AIR FORCE SQUADRON REACTIVATED FOR TEST FLIGHT SUPPORT.Byline: Daily News EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE Edwards Air Force Base, U.S. military installation, 301,000 acres (121,805 hectares), S Calif., NE of Lancaster; est. 1933. It is one of the largest air force bases in the United States and has the world's longest runway. - The Air Force has reactivated the 445th Flight Test Squadron A squadron is a small unit or formation of cavalry, aircraft (including balloons), or warships. Army and Marines A cavalry squadron (horse or armoured) typically consists of three to five troops. , formerly known as Test Operations. The squadron was reactivated to consolidate the test support fleet under operational control, to provide post test pilot school training and to consolidate all test support under a single squadron as opposed to dispersing the functions among the three combined test forces, officials said. ``The 445th had originally been Test Operations years ago and that's why, through the heritage and lineage LINEAGE. Properly speaking lineage is the relationship of persons in a direct line; as the grandfather, the father, the son, the grandson, &c. of the squadron, we decided the 445th was going to come back,'' said Lt. Col. Troy Fontaine, who assumed command. Test Operations originally existed from the 1950s through the 1990s, but was later disbanded and filtered out to the different combined test forces. The reactivated squadron has actually been operating since August 2002 as Test Operations, Fontaine said. In November 2001, Fontaine said, he was asked to develop a concept of operations A verbal or graphic statement, in broad outline, of a commander's assumptions or intent in regard to an operation or series of operations. The concept of operations frequently is embodied in campaign plans and operation plans; in the latter case, particularly when the plans cover a series for a test support squadron much like the old Test Operations Squadron with added changes to modernize mod·ern·ize v. mo·dern·ized, mo·dern·iz·ing, mo·dern·iz·es v.tr. To make modern in appearance, style, or character; update. v.intr. To accept or adopt modern ways, ideas, or style. it. ``As for the troops, they have been waiting over a year to be able to wear the 445th patch, since we've been using the Test Operations patch,'' said Fontaine. The squadron's goals are to conduct day-to-day safe flight operations in support of flight tests at Edwards and worldwide. The squadron will assume responsibility of all the test support for air refueling The capability to refuel aircraft in flight, which extends presence, increases range, and serves as a force multiplier. Also called AR. , all chase aircraft, all target support aircraft and minor testing that doesn't really fall under any specific test force, officials said. ``Overall, we are now the largest flying organization in Air Force Materiel Command  Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) is a major command of the United States Air Force. , and it's nice to finally officially exist,'' Fontaine said. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: (color) Leaders at Edwards Air Force Base participate in the March 11 ceremony reactivating the 445th Flight Test Squadron, formerly known as Test Operations. U.S. Air Force |
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