In the ensuing 75 years it has had a couple different names and has completed many missions, perhaps none more important than improving the nation’s radar systems in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Now called the 133rd Test Squadron, the unit is ready to celebrate its proud history.

It started that celebration Friday evening with an appearance at the Fort Dodge Fort Lincoln Toyota Ja-Mar Cruise Friday evening.

In keeping with the event’s theme, the airmen brought along a massive truck with a 5-ton cargo capacity.

-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
Staff Sgt. Stephanie Higgins, second from right, describes the mission of the 133rd Test Squadron of the Iowa Air National Guard during the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Ja-Mar Cruise Friday evening. Listening are, from left, Master Sgt. Jenni Nesmith, Airman 1st Class Jaydon Charlson and Casey Johnson, owner of the car dealership.

According to Staff Sgt. Stephanie Higgins, the squadron’s main mission is described in military terms as command and control battle management operations.

“Our primary mission is managing the skies,” she said.

That, she said, involves monitoring aircraft in the skies and providing air control services to American pilots.

Higgins said the unit’s other mission is testing command and control equipment. For example, she said if the Air Force gets a new radar system, it will be sent to Fort Dodge for testing. If the local airmen find that the system works, it is “fielded to the rest of the Air Force,” she said.

“That’s a really cool aspect that you’re not getting with another Air National Guard unit,” she said.

The local unit is the only Air National Guard test squadron in the nation.

The squadron’s roster includes cybersecurity experts, radar operators, radio frequency technicians, electricians, diesel mechanics and truck drivers, among other specialities.

The squadron will have a 75th anniversary ceremony and community event beginning at 10 a.m. Sept. 16 at its headquarters near the Fort Dodge Regional Airport.