Fifteen years of flying remotely...

(Information courtesy of Pacific Air Forces History Office)

On July 29, 1995, Air Combat Command activated the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nevada. Equipped with Predators, this was the first unit of unmanned aerial vehicles reflecting the Air Force’s growing employment of remotely piloted aircraft in combat-support roles.

The Predator system was designed in response to a DoD requirement to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information to the warfighter. The armed reconnaissance role was added in 2002.

RPAs continue to grow in numbers and importance.  PACAF is preparing Andersen AFB, Guam, to be home to several Global Hawk aircraft, scheduled to arrive by late 2010.  The addition of this cutting-edge capability underscores the U.S. commitment to the Pacific Region.  It will enhance the ability to gather information and work with allies and partners in the region to respond to security or humanitarian challenges.