 The group engaged in training on the new aircraft and its mission of long range precision bombing.At Great Bend, the squadron received early model B-29s and prototype YB-29s, however aircraft were still undergoing development and were frequently modified by Boeing technicians in the field while the squadron was undergoing training in Kansas.In November 1943 The 444th reorganized as a Very Heavy group and added the 6th Bombardment Maintenance Squadron, which was paired with the 677th to maintain its B-29s.