432nd ATKS to begin operations

  • Published
  • By Airman Ashley J. Woolridge
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Applause filled the air in the Pride Hangar, Oct. 4, as Lt. Col. Christopher Clark assumed command of the 432nd Attack Squadron, whose mission is to remotely employ MQ-9 Reaper aircraft from ground control facilities here in support of worldwide requirements.

Clark thanked those present for their support and addressed the Airmen under his command - who will eventually number nearly 230 personnel - expressing his pride in their ability to form a tight-knit unit capable of maintaining the standard of those that have come before them.

"I am proud to finally introduce the 432nd Attack Squadron - you look good standing out there," Clark said. "We now stand at more than 100 pilots, sensor operators, mission intelligence coordinators, medical technicians, aviation resource management personnel, knowledge operators and a first sergeant. It is an honor to stand in front of so many bright, young Airmen and know the direct impact we're going to make to save lives and contribute to our national security."

The 28th Bomb Wing is home to Air Combat Command's only MQ-9 combat unit that is not directly assigned to Creech Air Force Base, Nev. Col. John Nichols, 28th Operations Group commander, said the mission of the 432nd ATKS is vital to Air Force operations.

"The MQ-9s will orbit battlespace and collect information and intelligence against those folks that wish to do grave damage against the United States," Nichols said. "When called upon, Reaper crews will quickly and accurately deploy missiles and drop precision-guided munitions against those enemies."

Nichols went on to highlight the historical significance of piloting aircraft 7,000 miles away, reminding the men and women of the 432nd ATKS that they have big shoes to fill.

"This squadron has a rich history, and a lineage that dates back to 1917," Nichols said. "It was first organized as the 89th Aero Squadron, operating out of Kelly Field (Air Force Base), Texas. In 1942, the 89th (AS) was one of four squadrons that belonged to the 17th Bombardment Group, whose members were called upon to fly in the infamous Doolittle Raid against Tokyo, Japan."

The 432nd ATKS patch has not been worn in 70 years, affording the MQ-9 crews the unique opportunity to pick up where the Doolittle Raiders left off.

"It is our responsibility to treat our legacy with reverence and to make ourselves worthy of wearing the winged helmet on our shoulder," Clark added. "Our country once again needs the 432nd Attack Squadron to make certain an uncertain future. What we do in the face of uncertainty is a telltale sign of who we are as a people - we are a people of courage."

Nichols added that having an MQ-9 squadron at Ellsworth is a true honor.

"This is groundbreaking stuff," Nichols said. "We are making history here at Ellsworth."