On 6 December 1942, the 97th Bomb Group's 414th Bomb Squadron Commanding Officer flew from Tafaraoui Airfield at Oran, Algeria to certify the preparation of the "Blida Airfield" ready to receive two 97th Bomb Group Squadrons, the 342nd and the 414th. On 12 December 1942, the 414th Bomb Squadron Commander flew back to Tafaraoui Airfield at Oran, Algeria.
On 6 December 1942, the commanding officer of the 97th Bomb Group's 414th squadron made a flight from Tafaraoui Airfield in Algeria to inspect Blida Airfield and confirm its preparedness for two squadrons. On 12 December 1942, the commander of the 414th squadron flew back to Tafaraoui Airfield.