April 9, 2018
Hunter laid to rest after 50 years MIA
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. — U.S. Air Force Col. Edgar “Felton” Davis, an RF-4C Phantom navigator during the Vietnam War, was laid to rest after 50 years deceased with full military honors April 6, 2018, in his hometown of Goldsboro, North Carolina. Davis was shot down over Laos Sept. 17, 1968 during a reconnaissance mission while assigned to 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron under the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing and was declared deceased when the first search for his remains yielded no results. The Defense Prisoner of War/Missing In Action Accounting Agency discovered Davis’ remains in December 2017.
April 5, 2018
Creech Airmen receive Las Vegas Citizen of the Month award
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The men and women who execute the Remotely Piloted Aircraft mission at Creech were presented with the April Las Vegas Citizen of the Month award April 4, 2018 at the Las Vegas City Hall. “On behalf of Ward 6 and the city of Las Vegas, I want to thank the men and women of Creech Air Force Base for what they do – thank you,” said Las Vegas city councilwoman Michele Fiore.
March 9, 2018
Sun setting the MQ-1 Predator: The final salute
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The Air Force held the MQ-1 Predator’s official retirement ceremony with Airmen from the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Remotely Piloted Aircraft enterprise leaders, and MQ-1 alumni March 9, 2018, at Creech. The MQ-1 ceremony included the final local flight by the Airmen of the 489th Attack Squadron and the last combat line flown by the 15th Expeditionary Attack Squadron in an undisclosed area of responsibility.
March 8, 2018
RPA attack squadron honors 100 years of training, combat
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — In the 100 years since its activation, the 78th Attack Squadron, now at Creech, has taken on a myriad of missions and locations. It now maintains combat-ready reservists who conduct MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft training, as well as, integrated and expeditionary combat operations.
March 2, 2018
Sun setting the MQ-1 Predator: Combat RPAs bring the future faster
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — As the official retirement of the MQ-1 Predator approaches, many people reflect on the new and innovative capabilities it provided on the battlefield over its tenure. Its shift from an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to a multi-role platform, further shaped the outlook of senior leaders and combatant commanders alike. The MQ-1 revolutionized the Air Force’s use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft in dynamic situations, inevitably paving the way for an all MQ-9 Reaper force.
Feb. 28, 2018
RPA Wing celebrates 75 years of accomplishment
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — Members of the 432nd Wing celebrated its 75th anniversary and the many achievements the wing accomplished throughout its history, Feb. 22, 2018 at Creech. The unit was activated as the 432nd Observation Group Feb. 22, 1943 at Alachua Army Air Field, Fla. as the nation prepared for WWII.
MQ-9 Airmen host open house, celebrate 50th ATKS activation
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. — MQ-9 Reaper aircrew members hosted an open house Feb. 22 in anticipation of the 50th Attack Squadron activation at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Feb. 27.
Feb. 26, 2018
Sun setting the MQ-1 Predator: MQ-9 Reaper meets demand
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — With the retirement of the MQ-1 Predator on the horizon, MQ-9 Reapers were successfully transferred via flight from one combat operation to another within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility for the first time. In January, Airmen facilitated the flight of MQ-9s from Operation Inherent Resolve to Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. This innovative approach took less than 10 percent of the normal time it takes to disassemble, box and ship Remotely Piloted Aircraft via airlift from one theater to another, which allowed warfighters to stay ahead of the pace of modern warfare. As aircrews seamlessly continue to provide dominant, persistent attack and reconnaissance capabilities to meet war front demands from the MQ-9, MQ-1s enter the transition phase out of active inventory.
Feb. 14, 2018
Sun setting the MQ-1 Predator: A history of innovation
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — The MQ-1 Predator is a Remotely Piloted Aircraft flown by aircrew assigned to the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Creech and units around the world. It has contributed to the U.S. warfighting efforts in unprecedented ways and is scheduled to sunset on March 9, 2018 as the Air Force transitions to an all MQ-9 Reaper force. With the introduction of aerial warfare, countries all over the world raced to the skies to gain tactical advantage over their adversaries. Devices such as balloons were used in early conflict for reconnaissance and, while the thought of such technology seems primitive today, that same pursuit of aerial superiority ultimately inspired the MQ-1.
Feb. 9, 2018
MQ-9 Reaper Airmen arrive at Shaw
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. — MQ-9 Reaper support Airmen recently began arriving at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, in line with Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson’s Jan. 10 announcement that the base will be home to a new MQ-9 group.