The Iowa National Guard is gearing up for a significant event this Sunday in Fort Dodge. At 2 p.m., a formal ceremony will take place to mark the shutdown of the 133rd Test Squadron. This decision, part of a national restructuring, was communicated to the Guard last May. According to Jackie Schmillen, a spokesperson for the Iowa Guard, preparations have been underway since then, with some members already transitioning out of the unit.
Schmillen reveals that the squadron, which previously had 38 part-time members and three full-time members, was authorized for 118 individuals. However, the divestment announcement came when the unit had just over 100 members. In response, many of the Guard members have relocated to other units, with every full-time member being offered a position within the Iowa Air National Guard. A majority of them have chosen to remain in Iowa, either joining the 132nd air wing in Des Moines or the 185th refueling wing in Sioux City.
As the ceremony approaches, Schmillen emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unit’s more than 75-year legacy in Fort Dodge. While the occasion may carry a tinge of sadness for those currently serving or who have served in the squadron, it also stands as a testament to the unit’s achievements and contributions over the years. This event offers an opportunity to reflect on the successes and innovations that have shaped the unit since its inception.
Despite the shutdown of the 133rd Test Squadron, Fort Dodge will still be home to 107 soldiers from the 1st Battalion 194th Field Artillery. Schmillen assures the community that the Guard remains committed to honoring its ties with Fort Dodge and will continue to operate from the area, ready to serve whenever the need arises.
Located near the sports complex where the Girl’s State Softball Tournament is held, the unit’s base holds a special place in the local landscape. Established on June 1, 1948, as the 133rd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, the unit has a rich history as the Air National Guard’s sole Test Squadron for the past 21 years. Its primary focus has been on operational and developmental testing of command-and-control equipment for the U.S. Air Force and related entities.
In the face of change and transition, the Iowa National Guard remains steadfast in its commitment to service, both to the local community and the nation at large. As the 133rd Test Squadron bids farewell in Fort Dodge, it leaves behind a legacy of dedication, innovation, and unwavering support for its fellow Guard members and the broader military community. The upcoming ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the unit’s impact and the enduring spirit of service that defines the Iowa Guard.
