Ellsworth activates new detachment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  In a significant step in the historic process of bringing the remotely piloted aircraft mission to Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Detachment 1 of the 28th Operations Group was activated, April 1.

Maj. Chris Clark assumed command of the detachment during a ceremony on base.

"The Air Force could not have selected a better leader than Major Clark," said Col. William Eldridge, 28th OG commander and officiator of the ceremony. "The activation of Det. 1 marks the start of the RPA mission for the 28th OG."

Colonel Eldridge said the mission of Det. 1 is vitally important both to the Air Force and to the security of the United States.

"RPAs fly missions in combat operations and patrol U.S. borders to assist law enforcement," he said. "The incoming RPA squadron will complement the mission of the 28th Bomb Wing."

Major Clark said today marked a significant milestone in the history of Ellsworth. Det. 1 will serve as a precursor to the reactivation of the 432nd Bombardment Squadron, which was one of the four original Doolittle Raider squadrons.

"We are proud to welcome home another Doolittle squadron," Major Clark said. "Just like our predecessors, we are making a brighter future in uncertain times."

The 432nd Attack Squadron is scheduled for reactivation next year, with MQ-9 Reapers assigned to it. Until then, Det. 1 will be working to create a new home for the incoming squadron, from the ground up.

The detachment will be responsible for coordinating meetings with the various organizations on base who will assist with the squadron's activation. Once activated, the 432nd ATKS will operate 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year.

Major Clark said, "My hope is that the MQ-9 mission will compliment the B-1 mission. To find and kill the enemy 24/7."