Four UAV Squadrons stand up at Holloman
Air Force officials here stood up three remotely piloted vehicle squadrons and a maintenance squadron under the 49th Fighter Wing during an assumption-of-command ceremony Oct. 23 at Holloman Air Force Base.
Members of the four squadrons - the 29th Attack Squadron, 6th Reconnaissance Squadron, 16th Training Squadron and 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (Provisional) - were originally assigned to the 432nd Wing at Creech AFB, Nev., and have been at Holloman AFB for months as members of detachments, but now will be permanent members.
The 29th ATKS, 6th RS and 16th TRS - all training squadrons - now fall under the 49th Operations Group. The 849th AMXS, whose mission is to uphold the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper, falls under the 49th Maintenance Group.
"You are witnessing a unique event today as we stand up a brand new organization in the 49th Maintenance Group -- the 849th," said Col. Michael Stapleton, the 49th OG commander, to the Airmen and audience witnessing the squadrons stand up. "It is a rare opportunity to witness not only a unit's birth, but also a unit's beginning that will play such an important role in our Air Force's future with remotely piloted vehicles."
"Our Air Combat Command and 12th Air Force leadership decided to entrust this vital mission to the 49th Fighter Wing," said Col. Donald Van Patten, the 49th MXG commander. "It is an awesome responsibly that we take very seriously."
Each RPV squadron commander spoke about their newly acquired responsibilities and thanked their families for their support, and the theme remained the same throughout the ceremony -- the significance of the Holloman AFB new RPV mission.
"America's sons and daughters are engaged in combat today and when their boots hit the ground, they ask for one thing -- they ask for mutual support from the sky ... the missions delivered by the men and women that fix and fly the MQ-1 and MQ-9," Colonel Stapleton said. "It is a highly lethal weapon of war but frankly, without these Airmen it's just an airplane."
by Airman 1st Class Sondra Escutia - 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.