air Defense Force and acted as the host unit for the Air Force portion of Youngstown MAP The 79th was assigned several support organizations to fulfill this responsibility 14 15 16 One of the group s original components the 86th Fighter Interceptor Squadron FIS flying radar equipped and rocket armed North American F 86D Sabres was already stationed at Youngstown and transferred from the 502nd 17 In September 1957 the 86th FIS traded its Sabres for Convair F 102 Delta Dagger aircraft equipped with data link for interception control through the Semi Automatic Ground Environment system 17 The Air Force transferred command of Youngstown MAP from ADC to Continental Air Command on 1 March 1960 and the 79th Fighter Group and its components inactivated that date 18 Lineage Edit79th Test and Evaluation Group Constituted as 79th Pursuit Group Interceptor on 13 January 1942Activated on 9 February 1942 Redesignated 79th Fighter Group Single Engine in May 1942 Inactivated on 15 July 1947Redesignated as 79th Fighter Group Air Defense on 20 June 1955Activated on 18 August 1955 Inactivated on 1 March 1960 13 Redesignated 79th Tactical Fighter Group on 31 July 1985 19 remained inactive Redesignated 79th Test and Evaluation Group on 1 December 1991 Consolidated with 4443rd Test and Evaluation Group on 15 December 1991Inactivated on 20 November 1998Consolidated on 25 June 2000 with 53rd Test and Evaluation Group as 53rd Test and Evaluation Group4443rd Test and Evaluation Group Designated as 4443rd Test and Evaluation Group and activated on 1 July 1988 Consolidated with 79th Test and Evaluation Group on 15 December 1991 as 79th Test and Evaluation Group53rd Test and Evaluation Group Constituted as 53rd Test and Evaluation Group and activated on 20 November 1998 Consolidated on 25 June 2000 with 79th Test and Evaluation GroupAssignments EditThird Air Force 9 February 1942 I Fighter Command 22 June 1942 Boston Fighter Wing 1 August 1942 28 September 1942 20 21 Ninth Air Force 18 November 1942 attached to No 7 Wing South African Air Force SAAF from 21 February 1943 22 IX Fighter Command 24 February 1943 remained attached to No 7 Wing SAAF until ca 2 June 1943 attached to XII Air Support Command to 14 June 1943 No 7 Wing SAAF 22 Twelfth Air Force 21 August 1943 attached to Northwest African Tactical Air Force NWATAF 22 XII Air Support Command 1 September 1943 remained attached to NWATAF 22 57th Bombardment Wing 1 November 1943 1 January 1944 23 remained attached to NWATAF until 17 January 1944 attached to 64th Fighter Wing 18 January 1944 10 February 1944 and 27 February 1944 20 April 1944 87th Fighter Wing 11 June 1944 19 September 1944 22 XII Fighter Command 20 September 1944 attached to 64th Fighter Wing 20 September 1944 30 September 1944 22 Twelfth Air Force 1 October 1944 attached to Desert Air Force 1 October 1944 9 May 1945 XXII Tactical Air Command 12 May 1945 7 June 1945 22 70th Fighter Wing 31 July 1945 22 Tactical Air Command 25 June 1947 15 July 1947 22 4708th Air Defense Wing 18 August 1955 24 30th Air Division 8 July 1956 24 Detroit Air Defense Sector 1 April 1959 1 March 1960 24 USAF Tactical Air Warfare Center later USAF Air Warfare Center 53rd Wing 1 July 1988 20 November 1998 20 November 1998 presentComponents Edit85th Pursuit Squadron later 85th Fighter Squadron 4485th Test and Evaluation Squadron 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 February 1942 15 July 1947 1 August 1988 present 25 86th Pursuit Squadron later 86th Fighter Squadron 86th Fighter Interceptor Squadron 9 February 1942 15 July 1947 18 August 1955 1 March 1960 87th Pursuit Squadron later 87th Fighter Squadron 9 February 1942 15 July 1947 26 99th Fighter Squadron 16 October 1943 1 April 1944 Attached 27 316th Fighter Squadron 15 March 1943 21 May 1943 Attached 28 Support Units 79th USAF Infirmary later 79th USAF Dispensary 18 August 1955 1 March 1960 14 79th Air Base Squadron 18 August 1955 1 March 1960 29 79th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron ca 8 July 1957 1 March 1960 15 79th Materiel Squadron 18 August 1955 1 March 1960 16 Test Units 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron 15 April 1993 presentEdwards Air Force Base California49th Test Squadron later 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron 15 April 1993 present 30 Barksdale Air Force Base Louisiana72nd Test and Evaluation Squadron 20 November 1998 present 31 Whiteman Air Force Base Missouri417th Test and Evaluation Squadron 24 April 2018 presentEdwards Air Force Base California422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 August 1997 presentNellis Air Force Base Nevada4486th Fighter Weapons Squadron 1 October 1988 30 November 1991 HH 60G Combined Test Force later Combat Rescue Combined Test Force 1 October 2002 presentStations EditDale Mabry Field Florida 9 February 1942 Morris Field North Carolina c 1 May 1942 Hillsgrove Army Air Field Rhode Island ca 22 June 1942 Bedford Army Air Field Massachusetts 2 July 28 September 1942 Egypt 18 November 1942 note 6 Al Amirya Landing Ground LG 174 Egypt 19 November 1942 Gazala Libya Landing Ground LG 150 14 January 1943 1 Daraugh North Landing Ground Libya 7 February 1943 1 Castel Benito Airdrome Libya 27 March 1943 1 Causeway Airdrome Tunisia 13 March 1943 3 Sidi El Hani Landing Ground Tunisia 17 April 1943 1 El Haouaria Airfield Tunisia 2 June 1943 1 Bou Grara Airfield Tunisia 6 June 1943 1 Causeway Airdrome Tunisia 14 June 1943 3 Syracuse Sicily Italy 16 July 1943 1 Cassibile Landing Ground Sicily Italy 26 July 1943 1 Palagonia Landing Ground Sicily Italy 30 July 1943 1 Isole Landing Ground Sicily Italy 13 September 1943 1 Pisticci Landing Ground Italy 24 September 1943 1 Penny Post Landing Ground Italy 26 September 1943 1 Salsola Airfield Foggia No 3 Italy 4 October 1943 1 Madna Airfield Italy 19 November 1943 Capodichino Airport Naples Italy 15 January 1944 32 note 7 Pomigliano Airfield Italy 1 May 1944 17 June 1944 Serragia Airfield 33 Corsica 20 June 1944 St Raphael Frejus Airfield Y 12 34 France c 25 August 1944 Valance Airfield Y 23 34 France 30 September 1944 35 note 8 Iesi Airfield Italy c 4 October 1944 Fano Airfield Italy c 5 December 1944 Cesenatico Airfield Italy 20 March 1945 36 AAF Station Hoersching later Hoersching Air Base 37 Austria 22 July 1945 25 June 1947 38 Langley Field Virginia 25 June 1947 15 July 1947 Youngstown Municipal Airport Ohio 18 August 1955 1 March 1960 Eglin AFB Florida 1 July 1988 Nellis AFB Nevada 17 June 1999 present 7 22 Awards and Campaigns EditAward streamer Award Dates Notes Distinguished Unit Citation March 1943 17 August 1943 79th Fighter Group North Africa and Sicily 7 Distinguished Unit Citation 16 April 1945 20 April 1945 79th Fighter Group Italy 7 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 April 1989 31 March 1991 4443rd Test amp Evaluation Group later 79th Test amp Evaluation Group 22 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 June 1994 31 May 1996 79th Test amp Evaluation Group 22 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award 1 June 1998 31 May 2000 79th Test amp Evaluation Group later 53rd Test amp Evaluation Group 22 Air Force Organizational Excellence Award 1 January 1992 31 December 1993 79th Test and Evaluation Group 22 Campaign Streamer Campaign Dates Notes Air Combat EAME Theater 79th Fighter Group 7 Egypt Libya 79th Fighter Group 7 Tunisia 79th Fighter Group 7 Sicily 79th Fighter Group 7 Naples Foggia 79th Fighter Group 7 Anzio 79th Fighter Group 7 Rome Arno 79th Fighter Group 7 Southern France 79th Fighter Group 7 Northern Apennines 79th Fighter Group 7 Po Valley 79th Fighter Group 7 World War II Army of Occupation 2 May 1945 25 June 1947 79th Fighter Group 7 Aircraft EditCurtiss P 40 Warhawk 1942 Republic P 47 Thunderbolt 1942 1945 North American F 86D Sabre 1955 Convair F 102A Delta Dagger 1955 1960 Fairchild Republic A 10 Thunderbolt II Rockwell B 1 Lancer Boeing B 52 Stratofortress McDonnell Douglas F 15 Eagle C amp E General Dynamics F 16 Fighting Falcon Lockheed Martin F 22 Raptor Sikorsky HH 60 Pave Hawk General Atomics MQ 1 Predator Additionally the group has flying hours assigned to the B 2 Spirit bomber RQ 4 Global Hawk and Lockheed U 2 See also Edit53rd Wing List of United States Air Force Groups United States Air Force Aerospace Defense Command Fighter SquadronsReferences EditNotes Edit Explanatory notes Aircraft is Lockheed Martin F 35A Lightning II serial 09 5005 taken at Nellis Air Force Base Nevada The group uses this emblem with the group designation on the scroll when assigned to the 53rd Wing Bailey Factsheet 53 Test amp Evaluation Group Apparently never officially approved Maurer Combat Units p 145 The blue stripe at top represent the sky the hieroglyphic numbers display the group s number and the falcon headed Egyptian god Horus is the central figure Lind Frontispiece This remains the group emblem but is not used while assigned to the 53rd Wing Bailey Factsheet 53 Test 7 Evaluation Group Newton amp Senning gives figure as 25 99 due to one victory shared by three pilots credited as 33 to each Located at Alexandria by 1 January 1943 Abstract History of 79th Ftr Gp CY 1943 Retrieved 13 May 2012 Part of the group remained behind at Madna The group history identifies this field as Bron Airdrome Citations a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Watkins pp 30 31 a b c d e f g USAF Eglin AFB 53rd Test and Evaluation Group Fact Sheet PDF Eglin AFB Florida 53rd Wing USAF Archived from the original PDF on 26 February 2009 Retrieved 3 April 2009 a b c d Abstract History of 79th Ftr Gp activation Aug 43 Retrieved 13 May 2012 Maurer Combat Squadrons p 295 Maurer Combat Squadrons pp 297 298 Maurer Combat Squadrons pp 299 300 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z Maurer Combat Units pp 144 145 Newton amp Senning p 572 Newton amp Senning p 578 Newton amp Senning pp 578 579 Newton amp Senning p 579 Buss et al p 6 a b Cornett amp Johnson p 81 a b Kane Robert B 24 February 2010 Factsheet 79 Medical Wing AFDW Air Force Historical Research Agency Retrieved 26 November 2016 a b Cornett amp Johnson p 137 a b Cornett amp Johnson p 145 a b Cornett amp Johnson p 120 Abstract History of 79th Ftr Gp Jan Mar 1960 Retrieved 13 May 2012 Department of the Air Force MPM Letter 648q 31 July 1985 Subject Reconstitution Redesignation and Consolidation of Selected Air Force Organizations Maurer Combat Units p 425 Factsheet 323 Air Division Air Force Historical Research Agency 10 May 2007 Archived from the original on 30 October 2012 Retrieved 22 March 2014 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Bailey Carl E 29 March 2010 Factsheet 53 Test and Evaluation Group ACC Air Force Historical Research Agency Archived from the original on 4 March 2016 Retrieved 19 October 2016 Factsheet 57 Air Division Air Force Historical Research Agency 5 October 2007 Archived from the original on 13 October 2012 Retrieved 2 April 2014 a b c Cornett amp Johnson p 73 Robertson Patsy 20 February 2015 Factsheet 85 Test and Evaluation Squadron Air Force Historical Research Agency Archived from the original on 3 March 2016 Retrieved 26 November 2016 Robertson Patsy 20 February 2015 Factsheet 87 Flying Training Squadron AETC Air Force Historical Research Agency Archived from the original on 3 March 2016 Retrieved 26 November 2016 Robertson Patsy 20 February 2015 Factsheet 99 Flying Training Squadron AETC Air Force Historical Research Agency Archived from the original on 3 March 2016 Retrieved 26 November 2016 Maurer Combat Squadrons p 385 See Abstract History of 79th Air Base Squadron 1958 1959 Retrieved 14 May 2012 Kane Robert B 15 January 2010 Factsheet 49 Test and Evaluation Squadron ACC Air Force Historical Research Agency Retrieved 26 November 2016 Warnock A Timothy 2 December 2007 Factsheet 72 Test and Evaluation Squadron ACC Air Force Historical Research Agency Retrieved 26 November 2016 Abstract History of 79th Ftr Gp Jan 1944 Retrieved 13 May 2012 Abstract History of 79th Ftr Gp Jun 1944 Retrieved 13 May 2012 The group moved by ship a b Airfield Identification Numbers from Johnson Abstract History of 79th Ftr Gp Sep 1944 Retrieved 13 May 2012 Abstract History of 79th Ftr Gp Mar 1945 Retrieved 13 May 2012 Abstract History of Hoershing AB Nov 1946 Retrieved 13 May 2012 Abstract History of 79th Ftr Gp Jul 1945 Retrieved 13 May 2012 Bibliography Edit This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency Buss Lydus H ed Sturm Thomas A Volan Denys and McMullen Richard F History of Continental Air Defense Command and Air Defense Command July to December 1955 Directorate of Historical Services Air Defense Command Ent AFB CO 1956 Cornett Lloyd H Johnson Mildred W 1980 A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization 1946 1980 PDF Peterson AFB CO Office of History Aerospace Defense Center Johnson 1st Lt David C 1988 U S Army Air Forces Continental Airfields ETO D Day to V E Day PDF Maxwell AFB AL Research Division USAF Historical Research Center Archived from the original PDF on 29 September 2015 Lind Capt Ragnar G ed 1946 The Falcon Combat History of the 79th Fighter Group United States Army Air Forces 1943 1945 Munich Germany F Bruckmann Retrieved 22 February 2013 Maurer Maurer ed 1983 1961 Air Force Combat Units of World War II PDF reprint ed Washington DC Office of Air Force History ISBN 0 912799 02 1 LCCN 61060979 Maurer Maurer ed 1982 1969 Combat Squadrons of the Air Force World War II PDF reprint ed Washington DC Office of Air Force History ISBN 0 405 12194 6 LCCN 70605402 OCLC 72556 Newton Wesely P Jr Senning Calvin F 1963 USAF Credits for the Destruction of Enemy Aircraft World War II USAF Historical Study No 85 PDF Research Studies Institute USAF Historical Division Air University Archived from the original PDF on 25 October 2014 Retrieved 27 April 2014 Watkins Robert A 2009 Insignia and Aircraft Markings of the U S Army Air Force in World War II Vol IV European African Middle Eastern Theater of Operations Atglen PA Shiffer Publishing Ltd ISBN 978 0 7643 3401 6 Further reading EditColes Harry C 1945 Ninth Air Force in the Western Desert Campaign to 23 January 1943 USAF Historical Study No 30 Coles Harry C 1945 Participation by the Ninth and Twelfth Air Forces in the Sicilian Campaign USAF Historical Study No 37 Leonard Barry 2009 History of Strategic Air and Ballistic Missile Defense PDF Vol II 1955 1972 Fort McNair DC Center for Military History ISBN 978 1 43792 131 1 Archived from the original PDF on 16 December 2019 Retrieved 28 February 2013 Woerpel Don The 79th Fighter Group Over Tunisia Sicily and Italy in World War II Atglen Pennsylvania Schiffer Publishing 2007 ISBN 0 7643 1322 3 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title 53rd Test and Evaluation Group amp oldid 1117124629, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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