53rd Wing
Overview
The 53rd Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force that is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The wing is part of the Air Combat Command and is responsible for a wide range of activities related to the testing, evaluation, and operational validation of USAF's combat systems. The 53rd Wing is composed of four groups, each with its own set of squadrons, and several detachments located throughout the United States.
History
The 53rd Wing was activated on 24 January 1941 as the 53rd Pursuit Group (Interceptor) at MacDill Field, Florida. The group was initially equipped with the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and later with the Bell P-39 Airacobra. During World War II, the group saw combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations and was awarded two Distinguished Unit Citations for its actions.
In the post-war period, the 53rd was redesignated as the 53rd Fighter Group and later the 53rd Fighter Wing. It was inactivated in 1952, but was reactivated in 1955 as the 53rd Fighter Group (Air Defense) and assigned to the Air Defense Command. The group was again inactivated in 1960, but was reactivated in 1992 as the 53rd Wing and assigned to the Air Combat Command.
Structure
The 53rd Wing is composed of four groups: the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, the 53rd Electronic Warfare Group, and the 53rd Computer Systems Group. Each group is responsible for a specific aspect of the wing's mission.
53rd Test and Evaluation Group
The 53rd Test and Evaluation Group is responsible for the operational testing and evaluation of new equipment and systems proposed for use by the Air Combat Command. The group is composed of several squadrons, each specializing in a specific type of aircraft or system.
53rd Weapons Evaluation Group
The 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group is responsible for the evaluation of precision-guided munitions and air-to-air weapons for the Air Combat Command. The group conducts the Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP), which involves live-fire testing of weapons systems.
53rd Electronic Warfare Group
The 53rd Electronic Warfare Group provides electronic warfare support to the Air Combat Command. The group is responsible for the development and testing of electronic warfare tactics and techniques, and for the evaluation of new electronic warfare systems.
53rd Computer Systems Group
The 53rd Computer Systems Group provides information technology support to the 53rd Wing. The group is responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems and networks used by the wing.
Operations
The 53rd Wing conducts a wide range of operations in support of the Air Combat Command's mission. These operations include testing and evaluation of new equipment and systems, evaluation of precision-guided munitions and air-to-air weapons, development and testing of electronic warfare tactics and techniques, and provision of information technology support.