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 conducted a flight from Tafaraoui Airfield in Algeria to assess the readiness of Blida Airfield for two squadrons. On 12 December 1942, the commander of the 414th squadron made a return trip to Tafaraoui Airfield.