DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 418th Test and Evaluation Squadron, the first ever combined HC-130J Combat King II and EC-130H Compass Call test unit in the entire U.S. Air Force, activation ceremony took place at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 5, 2021.
“With this new squadron we’ll be able to directly support the development and implementation of new tactics, techniques and procedures to make us a more effective integrated force abroad,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles Wilson, 418th TES director of operations.
The activation of the 418th TES was made official at the ceremony when U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David McAlroy was appointed as the commander of the squadron by Col. Jason Zumwalt, 53rd Test and Evaluation Group Commander from Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
“Mixing two traditionally separate communities into one squadron leverages different experience sets and resources,” said Wilson. “It ultimately results in new, creative solutions to relevant tactical problems with lower overhead.”
The 418th TES activation started on Oct. 1, 2021, to help generate rapid and decisive combat air power to Airmen and combatant commanders, ensuring that the U.S. Air Force is always ready for any future conflicts that may arise.