31st Test and Evaluation Squadron
US Air Force unit / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron is a United States Air Force unit, assigned to the 53d Test and Evaluation Group, stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, California as a geographically separated unit of the 53rd Wing. 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.
31st Test and Evaluation Squadron | |
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Active | 1917–1919; 1923–1931; 1931–1963; 1986–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Role | Operational testing and evaluation |
Part of | Air Combat Command |
Garrison/HQ | Edwards AFB, California |
Nickname(s) | Desert Pirates |
Engagements | World War I World War II (Pacific Theater) Korean War |
Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation[1] |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Carl Spaatz[1] |
Insignia | |
31st Test and Evaluation Squadron emblem[note 2][1] | |
31st Bombardment Squadron emblem[note 3][1] | |
31st Aero Squadron emblem |
The squadron is one of the oldest in the United States Air Force, its origins dating to 26 June 1917, being organized at Kelly Field, Texas. The squadron deployed to England as part of the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. The squadron saw combat during World War II, and later became part of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the Cold War.