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99th Range Group
99th Range Group emblem[1]
Active1954-2000
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
(Strategic Air Command later Air Combat Command)
TypeEvaluation
RoleMilitary simulation, Covert operations
Motto(s)Combat Evaluation

The 99th Range Group is an inactive United States Air Force (USAF) unit. It was last stationed at Nellis AFB, Nevada, where it was responsible for the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR).

The group was first activated in 1954 as the 1st Radar Bomb Scoring Group when it assumed the radar bomb scoring mission previously performed by the 3903d Radar Bomb Scoring Group.[2] In 1961 the group was redesignated the 1st Combat Evaluation Group as its mission expanded to absorb the crew standardization/evaluation mission and the resources of the 3908th Strategic Standardization Group, which was simultaneously discontinued.[2]

The group was redesignated as the 1st Electronic Combat Range Group in 1989 and as the 99th Electronic Combat Range Group in 1992 when USAF required subordinate groups to carry the same number as their parent wings.[3] In 1995 it moved to Nellis AFB, Nevada and assumed the mission of management of the NTTR and its most recent name.

History

[edit]
For preceding radar bomb scoring (RBS) unit histories and RBS by Army, Navy, and other USAF units, see Radar Bomb Scoring § History.

1st Radar Bomb Scoring Group

[edit]
Emblem approved for 1st RBS Group 12 June 1958

The group was first activated at Carswell AFB, Texas in 1954 as the 1st Radar Bomb Scoring Group,[2] when it assumed the radar bomb scoring mission previously performed by the 3903d Radar Bomb Scoring Group.[2] The 3903d had been performing this mission for Strategic Air Command (SAC) as a squadron and later as a group at Carswell since 1948.[4] The group performed the RBS function primarily through its three assigned radar bomb scoring squadrons, which were positioned in the eastern, central, and western United States. The three RBS squadrons manned the three RBS Express trains and controlled the RBS detachments.

In July 1961, the group moved to Barksdale AFB, Louisiana in preparation for the expansion of its mission.[5]

1st Combat Evaluation Group

[edit]

At Barksdale the group was redesignated the 1st Combat Evaluation Group (1 CEVG) and added SAC's military simulation, evaluation, and standardization function. Its Radar Bomb Scoring Division assumed the radar bomb scoring of simulated strategic bombing missions previously performed by the group. Its Standardization/Evaluation Division absorbed the functions and personnel of the 3908th Strategic Standardization Group, which had been stationed at Barksdale since 1958,[6] and provided command level standardization/evaluation of SAC aircrews. 1 CEVG included standardization/evaluation divisions, a Radar Bomb Scoring Division, and an Office of History.

In July 1984, the group added a Radar Bomb Scoring Plans and Programs Division to assist in the development of the Strategic Training Range Complex (STRC) and the Strategic Training Center (STC). The division was also responsible for the proposed establishment of a multinational Aircrew Electronic Warfare Tactics Facility to provide a realistic realistic electronic training environment.[7]

Radar Bomb Scoring Division

[edit]

After the inactivation of its three radar bomb scoring squadrons in 1966, their RBS detachments were replaced by detachments of the group.[8] The group's Radar Bomb Scoring Division directly oversaw the RBS detachments and included a maintenance office.[9]

Standardization/Evaluation

[edit]

In addition to standardization and evaluation for SAC bomber crews, 1 CEVG "evaluated the RC-135 units at Eielson, Kadena, and Offutt [and oversaw] the flight crew standardization of the U-2, the DC-130 reconnaissance drone program, CH-3 helicopter drone recovery program, [and] the SR-71 program at Beale AFB."[10]

Operation Combat Sky Spot

[edit]
Main article: Combat Skyspot

Sky Spot (later Combat Sky Spot)[11] was the nickname for ground radar directed bombing in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Using radar, 1CEVG personnel directed bombers along a designated route to a bomb drop point, providing in route corrected headings and speed as needed. Then, at the proper moment, the pilot received a signal to release his bombs.[11]

Comnbat Sky Spot was used particularly in target areas that lacked suitable aiming points. It was also used during periods of inclement weather and low visibility.[12] It was used on an emergency basis to direct rescue helicopters during inclement weather.[13] Combat SkySpot not only provided flexibility in targeting, but its accuracy soon surpassed that of the previously used radar synchronous bombing. In time, practically all combat areas of Southeast Asia were within range of one or more of the growing number of Combat Sky Spot facilities.[11]

The first Sky Spot site at Bien Hoa AB (Sky Spot One) became operational on 1 April 1966[12]. Later that month Sky Spot Two at Pleiku became operational.[12] The first location outside the Republic of Viet Nam, Sky Spot Three, at Nakorn Phanom RTAFB, became operational in June as did Sky Spot Four at Dong Ha.[13] There was some indecision as to the location of Sky Spot Five. Ultimately, the equipment for this site was colocated with Sky Spot Three, although its equipment provided a longer range.[12] A new Sky Spot Five was established at Dalat and became operational on 26 Sep 1966[13]

Viet Nam operations resulted in the group's first combat losses. On 5 June 1966, six members of the group headquarters and a detachment of the 10th RBS were killed in an ambush near Dong Ha, Viet Nam, close to the DMZ, while conducting a survey in connection with Operation Sky Spot.[12]

Detachment 15 at Tan Son Nhut Airport served as an "administrative link between [the Vietnam Operating Locations] and Headquarters 1st Combat Evaluation Group"[9] after Reeves AN/MSQ-77 Bomb Directing Centrals were produced and deployed in 1965 for Combat Skyspot bomber operations by the Tactical Fighter, B-52 units, and other organizations (e.g., Seventh Air Force). Personnel from stateside 1 CEVG units (e.g., after Bergstrom AFB training) manned operating locations at Bien Hoa AB, Binh Thuy AB, Pleiku AB, Thuy, Da Lat, Huế, Hue Phu Bai Airport, Son Tray, Da Nang AB, Quảng Trị, and Dong Ha. Thailand locations included Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, and Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base; and a Laos site for Skyspot was captured in the 1968 Battle of Lima Site 85.

External image
image icon 10th RBS, 11th RBS, & 12th RBS sites

Sky Spot used AN/MSQ-77 Bomb Directing Central Radar(Det 23 Udorn Thailand used a TSQ-96)[12]

The last Combat Sky Spot mission ws flown on 15 August 1973[11]

1 CEVG Detachment locations as of 1990[14] and Squadron Detachment Locations prior to 1966 inactivation
Det 10th RBS
(19 September 1966) 		11th RBS
(22 August 1966) 		12th RBS[15]
(25 July 1966) 		renumbered site 1990
1 CO: La Junta
Montreal, Canada
 CO: La Junta (1959-1995)[16]
2 MO: Joplin[17][18] SD: Hurley Butte SD: Hurley Butte (1960-1968) AZ: Holbrook AFS (1968-1993)[14]
3 NC: Charlotte GA: Statesboro
4 GA: Statesboro
5 FL: Tampa ID: Wilder (c. 1993)[19]
6 MI: Bay Shore
7
London, England
 ME: Ashland STR:[20] Blotner RBS Site (June 1963-1990)[21]
8 KY: Lexington (1993)[22] KY: Blue Grass Army Depot
9 OH: Springfield UT: St. George (from Winslow RBS in July 1966)[23]
10 NE: Hastings[24] (1992)[25] ND: Bismarck[26] KY: Blue Grass AD NE: Hastings
11 NY: Fort Drum NY: Fort Drum
12 MS: Laurel[27] NV: Babbitt
13 MS: Ellisville
14 ND: Bismarck (1961[26]-1986)[28]
15 [redeployment for 1965-1973 Vietnam Combat Skyspot]
   Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam
16 WY: Powell
17 MT: Havre[26] (1986-late 1990s)[29]
18 MT: Forsyth
19 ND: Dickinson
20 MT: Conrad[30]
21 SD: Belle Fourche


ESD 806L systems
[edit]

The Electronic Systems Division 806L "Range Threat" systems for electronic warfare simulation were developed[31] for use by 1 CEVG late in the Cold War such as the US Dynamics AN/MST-T1 Multiple Threat Emitter Simulator (MUTES), for which the group evaluated the prototype in 1977 (operational in October 1978). Similarly, AN/TLQ-11 jammer improvements were in 1978, and in 1979 1 CEVG members completed a prototype study and testing of the new Threat Reaction Analysis Indicator System (TRAINS) for analyzing how aircrews and avionics reacted to ground-based threats.[citation needed] The solid-state US Dynamics AN/TPQ-43 Bomb Scoring Set (SEEK SCORE) was developed c. 1980 from the [who?] AN/TPB-1C Course Directing Central[32]


Nevada Test and Training Range

[edit]

In October 1995, the group moved to Nellis AFB, Nevada and was redesignated the 99th Range Group. There it assumed the mission of managing the Nevada Test and Training Range from the 554th Support Group's 554th Range Squadron. To perform this mission it was assiged two subordinate squadrons, the 99th Range Squadron and 99th Range Support Squadron.[2] It continued this task until its mission was transferred to its parent 99th Air Base Wing, and then a year later to the 98th Range Wing.[34]

Lineage

[edit]
  • Constituted as the 1st Radar Bomb Scoring Group on 9 June 1954
Activated on 10 August 1954
Redesignated 1st Combat Evaluation Group on 1 August 1961
Redesignated 1st Electronic Combat Range Group on 1 July 1989
Redesignated 99th Electronic Combat Range Group on 1 July 1992
Redesignated 99th Range Group on 1 October 1995
Inactivated on 7 February 2000.[2]

Assignments

[edit]

Subordinate Units

[edit]

Squadrons

  • 10th Radar Bomb Scoring Squadron, 10 August 1954 - 19 September 1966[2]
Carswell AFB, Texas
  • 11th Radar Bomb Scoring Squadron, 10 August 1954 - 10 September 1966[2]
March AFB, California
  • 12th Radar Bomb Scoring Squadron, 10 August 1954 - 19 September 1966[2]
Turner AFB, Georgia
  • 99th Range Squadron, 1 October 1995 - 7 February 2000[2]
  • 99th Range Support Squadron, 1 October 1995 - 7 February 2000[2]

Flight

  • 10th SHORAN Beacon Flight, 10 August 1954 - 25 July 1966[2]

Detachments and Operating Locations

Det or OL Location Organized Discontinued
/Moved 		Replaced Ref
Detachment 1 La Junta, CO 22 August 1966 unknown Det 11, 12 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 2 Interior, ND 22 August 1966 unknown Det 2, 11 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 2 Holbrook RBS, AZ by May 1976 unknown [35]
Detachment 3 Statesboro RBS, GA 25 July 1966 Det 3, 12 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 4 Oronogo, MO 19 September 1966 unknown Det 2, 10 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 4 Ramstein AB, Germany by May 1976 unknown [35]
Detachment 5 Wilder RBS, ID 22 August 1966 Det 13, 11 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 6 Bayshore RBS, MI 19 September 1966 Det 12, 10 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 7 Matagorda Island Range TX 19 September 1966 unknown Det 7, 10 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 7 Ashland, ME by May 1976 unknown [35]
Detachment 8 Richmond RBS, KY 25 July 1966 Det 8, 12 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 9 St. George, UT 22 August 1966 unknown Det 9, 11 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 9 Osan AB, Korea by May 1976 unknown [35]
Detachment 10 Hastings RBS, NE 19 September 1966 Det 10, 10 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 11 Great Bend RBS, NY 25 July 1966 Det 11, 12 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 12 Hawthorne RBS, NV 22 August 1966 Det 12, 11 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 13 Ellisville, MS 25 July 1966 unknown Det 13, 12 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 14 Bismarck RBS, ND 22 August 1966 unknown Det 10, 11 RBS Sq [8]
Detachment 15 Tan Son Nhut Airport, RVN 2 June 1967 unknown
Detachment 16 Powell, WY unknown unknown
Detachment 17 Havre AFS, MT unknown unknown
Detachment 18 Forsythe, MT unknown unknown
Detachment 19 Dickinson AFS, ND unknown unknown
Detachment 20 Conrad, MT unknown unknown
Detachment 21 Belle Fourche, SD unknown unknown
Detachment 24 Andersen AFB, Guam by May 1976 unknown Milky Bomb Plot [35][36]
Detachment 28 Osan Air Base, Korea unknown unknown
Detachment 50 Bergstrom AFB, Texas unknown unknown [37]
Operating Location 21 Bien Hoa Air Base, RVN 1 April 1966[38] unknown [12]
Operating Location 22 Pleiku Air Base, RVN 26 April 1966[38] unknown [12]
Operating Location 23 Nakorn Phanom RTAFB, Thailand 8 June 1966[38] unknown [13]
Operating Location 23 Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand unknown unknown [39]
Operating Location 24 Dong Ha, RVN 30 June 1966[38] unknown [13][40]
Operating Location 25 Da Lat, RVN 26 September 1966[38] unknown [13]
Operating Location 25 Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand unknown unknown [41]
Operating Location 26 Binh Thuy Air Base, RVN 1 March 1967[38] unknown [13][42]
Operating Location 27 Southeast Asia 1 May 1967 [38] [38] [13]

Stations

[edit]

Awards

[edit]
  • Although the group is not itself entitled to them several Detachments and Operating Locations of the group earned additional awards.
  • Presidential Unit Citation
Detachment 15: 2 June 1967 - 31 March 1969[44]
  • Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with V
Detachment 15: 1 April 1969 - 30 June 1970[44]
Detachments 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27[44]
Operating Locations 15, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27[44]


References

[edit]
  1. ^ Approved for the 1st Combat Electronic Range Group 27 November 1989. This emblem is part of the organizational honors of the 99th Range Group. During any period the group is assigned to a wing with the same number, however, it uses the wing emblem with the group designation on the scroll. Air Force Instruction 84-105, Organizational Lineage, Honors and History, 19 March 2013, para 3.3.3 (retrieved April 25, 2013)
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Bailey, Carl E. Lineage and Honors History of the 99th Range Group, Air Force Historical Research Agency (does not include commanders after 1975)
  3. ^ Air Force Instruction 84-105, Organizational Lineage, Honors and History, 19 March 2013, para 3.3.3 (retrieved April 25, 2013)
  4. ^ Mueller, Robert (1989). Air Force Bases, Vol. I, Active Air Force Bases Within the United States of America on 17 September 1982 (PDF). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. p. 67. ISBN 0-912799-53-6.
  5. ^ Mueller, pp.23, 68
  6. ^ Mueller, p. 22
  7. ^ Abstract, History of 1st CEVG Jul-Sep 1984 (retrieved April 18, 2013)
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Strategic Air Command Special Order G-82, 27 May 1966 inactivated the RBS Squadrons and replaced their existing detachments with detachments of the Group
  9. ^ a b [1]
  10. ^ http://55wa.org/CORP_HQ/Newsletters/200611newsletter.pdf
  11. ^ a b c d Office of History, 1st Combat Evaluation Group Historical Summary Radar Bomb Scoring 1945-1983 (1983)
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h Historical Report, 1st Combat Evaluation Group (SAC): April-June 1966 (pdf) (Report). July 1966. Retrieved 14 July 2012. {{cite report}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |Volume= (help) (partial transcript)
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h Historical Report, 1st Combat Evaluation Group (SAC): July-Sep 1966 (pdf) (Report). July 1966. Retrieved 14 July 2012. {{cite report}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |Volume= (help) (partial transcript)
  14. ^ a b MacDonald, Ray (29 January 2002). "Detachment 2 Holbrook, AZ" (history anecdote). 1 CEVG/DET 2 History (A fluid Document). 1CEVGA.com. Retrieved 20 January 2013. 1 CEVG/Det. 2 was moved from Wall, SD to Holbrook, AZ in 1968. We were up and running around the middle of April. ...1990 when we became 99 ECRG/DET 2 . The last RBS/ECM sortie was on or about September 13, 1993. The last ECM-only sortie was on or about September 30, 1993. A B1-B from Dyes (not positive) flew the last RBS/ECM mission. A C-130 from Hulburt Field flew the last ECM mission. The period of time between October 1, 1993 and Christmas was used for decommissioning the systems
  15. ^ http://www.1stcombatevaluationgroup.com/Pictures%20of%20Dets/1960's%20RBS%20Squadrons%20and%20Dets/pages/12th-RBS-Squadrons-and-Dets_jpg.htm
  16. ^ "Townsfolk Hope to Shoot Down Military's Bombing-Range Plans". Deseret News. 21 February 1995. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
  17. ^ http://1cevga.com/det2.htm
  18. ^ Kershaw, Marcia (8 December 1961). "Bomb Scoring Squadron To Be Moved To Mississippi Base in February". Joplin Globe (also reported in the Greenville Democrat Times. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012. "…has been located on Oronogo Circle Hill at Joplin Bomb Plot since July of 1959 will be moved in February to Greenville air force Miss. In making the announcement the air force said the move is in line with a policy of transferring such units every two years. Detachment 2 was moved here from Oklahoma City under command of Major Eugene R. Butler with 35 men and officers and has grown to a strength of 72 Personnel … have manned the First a train carrying complete radar bomb scoring equipment for the purpose of scoring SAC bomber at remote locations … Major Butler was the first commander of the First RBS Express when it was put in operation during February … men of the detachment now are aboard that train and that Second and Third RBS Express trains have been added to the program … Joplin Bomb Plot … Hustler jet bombers began training missions at supersonic speeds in an air corridor above this district in October of 1960, the first sonic boom occurred to make area residents even more conscious of the canopy of aircraft which has operated above this region {{cite news}}: External link in |newspaper= (help)
  19. ^ "Closure plan saddens radar base chief". The Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. 29 May 1993. Retrieved 10 July 2012.
  20. ^ "Ashland group awarded Combat Skyspot trophy". Bangor Daily News. 22 March 1985. Retrieved 8 July 2012.
  21. ^ http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:bcx5Oy5tnlUJ:groups.yahoo.com/group/combatevaluationgroup/message/11782+blotner+%22bomb+plot%22&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us Blotner RBS Site, Maine http://coldwarrelics.com/louis_blotner_bomb_scoring
  22. ^ "Radar Bomb Scoring Site at Army Depot to Close". Lexington Herald-Leader. 29 May 1993. {{cite news}}: Text "accessdate-2012-07-09" ignored (help)
  23. ^ http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:u55bBOrVrLwJ:groups.yahoo.com/group/combatevaluationgroup/message/38535+site:groups.yahoo.com+Lynchburg+CEVG+radar&cd=11&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
  24. ^ Spurlin, James. "[veteran listing 49816]". VetFriends.com. Retrieved 9 July 2012.
  25. ^ http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Page:United_States_Statutes_at_Large_Volume_106_Part_3.djvu/532
  26. ^ a b c "Combat Evaluation Group - A place for CEVG'ers and Range Rats to Meet". Founded: 9 Jan. 2000. {{cite web}}: |format= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)    Citations in chronological order:
    • "Message 3279". Havre Trainig Site MT (Different place from the earlier Havre AFS air defense radar [site] ... Interior RBSS, atop Hurley Butte
    • "Message 11831". 2004. Bismarck from October 1964 to January 1967. … When I first got there it was Det. 10, 11th RBS Sq. and was later changed to Det. 14, 1CEG. I also served on RBS Express #2 at Joseph City, AZ (Nov-Dec 1965) and Ree Heights, SD (July-Aug 1966) and RBS Express #3 at Rion, SC (Nov-Dec 1966).
    • "Message 12089". [Bismarck opened January 1961]
    • McAfee, Emerson R (6 August 2005). "Re: Greetings!". I was at Det. 8 Richmond from Jun 63-Apr 72. I also made trips to Browns IL but we were the ones who moved it from Mauk GA to Browns so I was only at Browns for about a week {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
    • Ross, Don (30 August 2007). "Sqdns, Det 4 and Germany". Retrieved 9 July 2012. three RBS Express trains. One per sqdn
  27. ^ http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=vUgzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=_xIGAAAAIBAJ&pg=589,679523&dq=bomb-scoring-unit&hl=en
  28. ^ "MSgt. Robert L. Dilley" (memorial webpage). Biography and Family of Robert L. Dilley. Ancestry.com. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  29. ^ Havre RBS opened in 1986, closed late 1990s http://www.rtbot.net/Havre_Air_Force_Station
  30. ^ http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-103hr2401enr/html/BILLS-103hr2401enr.htm
  31. ^ http://www.tinker.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-061220-053.pdf
  32. ^ http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/systems/an-tpq-43.htm
  33. ^ "Skyspot Training". Combat-SkySpot.tripod.com. [when?]. Retrieved 23 Sep 2010. The Skyspot training program was called BUSY SKYSPOT… The initial training was accomplished at Detachment 7, on Matagorda Island. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ Robertson, Patsy Factsheet, Nevada Test and Training Range 10/3/2011 (retrieved April 26, 2013)
  35. ^ a b c d e Air Force Manual 10-4, Vol. I, Air Force Directory of Addresses, 15 May 1976
  36. ^ "Andersen AFB "Arc Light Memorial" and the "Combat Skyspot Memorial"". unit history. Hawkins Web Sites. August 2012. Archived from the original on 10 October 2010. Retrieved 23 September 2010. The COMBAT SKYSPOT memorial at Andersen AFB Guam, September, 1999. The memorial consists of an AN/MSQ-77 (AN/TSQ-81) parabolic antenna poised at 45 degrees elevation.
  37. ^ Det 50
  38. ^ a b c d e f g h Date site was operational, not date detachment organized
  39. ^ "OL-23, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base". unit history. Combat SkySpot. August 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2010. OL-23 (call sign LID)…ran many Arc Light strikes against targets in northern Laos.
  40. ^ OL-24
  41. ^ OL25
  42. ^ "OL-26, 1st Combat Evaluation Group, Binh Thuy AB, RVN mid-1970". Combat-Skyspot.tripod.com. August 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2010. OL-26 (call sign GAP) was deeply involved with the secret bombing in Cambodia
  43. ^ [2] (Commander: Lt Col (later Colonel) Otis Parks ) (retrieved unknown)
  44. ^ a b c d AF Pamphlet 900-2, Unit Decorations, Awards and Campaign Participation Credits, Vol II Department of the Air Force, Washington, DC, 30 Sep 1976 , p. 3

See Also

[edit]

[[Category:Groups of the United States Air Force]] [[Category:Military units and formations established in 1954]] [[Category:Strategic Air Command units]] [[Category:Air Combat Command units]]

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