Began its association with testing when it received the first of the five Boeing YB-9 , first all-metal monoplane bomber aircraft designed for the United States Army Air Corps , on 14 September 1932 . The new bomber proved impossible to intercept during air exercises in May 1932 , strengthening calls for improved air defense warning systems . Received the first of 12 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps . Participated in good-will flights to Argentina , 15 – 27 February 1938 , Colombia , 3 – 12 August 1938 , Mexico , 9 – 15 June 1939 , and Brazil , 10 – 28 November 1939 . The trip to Buenos Aires represented the longest distance performance of its kind on record and won the 2nd Bombardment Group the Mackay Trophy in 1938 . Following 24 January 1939 Chillán earthquake in Chile , the XB-15 , a prototype aircraft that had been assigned to the squadron to test the feasibility of operating very heavy bombers , flew a relief mission carrying medical supplies . Commanded by Major Caleb V. Haynes , the aircraft carried of American Red Cross emergency supplies to Santiago , making only two stops along the way , at France Field in the Panama Canal Zone , and at Lima , Peru . Haynes was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Order of the Merit of Chile , and the whole crew earned the MacKay Trophy
1939 Chillán earthquake
1939 Chillán earthquake
49th Test and Evaluation Squadron