Ellsworth selected as new home for UAV GCS

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Air Force officials announced its decision June 21 to bring the MQ-9 ground control station to Ellsworth.

The MQ-9 squadron is scheduled to be activated by Jan. 2012, and will fly its first combat air patrol in May 2012.

"The Air Force uses a deliberate, repeatable and transparent process to address basing needs. These bases are the right locations for the next set of MQ-1/9 ground control stations," said Kathleen Ferguson, Air Force deputy assistant secretary for installations, in a press release. "They will provide the Air Force with the right kind of synergy for training purposes."

The MQ-1 GCS, set to go to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., is expected to achieve initial operational capacity by Feb. 2011. Both the MQ-1 and MQ-9 GCS's are expected to bring an additional 280 people, both military and civilian to each base.

The MQ-9 remote piloted aircraft, or Reaper, is a medium-to-high altitude, long endurance system which provides joint force commanders with several services essential to the war-fighting mission. It exists as a persistent hunter-killer, with the ability to strike emerging targets. The MQ-9 also acts as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset.

The MQ-9 has a system which typically includes several air vehicles, communication equipment and links, spares, support people and a GCS. While the squadron operating the aircraft will be based at Ellsworth, the aircraft will remain overseas, supporting continuing operations.

Ellsworth was selected for the MQ-9 GCS based on its existing facilities, associated cost factors and synergy with existing operations.

"We're excited about getting this new squadron," said Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th Bomb Wing commander. "The synergy created between our B-1 and MQ-9 operators will make both of them even better."