576th Flight Test Squadron

576th Flight Test Squadron
576th Squadron LGM-30G Minuteman III test launch at Vandenberg SFB, California, 25 February 2012
Active1943–1945; 1947–1949; 1958–1966; 1991-present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
TypeSquadron
RoleIntercontinental ballistic missile testing
Part ofAir Force Global Strike Command
Garrison/HQVandenberg SFB, California
Motto(s)Ducimus (Latin for 'We Lead') (since 1959)
EngagementsEuropean Theater of Operations
DecorationsDistinguished Unit Citation
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
Insignia
576th Flight Test Squadron emblem[a][1]
576th Strategic Missile Squadron emblem[b][2]
World War II fuselage code[3]CI

The 576th Flight Test Squadron is a United States Air Force unit assigned to Air Force Global Strike Command. The 576th is stationed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The unit was first established in January 1943 as the 576th Bombardment Squadron. After training with Consolidated B-24 Liberators in the United States, the squadron deployed to the European Theater of Operations, where it participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. The squadron was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for its actions in an attack on Gotha, Germany in February 1944. Following V-E Day, the squadron returned to the United States and was inactivated. It was again active between September 1947 and November 1949 in the reserve, but does not appear to have been fully manned or equipped with tactical aircraft at this time.

The squadron was redesignated the 576th Strategic Missile Squadron and activated with early model SM-65 Atlas missiles in April 1958. It continued to operate the Atlas until it was phased out and the squadron was inactivated in April 1966.

The squadron was activated in the missile test role in September 1991 as the 576th Test Squadron. It changed to its current designation in 1994, without a change in function.


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  1. ^ Bailey, Carl E. (16 May 2008). "Factsheet 576 Flight Test Squadron (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 13 October 2018.
  2. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 669-670
  3. ^ Watkins, pp.82-84