339th Flight Test Squadron

The 339th Flight Test Squadron is a United States Air Force unit based at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. It is part of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, with a mission to certify aircraft as worthy to return to service. The squadron is responsible for conducting flight tests on the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle after program depot maintenance is completed.
Along with their flight test responsibilities, the squadron also picks up and delivers aircraft, including battle-damaged aircraft, to locations where they are needed or can be repaired.
During World War II, the squadron was given, and successfully carried out, the assignment to shoot down the plane carrying Imperial Japanese Navy Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto in Operation Vengeance.

History

World War II

Combat in South and Southwest Pacific, c. 22 October 1942 – 8 August 1945. As the 339th Fighter Squadron, notably carried out Operation Vengeance on 18 April 1943, resulting in the death of Japanese admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who had planned the attack on Pearl Harbor. Multiple pilots in the squadron earned the Navy Cross for their roles in the mission.

Air defense of Japan and Korean War

The squadron was reactivated on 20 February 1947, when it took over the personnel and aircraft from the 6th Night Fighter Squadron, which was simultaneously inactivated. Air defense in Japan, 1946–1958. Combat in Korea, 27 June – 5 July 1950.

Tactical Air Command

The squadron was inactivated in August 1983 and its personnel and aircraft were transferred to the 69th Tactical Fighter Squadron, which was simultaneously activated.

Flight test operations

Tested possible modifications for various weapons systems, 1988–.

Lineage

; 339th Tactical Fighter Squadron

Constituted as the 339th Fighter Squadron on 29 September 1942
Redesignated 339th Fighter Squadron, Single Engine on 13 July 1946
Redesignated 339th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 19 December 1975
Consolidated with the 2875th Test Squadron as the 339th Test Squadron on 1 October 1992

; 339th Flight Test Squadron

Designated as the 2875th Test Squadron and activated on 15 January 1988
Consolidated with the 339th Tactical Fighter Squadron as the 339th Test Squadron on 1 October 1992

Assignments

347th Fighter Group, 3 October 1942 – 1 January 1946
Thirteenth Air Force, 25 August 1946
347th Fighter Group, 20 February 1947
Fifth Air Force, 24 June 1950
314th Air Division, 1 December 1950
Japan Air Defense Force, 1 March 1952
Fifth Air Force, 1 September 1954
39th Air Division, 1 March 1955 – 15 January 1958
347th Tactical Fighter Wing, 30 December 1975 – 1 July 1983
Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, 15 January 1988
622d Flight Test Group, 1 October 2001
413th Flight Test Group, 1 October 2003 – present

Stations

New Caledonia, 3 October 1942
Kukum Field, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, 29 December 1943
Stirling Island, Solomon Islands, 15 January 1944
Sansapor, New Guinea, 15 August 1944
Middleburg Island, 19 September 1944
San Jose, Mindoro, Philippines, 22 February 1945
Puerto Princesa, Palawan., Philippines, 6 March – 11 December 1945
Camp Stoneman, California, 30 December 1945 – 1 January 1946
Fort William McKinley, Luzon, Philippines, 25 August 1946
Johnson Air Base, Japan, 15 December 1946
Yokota Air Base, Japan, 1 April 1950
Johnson Air Base, Japan, 4 August 1950
Chitose Air Base, Japan, 20 July 1954 – 15 January 1958
Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, 30 December 1975 – 1 July 1983
Robins Air Force Base Georgia, 15 January 1988 – present

Aircraft operated

Curtiss P-40 Warhawk P-40, 1942
Bell P-39 Airacobra, 1942–1943
Lockheed P-38 Lightning, 1942–1945
Northrop P-61 Black Widow, 1947–1950
North American F-82 Twin Mustang, 1949–1951
Lockheed F-94 Starfire, 1951–1955
Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star, 1953–1954
North American F-86 Sabre, 1955–1957
McDonnell F-4 Phantom II, 1976–1983