'Hunter' Airmen return from Operation Unified Response mission

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alice Moore
  • 432d Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  Approximately 50 Airmen assigned to the 432d Wing returned home to Las Vegas March 5, after supporting relief efforts in Haiti.

The homecoming of the Airmen marked the conclusion of the first Predator humanitarian deployment and the first time the Predator has operated out of an active civilian airfield alongside cargo and passenger aircraft.

"It's an amazing feeling to be a part of the first Predator humanitarian mission," said Capt. Bethany Slack, 11th Reconnaissance Squadron assistant director of operations and current operations.

Since January, the 432d Wing flew two continuous RQ-1 Predator tailored orbits in order to provide key intelligence in assisting officials on the ground to direct resources in Haiti. The orbits were accomplished through remote split operations. Crews launched and recovered the Predators from Puerto Rico and transferred control of the aircraft to Creech AFB crews who flew the orbits.

"This mission was really unique to be able to go in and set up operations from scratch at a civilian airfield," Captain Slack said. "The end result was our ability to provide 24-hour overwatch support."

Col. Pete Gersten, 432d Wing and 432d Air Expeditionary Wing commander, said the successful completion of the unit's humanitarian mission is another shining example of the level of professionalism and dedication of the Airmen assigned to the wing.

"Simply put, Hunter Airmen get the job done," Colonel Gersten said. "I'm extremely proud of each and every one of these Airmen on a job well done. This historic mission is just another example of how this dynamic remotely piloted aircraft mission can support the troops on the ground as well as assist a country in need."

RQ-1s are unarmed, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft.