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| 17th Test and Evaluation Squadron | |
|---|---|
 Squadron emblem | |
| Active | 6 April 1990 (1990-04-06) – 15 October 1992 12 July 1995 – present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Space Force |
| Type | Space operations |
| Role | Test and evaluation |
| Part of | Space Delta 12 |
| Home base | Schriever Space Force Base,Colorado |
| Mottos | Ex scientia vera (Latin for 'From knowledge, truth') |
| Decorations | |
| Website | Official website |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Lt Col Nicholas S. Schmidt |
The17th Test and Evaluation Squadron is aUnited States Space Force test and evaluation unit, located atSchriever Space Force Base, Colorado. Thesquadron is tasked with testing and evaluating space systems and associated support equipment.
On 6 April 1990, atPeterson Air Force Base Colorado the1017th 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 ofAir Force Space Command (AFSPC) space surveillance, missile warning, and command and control systems. The squadron oversaw two operating locations atFalcon Air Force Base andBuckley Air National Guard Base. The unit inactivated on 15 October 1992.[2]
On 12 July 1995, the unit reactivated as the17th Test Squadron.[1] Operating Location A was activated atCheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colorado.[3]
The stand-up ceremony was held on Friday, 21 July 1996, in the Presentation Center of theJoint National Test Facility at 1300. The special guests included Col Burkhart, the50th 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'sguidon 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 toAir Combat Command under the53d Wing, located atEglin 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 theAir Warfare Center atNellis 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 7 August 2020 the 17th Test Squadron was transferred to theUnited States Space Force underSpace Training and Readiness Delta (Provisional),Space Operations Command.
On 20 August 2021 the 17th Test Squadron was reassigned from Space Operations Command toSpace Training and Readiness Command and further assigned toSpace Delta 12 and redesignated the17th Test and Evaluation Squadron.
| Award streamer | Award | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 6 April 1990 – 5 April 1992 | 1017th Test and Evaluation Squadron[1] |
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 31 July 1996 – 30 July 1998 | 17th Test Squadron[1] |
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 31 July 1998 – 30 August 1999 | 17th Test Squadron[1] |
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 January 2000 – 30 September 2001 | 17th Test Squadron[1] |
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 September 2004 – 31 August 2005 | 17th Test Squadron[1] |
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 September 2005 – 31 August 2006 | 17th Test Squadron[1] |
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 September 2006 – 31 August 2007 | 17th Test Squadron[1] |
| Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 September 2007 – 31 August 2008 | 17th Test Squadron[1] |
 | Air Force Organizational Excellence Award | 1 September 2002 – 1 September 2003 | 17th Test Squadron[1] |
| Air Force Organizational Excellence Award | 2 September 2003 – 31 August 2004 | 17th Test Squadron[1] |
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