An MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft prepares to land after a mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The Reaper has the ability to carry both precision-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson)
“This is a historic day for Holloman Air Force Base, the Tularosa Basin and the communities who provide outstanding support to our men and women in uniform. We are thrilled the Air Force and Air Combat Command have chosen to establish the Unmanned Aircraft System formal training unit at Holloman,” said Col. Jeffrey Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander. “Our ability to provide the right mix of existing facilities, restricted airspace, strong community support and good weather will ensure this vital mission is successful here.”
The announcement allows Holloman to once again move into the forefront of UAS technology. In 1947, then Alamogordo Army Air Field, was chosen by Air Materiel Command to be its primary site for the testing and development of pilot-less aircraft. In January 1948, in honor of Col. George V. Holloman’s research and development in the unmanned aerial vehicle field the base was renamed. In 1997, Detachment 1, 82d Aerial Target Squadron, began flying QF-4 drones from Holloman.
The stand up of the MQ1/9 FTU II at Holloman will allow the Air Force to increase the number of MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper combat operators, which, in turn, will multiply the flexible, efficient use of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and lethal employment options of the joint forces commander’s MQ-1 and MQ-9 force.
General Corley said the decision was made based on the completion of a favorable Environmental Impact Analysis required under the National Environmental Policy Act, which indicated no significant environmental impacts.
“Air Combat Command has responded to the growing demand for UAS capabilities in today’s fight and continues to aggressively acquire joint, interoperable unmanned aircraft systems and effectively train the operators,” General Corley said. “Air Force UAS operators are working 24 hours a day, every day to provide a persistent stare over the battlefield to support the ground forces. We must train new UAS operators to support this critical capability and the stand up of the second FTU and the subsequent FTU consolidation at Holloman will put the Air Force on a sustainable UAS flight path.”
