17th Test Squadron

The 17th Test Squadron is a United States Space 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.

17th Test Squadron
Squadron emblem
Active6 April 1990 (1990-04-06) – 15 October 1992
12 July 1995 – present
Country United States
Branch United States Space Force
TypeSpace operations
RoleTest and evaluation
Part ofSpace Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional)
Home baseSchriever AFB, Colorado
Motto(s)Ex scientia vera (Latin for 'From knowledge, truth')
Decorations
WebsiteOfficial website
Commanders
Current
commander		Lieutenant Colonel Todd Bridges

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.[1]

The official 17 TS Vision is Building a world-class Operational Test and Evaluation team that provides operationally-relevant, timely and unbiased assessments.[1]

History

On 6 April 1990, at Peterson Air Force Base Colorado the 1017th Test and Evaluation Squadron was activated.[2] The mission of the 1017th was to perform Air Staff-directed initial and follow-on operational test and evaluation of Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) 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.[2] 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 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 17th's guidon was unsheathed, symbolizing the activation 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 17th, signifying the passing of all legal and operational responsibilities. At the formation of the squadron, manning was at just over ten people.[5]

On 1 April 2013 the 17th Test Squadron was transferred to Air Combat Command under the 53d 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. The wing is also responsible for operational testing and evaluation of new equipment and systems proposed for use by these forces.

Lineage
  • Designated as the 1017th Test and Evaluation Squadron and activated on 6 April 1990
Inactivated on 15 October 1992
  • Redesignated 17th Test Squadron on 30 June 1995
  • Activated on 21 July 1995[2]

Assignments
  • Air Force Space Command, 6 April 1990 – 15 October 1992
  • Space Warfare Center, 21 July 1995
  • 595th Test and Evaluation Group (later 595th Space Group), 7 April 2000
  • 53d Test Management Group, 1 April 2013 – present[2]

Components
  • Detachment 1:
  • Detachment 2: Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colorado
  • Detachment 3: Patrick Space Force Base, Florida
Detachment 3-Operating Location A: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
  • Detachment 4: Vandenberg AFB, California
  • Operating Location A: Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado

Stations
  • Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, 6 April 1990 – 15 October 1992
  • Falcon Air Force Base (later Schriever Air Force Base), Colorado, 21 July 1995 – present[2]

Decorations
Award streamerAwardDatesNotes
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award6 April 1990 – 5 April 19921017th Test and Evaluation Squadron[2]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award31 July 1996 – 30 July 199817th Test Squadron[2]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award31 July 1998 – 30 August 199917th Test Squadron[2]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 January 2000 – 30 September 200117th Test Squadron[2]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 September 2004 – 31 August 200517th Test Squadron[2]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 September 2005 – 31 August 200617th Test Squadron[2]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 September 2006 – 31 August 200717th Test Squadron[2]
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award1 September 2007 – 31 August 200817th Test Squadron[2]
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award1 September 2002 – 1 September 200317th Test Squadron[2]
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award2 September 2003 – 31 August 200417th Test Squadron[2]

See also

References
  1. "Restricted Air Force Knowledge Now Community of Practice". Archived from the original on 9 September 2009. Retrieved 7 September 2009.
  2. Robertson, Patsy (28 February 2011). "Factsheet 17 Test Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 1 November 2015.
  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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