339th Flight Test Squadron explained

Unit Name:339th Flight Test Squadron
Dates:1942–1946; 1946–1958; 1975–1983; 1988–present
Country: United States
Role:Flight Testing
Command Structure:Air Force Materiel Command
Garrison:Robins Air Force Base, Georgia
Motto:Respice Finem Latin Examine the End (1988–1992)[1]
Battles:
Decorations:
Identification Symbol Label:339th Flight Test Squadron emblem (approved 19 October 1955, reinstated 20 October 1992)
Identification Symbol 2 Label:2875th Test Squadron emblem (approved 30 November 1988)
Identification Symbol 3 Label:339th Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 2 December 1942)

The 339th Flight Test Squadron is a United States Air Force unit based at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. It is part of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, with a mission to certify aircraft as worthy to return to service. The squadron is responsible for conducting flight tests on the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle after program depot maintenance is completed.

Along with their flight test responsibilities, the squadron also picks up and delivers aircraft, including battle-damaged aircraft, to locations where they are needed or can be repaired.

During World War II, the squadron was given, and successfully carried out, the assignment to shoot down the plane carrying Imperial Japanese Navy Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto in Operation Vengeance.

History

World War II

Combat in South and Southwest Pacific, c. 22 October 1942 – 8 August 1945. As the 339th Fighter Squadron, notably carried out Operation Vengeance on 18 April 1943, resulting in the death of Japanese admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who had planned the attack on Pearl Harbor. Multiple pilots in the squadron earned the Navy Cross for their roles in the mission.

Air defense of Japan and Korean War

The squadron was reactivated on 20 February 1947, when it took over the personnel and aircraft from the 6th Night Fighter Squadron, which was simultaneously inactivated. Air defense in Japan, 1946–1958. Combat in Korea, 27 June – 5 July 1950.

Tactical Air Command

The squadron was inactivated in August 1983 and its personnel and aircraft were transferred to the 69th Tactical Fighter Squadron, which was simultaneously activated.

Flight test operations

Tested possible modifications for various weapons systems, 1988–.

Lineage

339th Tactical Fighter Squadron

Activated on 3 October 1942

Redesignated 339th Fighter Squadron (Twin Engine) on 23 February 1943

Redesignated 339th Fighter Squadron, Two Engine on 20 August 1943

Inactivated on 1 January 1946

Activated on 25 August 1946

Redesignated 339th Fighter Squadron (All Weather) on 20 February 1947

Redesignated 339th Fighter Squadron, All Weather on 10 August 1948

Redesignated 339th Fighter-All Weather Squadron on 20 January 1950

Redesignated 339th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 25 April 1951

Inactivated on 15 January 1958

Activated on 30 December 1975

Inactivated on 1 July 1983

339th Flight Test Squadron

Redesignated 339th Flight Test Squadron on 15 March 1994[2]

Assignments

Stations

Aircraft operated

References

Notes
Citations

Bibliography

External links

Notes and References

  1. Endicott, pp. 747–748
  2. Web site: Factsheet 339 Flight Test Squadron. Robertson. Patsy. 7 June 2017. Air Force Historical Research Agency. 31 July 2017.

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