Operating the MQ-9 is a significant milestone for the wing because it marks the revival of local flight operations at Springfield Air National Guard Base, and the authorizations and relationships necessary to participate in national airspace, said Col. Paul Kavanaugh, 178th Wing Operations Group Commander.
“Our goal is to not only sustain but also expand this initiative by hosting MQ-9s from other states,” Kavanaugh said. “This milestone, the first of its kind in Ohio, provides a unique chance for National Guard airmen from California, Mississippi and Ohio to collaborate. The focus is on enhancing their ability to execute missions overseas and support various Department of Defense components.”
The basic crew consists of a rated pilot to control the aircraft and command the mission, and an enlisted aircrew member to operate sensors and guide weapons. The Operations Group will be flying the MQ-9.
“This is a historic event for the 178th Wing,” said Col. Kent Kazmaier, commander of the 178th Wing. “Our Wing and our aircrews have not had a military aircraft physically operate from our installation, operated by our very own aircrews, since the last F-16 left over 12 years ago. It provides our Airmen with a greater sense of duty … a greater sense of pride to witness the MQ-9 operate from our airfield.”
The Reaper is used primarily in intelligence collection, as well as strikes, coordination and reconnaissance against high-value, fleeting and time-sensitive targets, per the Air Force’s fact sheet on the craft. The remotely piloted drone can also perform close air support, combat search and rescue, precision strike, convoy and raid overwatch, route clearance, target development, and terminal air guidance.
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