First blue-suit launch of MQ-9 Reaper Published Feb. 29, 2008 By 2nd Lt. Melinda M. Mokos 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Feb. 28 marked a memorable day in U.S. Air Force unmanned aerial vehicle history. The 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron spearheaded the first ever all-military launch of the MQ-9 Reaper. Creech AFB acquired MQ-9s in March 2007. The aircraft and ground control stations have been maintained by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. contractors ever since. The Reaper Aircraft Maintenance Unit, one of four in the 432 AMXS, was stood up November 2008 by Senior Master Sgt. Robert Stout and 26 original cadre personnel. All members of this AMU are military. In January 2008, the AMU took possession of its first aircraft, tail #4016, and training began almost immediately. A majority of the personnel selected had years of experience on the Predator and overseas UAV operations, which smoothed the transition to the new system. With assistance from GA/ASI and the Air Force Engineering Technical Services, the original cadre of military maintainers obtained initial qualifications to launch and maintain the Air Force's latest weapons system. The unit's first members included U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force and Nevada Air National Guard maintainers, representing a combined, total force. The new unit will soon expand to over 150 personnel. It will continue to train personnel and prepare for future deployments in support of the Global War on Terror.
