505th redesignates squadron Published Jan. 12, 2007 By 1st Lt. Stacey Wiggins 705th CTS HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The 505th Distributed Warfare Group, part of Hurlburt's 505th Command and Control Wing, took on the new "Combat Training Squadron" designation Dec. 18. The squadron was redesignated from exercise control squadron to combat training squadrons to reflect the true nature of the combat crew training they provide. Hurlburt was part of the first-ever "distributed" redesignation ceremony. The 705th CTS, based at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., and 505th CTS, located next to the Hurlburt Air Park held the ceremony via video conference. Each squadron read their own redesignation order, and proceeded to decommission their guidons and commission a new standard. This unique ceremony fits exactly into the mission of the 505th DWG as the only unit in the Air Force that conducts virtual command and control training, testing, exercising and experimentation for joint and coalition warfighters. The 505th CTS is the professional control force and focal point for Combined Forces Air Component Commander team training in the joint exercise environment and is well known for conducting BLUE FLAG, from various area of command locations throughout the United States. "The change in designation from exercise control squadron to combat training squadron aligns the functions of the 505th CTS provides at the operational level of war under BLUE FLAG with what the other USAF combat training squadrons provide at the tactical level of war," said Lt. Col. John Morehead, 505th CTS commander.(Editors note: Staff Sgt. Kelly Ogden contributed to this article)