The 17th Test and Evaluation Squadron is a United States Space Force test and evaluation unit, located at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. The squadron is tasked with testing and evaluating space systems and associated support equipment.
History
On 6 April 1990, at Peterson Air Force Base Colorado the 1017th Test and Evaluation Squadron was activated.[1] 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.[2]
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.[4]
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.
On 20 August 2021 the 17th Test Squadron was reassigned from Space Operations Command to Space Training and Readiness Command and further assigned to Space Delta 12 and redesignated the 17th Test and Evaluation Squadron.
Lineage
Designated as the 1017th Test and Evaluation Squadron and activated on 6 April 1990
^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.
