346th Test Squadron
The 346th Test Squadron is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the 318th Cyberspace Operations Group at Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland, Texas. The squadron tests military cyberspace operation systems.
| 346th Test Squadron | |
|---|---|
A B-52D Stratofortress dropping bombs over Vietnam | |
| Active | 1942–1945; 1947–1949; 1953–1974; 1993–1995; 2000–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Role | System testing |
| Size | 120 personnel |
| Part of | Air Combat Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland |
| Engagements | Mediterranean Theater of Operations |
| Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Air Force Organizational Excellence Award Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm |
| Insignia | |
| 346th Test Squadron emblem | |
| 346th Bombardment Squadron emblem | |
| 346th Bombardment Squadron emblem | |
The squadron was first activated as the 346th Bombardment Squadron in 1942. After training in the United States, it moved to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, where it earned two Distinguished Unit Citations in operations against the Axis Powers. After V-E Day, the squadron remained in Italy until November 1945, when it was inactivated. The squadron was activated in the reserves from 1947 to 1949, but does not appear to have been fully manned or equipped.
In 1953, the squadron was activated as the 346th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron as part of Strategic Air Command. It returned to the bombardment mission two years later, and served in this role until inactivating in 1974. Although the squadron remained in the United States except for one deployment in the 1950s, during the Vietnam War it deployed its aircrews and Boeing B-52 Stratofortresses to Southeast Asia. For extended periods, all squadron personnel and equipment were deployed.
The squadron was activated in 1993 as the 346th Test and Evaluation Squadron and performed operational testing and evaluation until inactivating in 1995. It was activated in its current role in 2000.