18th Special Operations Test and Evaluation Squadron information
18th Special Operations Test and Evaluation Squadron
18th Flight Test Squadron V-22 Osprey, 2002
Active
1941–1945; 1969–1972; 1991–1994; 1994–present
Country
United States
Branch
United States Air Force
Type
Special Operations
Part of
Air Force Special Operations Command
Garrison/HQ
Hurlburt Field
Nickname(s)
Stinger (1969–1972, 2019-present)
Motto(s)
Vengeance by Night (1969–1972)
Engagements
Antisubmarine Campaign European Theater of Operations Vietnam War[1]
Decorations
Presidential Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm[1]
Insignia
18th Special Operations Test and Evaluation Squadron emblem
18th Flight Test Squadron emblem[note 1][1]
18th Special Operations Squadron emblem[note 2][2]
18th Bombardment Squadron emblem[note 3][3]
Military unit
The 18th Special Operations Test and Evaluation Squadron (18 SOTES) is an active unit of the United States Air Force, based at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The squadron performs field testing for Air Force Special Operations Command, evaluating aircraft, equipment, and tactics in realistic battlespace environments to provide decision-makers with accurate, timely, and complete assessments of mission capability. From concept development to system fielding, the unit's mission improves the survivability and combat capability of special operations forces worldwide.
The first predecessor of the squadron is the U.S. Army Air Forces 18th Bombardment Squadron, which was activated in January 1941 as the United States expanded its military in preparation for World War II. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the squadron moved to the Pacific Northwest, conducting antisubmarine warfare patrols. In the summer of 1942, it became a Replacement Training Unit for heavy bomber crews. In late 1943, it began training for overseas deployment and entered combat in the European Theater of Operations in 1944, participating in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. Following V-E Day, the squadron returned to the United States and was inactivated in August 1945.
The second predecessor of the squadron was activated in 1969 as the USAF 18th Special Operations Squadron. After training in the United States with Fairchild AC-119K Stingers, it deployed to South Vietnam and then to Thailand as a gunship unit. It earned a Presidential Unit Citation and four Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat "V" Device before inactivating in 1972. The two squadrons were consolidated into a single unit in 1985. The squadron was activated as the 18th Test Squadron in 1991, and has served in the test role ever since, except for a brief inactive period in 1994.
^ abcReam, Margaret (17 September 2020). "Factsheet 18 Special Operations Test and Evaluation Squadron (AFSOC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 5 July 2021.
^Endicott, pp. 458–459
^Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 98
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Global Information
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