Global War on Terror milestone: Reapers fly in Afghanistan Published Oct. 17, 2007 Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The 42nd Attack Squadron's MQ-9 Reaper, one of Creech AFB's unmanned aircraft, has completed more than a dozen missions in Afghanistan since its inaugural flight in theater Sept. 25, averaging about one sortie per day. Capable of striking enemy targets with on-board weapons, the Reaper has conducted close-air support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Reaper is larger and more heavily-armed than the MQ-1 Predator and unlike the Predator in its traditional ISR role, was designed from the onset to attack time-sensitive targets with persistence and precision. Operational use of the Reaper's advanced capabilities marks a tremendous step forward in the evolution of unmanned aerial systems. The Reaper is expected to bring significant impact to military operations throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Every 42nd Attack Squadron pilot and sensor operator flying Reapers in combat operations received their training at Creech AFB. "I could not be more proud of the job the men and women of the 432nd Wing have done to get the 42nd ATKS and the Reaper into the fight against terror," said Col. Chris Chambliss, 432nd Wing Commander. "Our greatest challenge was getting the squadron ready to fly combat ops on such a short timeline. "The squadron just stood up last year, and only got its first aircraft this past March. We had to determine the best way to train aircrews on a first-of-its-kind weapon system, then teach them how to employ the weapons system safely and effectively in theater," explained the commander. "The leadership of the 42nd ATKS had planned out that entire roadmap and then was able to execute it to begin flying combat ops in less than seven months from first Reaper delivery." "It is an honor and a privilege to be associated with the Reaper," said Lt. Col. Jon Greene, 42nd ATKS commander and Reaper pilot. "The Reaper is the future of airpower and to be on the ground floor has been a very unique and satisfying experience." "I am very proud to be a part of the Reaper mission," agreed Staff Sgt. Sarah Blake, a sensor operator for a Reaper with the 42nd ATKS. "We have trained very hard. I know that we will do great things for our country." Approved by Air Combat Command in 2004, the Air Force currently has nine Reapers in its inventory. (Information collected from the U.S. Air Force official web site, www.af.mil)
