The 530th Strategic Bombardment Training Squadron was activated at Plattsburgh AFB on July 1, 1986. The unit was previously the 530th Bombardment Squadron and part of the 380th BW until inactivated on June 25, 1966. The squadron had been activated at Plattsburgh AFB, NY in July 1955 and performed ground training until January 1956 when the squadron received its first B-47s. The 530th participated in operations and exercises of the Strategic Air Command until 1965. The 530th BS deployed with the 380th BW to England from April to June 1957. Crews and aircraft from the 530th BS participated in oversea Reflex Action B-47 alert in England from January 1959 until March 1965. The squadron lost its aircraft in December 1965 and was not operational thereafter. The 530th BS was inactivated on June 25, 1966.

Soon after being activated as the 530th SBTS, the squadron was redesignated as the 530th Combat Crew Training Squadron, effective on January 1, 1987. On April 30, 1987, Lt Col. Michael C. McMahan assumed command of the 530th CCTS. In 1987, the unit was recommended for its fifth Award of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA) for exceptionally meritorious service from July 1, 1986 to June 30, 1987. The previous four were accorded to the 4007th CCTS until redesignated the 530th SBTS.

The following is the narrative justification for the award to the 530th CCTS:

The 530th Combat Crew Training Squadron (CCTS) qualified for the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award by clearly leading the way in developing the full potential of its people while accomplishing the unit mission of training aircrews to fly the FB-111A, still the most task-demanding bomber in the Air Force, during the period July 1, 1986 to June 30, 1987. During this period, the number of aircrews graduating from the Initial Qualification Course (IQC) increased 58 percent and the number graduating from the Requalification/Difference Training course, for previously experienced F/FB-111 crew members, was 190 percent of forecast. This increased production by the 530th brought the critically manned SAC FB-111A force up to 110 percent authorized manning from 80 percent. This wall all accomplished without any additional instructor authorizations, resources, or time. In fact, the 530th CCTS was manned at only 75 percent during this period. Faced with the ever-decreasing experience level of the trainees in the IQC and CFIC, due to SAC emphasis on a younger and more stable crew force, the 530th CCTS adapted its training programs to the people. Flight and simulator profiles as well as academics courses were modified to meet the student's and instructor's candidates needs while the high standards expected of the 530th CCTS graduates remained unchanged. The number of instructor candidates graduating from the CFIC did not increase over the previous years, however, the course was lengthened 42 percent to compensate for the lower experience level of the candidates. The 530th CCTS's instructors successfully met the challenge and trained the new FB-111A aircrews and instructors candidates to the same proficiency as their more experienced predecessors. The 530th not only produced top-notch aviators for the FB-111A, it also added to SAC's deterrent force by maintaining six combat-ready instructor crews who augmented the wing's tactical squadrons in support of the Emergency War Order (EWO) mission and maintained currency in conventional weapons delivery. Instructor crews further developed their own potential by participating in exercises such as Giant Armor, Red Flag, Maple Flag, Amalgam Brave, and this wing's ORI. Additionally, the instructor crews completed 100 percent of their own ground training and flying requirements in the midst of the increased work load. The 530th further developed the instructor's expertise to the benefit of both instructors and students by sending them to schools such as Squadron Officer School, SAC Tactics School, SAC Instrument Flight Course and the SAC Scheduling School. The squadron encouraged further professional development of its instructor cadre by insuring time was available for PME and advanced degree course work, resulting in completion or enrollment in the appropriate level of PME and advanced degree course work by 100 percent of the instructor force. Attesting to the superior performance of the 530th CCTS was "Outstanding" rating received from the 1st Combat Evaluation Group (1CEVG). Flawless job knowledge testing and flying performances ensured this top rating during the evaluation. The squadron's performance was equally impressive when it received an "Excellent" during the 1987 Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI). During this ORI, Strategic Air Command Inspector General team members, including a member of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff praised the 530th CCTS combat mission training as the best in the command. They called it "a product that was developed with a thorough knowledge of adversary threat capabilities/employment coupled with the latest tactics and techniques". The 530th CCTS not only led the way in combat training but in peacetime training as well. The squadron was responsible for continuing an unprecedented F/FB-111A flying safety record for the 380th Bombardment Wing, over six years without a class A mishap. The squadron's leadership in this area was recognized by its receipt of the award for "Best Flying Safety Program in 8th Air Force". The 530th CCTS unparalleled utilization of human resources, both in developing the full potential of its people and in accomplishing its mission, not only adds immeasurably to the combat readiness of the United States Air Force, it also qualifies it for the receipt of the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

For more infos about the CCTS, visit The Combat Crew Training Squadron.