337th Test and Evaluation Squadron


The 337th Test and Evaluations Squadron is a squadron of the United States Air Force. It is a part of the 53d Test and Evaluation Group of the 53d Wing. Its primary task is to test and evaluate modifications on the B-1 bomber, as well as to train future aircrews to fly upgraded B-1s. The 337th is headquartered at Dyess AFB, Texas, though it operates out of a number of bases throughout the United States.

History

World War II

From 14 May 1943 to 21 April 1945, the squadron conducted strategic bombardment of shipyards, submarine bases, marshaling yards, oil facilities, airfields, and aircraft plants. On occasion, it flew tactical sorties against gun emplacements, rocket sites, enemy troops, and communications centers.
On 17 August 1943, it earned its first Distinguished Unit Citation, striking targets at Regensburg and Schweinfurt, Germany. Soon after, on 14 October 1943, the squadron participated in World War II's single most important raid on ball-bearing factories at Schweinfurt.
On 9 April 1944, it earned a second DUC in an attack on aircraft component factories at Poznań, Poland. The squadron subsequently attacked enemy field batteries and miscellaneous targets in support of Normandy operations on 6 June 1944.

Strategic Air Command

Beginning in 1968, Boeing B-52 Stratofortress aircraft and crews deployed to Southeast Asia for bombardment operations. For much of the conflict, the squadron furnished aircraft and crews to Strategic Air Command organizations based in SEA. When the Air Force switched to the B-1 Lancer, the 337th was the first unit to fly the new bomber.

Test and evaluation

As part of the 53d Test and Evaluation Group, the 337th conducts testing of various upgrades to the B-1, as well as trains aircrews to operate and maintain the upgraded aircraft. The squadron has been currently working on the increasing the B-1's weapons payload, attempting to increase the bomber's ability to deliver weapons into heavily defended areas.

Lineage

; Distinguished Unit Citations
; Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards