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  • Air Force MQ-9 Reaper makes debut at Marine Corps exercise

    A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper participated in a Marine Corps Service Level Training Exercise (SLTE) for the first time ever here from July 24-28, 2023, an event that saw joint cooperation between the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.

  • SLR: creating new legacy

    New developments in Satellite Launch and Recovery (SLR) and Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC) are underway at the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing to revamp remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations.

  • Shaw establishes total force campus with intelligence schoolhouse

    The U.S. Air Force 25th Attack Group hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the MQ-9 Initial Intelligence Qualification Training schoolhouse on base, Aug. 11, 2022. As part of a massive multi-phase upgrade to the group’s infrastructure at Shaw, the schoolhouse will be moving from its current location

  • 432nd WG firefighter saves life in-flight, awarded for valor

    It’s a firefighter’s day-to-day to answer the call when an emergency hits. For John Orosz, 432nd Support Squadron fire emergency services captain, it isn’t any different. A firefighter and emergency medical technician of 15 years, he has been trained to be prepared for the unexpected.

  • 20th ATKS 'Hellhounds' earn RPA Squadron of the Year

    The 20th Attack Squadron, a geographically separated unit (GSU) of the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, and located at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, was appointed General Atomics’ 2019 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Squadron of the Year, as of August 18, 2020.

  • There for you: Creech Chaplains put the RST in ‘Present’

    You may see them on a routine visit to your squadron, or as a fly on the wall at a commander’s call. You may see them speak at a retirement, promotion, town hall or even a change of command ceremony. Every Creech Chaplain wants you to know that they will, above all, make themselves available when

  • One Team: Nellis leadership gets inside look at Creech RPA enterprise

    Col. Todd Dyer, 99th Air Base Wing commander, and Col. Jack Gardner, 99th ABW vice commander,attend their first immersion tour of Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, July 8, 2020. They toured many facilities throughout their visit including the flight simulators, the Creech Medical Clinic, and the new

  • Justice for all: Courtroom open for business

    The 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s office of the Staff Judge Advocate opened the doors to the first dedicated military courtroom for Creech Air Force Base, May 27, 2020.

  • Reaper Airman fulfills dream of earning Ranger tab

    The sounds of frogs, birds and cicadas rang loudly in his ears as the hot sun crawled across the sky. He hoped nightfall would provide a reprieve, but it only gave way to equally muggy and noisy nights. 

  • Guardian Dining Facility integral to RPA mission ops

    The Guardian Dining Facility (DFAC) providing one of the only sources of food during mealtimes at Creech is nothing new. As COVID-19 continues to spread across the globe, this dining facility team follows strict guidance and has changed the way they serve meals to ensure MQ-9 Reaper aircrews can

  • Reaper Smoke: MQ-9 community advances, builds relationships

    Reaper Airmen, “What does it mean to be ‘us’?” This was the question asked by 25th Attack Group commander, Col. Travis Norton, to a room full of MQ-9 Reaper operators and Special Tactics tactical air control party operators during Reaper Smoke, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Feb. 21, 2020.

  • 557th WW integrating with 16th AF missions

    The 557th Weather Wing is working to integrate its strengths into the recently formed 16th Air Force, which brought intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, cyber, electronic warfare, information operations and weather all under one roof. Integration is a key theme for the Air Force’s first

  • ACC leadership visit reflects past, forecasts future

    Gen. Mike Holmes, commander of Air Combat Command, and Chief Master Sgt. David Wade, Command Chief of ACC, visited Creech to speak with Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) leadership and Airmen about the future of their enterprise, Jan. 7, 2020.

  • Separated, not detached: 20th ATKS Airmen critical to Hunter mission

    The 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing is based out of Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, however, its Airmen and their contributions to the MQ-9 Reaper mission are not bound to one installation. There are some operational squadrons that organizationally fall under the 432nd WG but aren’t

  • Eye in the sky: Prepping the MQ-9 Reaper

    Maintainers from the 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron prepare an MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, July 23, 2019.

  • Fighting to fly: Creech Airman thrives after life-changing crash

    Waking up in an unfamiliar place, having suffered numerous injuries, he couldn’t believe the scene set before him. He waited for the curtains to be drawn to reveal the hospital bed and medical equipment attached to him were all fake. He thought to himself, “This is a crazy dream, what a crazy dream

  • Calling all Hunters: Commanders talk mission updates with RPA Airmen

    Col. Julian Cheater, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jamie Newman, 432nd WG/432nd AEW command chief hosted a commander’s call, at Creech, Mar. 8, 2019.This all-call provided 432nd WG leadership with the ability to update Airmen at Creech, as well as the

  • RPA Airmen strengthen relationships at Australia airshow

    Airmen with the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing travelled to the Australian International Airshow in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, to display the MQ-9 Reaper for the Australian and international crowds, Feb. 26 - Mar. 3, 2019.Reaper crews have made their way across the United States to

  • 732nd OSS activates, sets RPA group up for success

    The 732nd Operations Support Squadron activated during an assumption of command ceremony at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 23, 2019.The new unit, dubbed the “Archers,” will provide the support required for the MQ-9 Reaper attack squadrons within the 732nd Operations Group to seamlessly execute

  • Creech Showcases RPA enterprise to AFCENT leadership

    Lt. Gen. Joseph Guastella, U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Drinkard, AFCENT command chief, visited Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 16, 2019.Guastella and Drinkard visited different operational flying squadrons on base and the Persistent Attack and

  • ACC leaders talk Creech future with RPA Airmen

    Gen. Mike Holmes, commander of Air Combat Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Frank Batten, command chief of ACC, visited Creech to speak with Remotely Piloted Aircraft Airmen about the future of their enterprise, Jan. 10, 2019.

  • Army general reflects on ISIS annihilation with RPA Airmen

    U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Paul Funk, III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, Texas, commanding general, visited Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Dec. 10, 2018.Funk was the commanding general of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve for U.S. Central Command.This visit was an opportunity for Funk

  • MQ-9 Reaper featured in 2018 Air Force Marathon

    The MQ-9 Reaper was this year’s featured aircraft for the 22nd annual Air Force Marathon Sept. 13-15, 2018 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.MQ-9 aircrew, maintainers and intelligence Airmen traveled to the marathon with the aircraft in order to share its persistent attack and reconnaissance

  • A family legacy: 65 years in the making

    As he rolled open his desk drawer to reveal a military patch once worn by his father, Maj. Phillip’s gaze lingered on the 432nd Tactical Fighter Wing emblem in his grasp. His eyes seemed to search for the memories woven between the black and maroon threads before setting it down next to his

  • Creech Airmen bring RPA enterprise to ACC headquarters

    Aircrew, maintainers and support personnel with the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing displayed the MQ-9 Reaper at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia for the Air Power Over Hampton Roads airshow, May 18-20, 2018.432nd WG Airmen made the journey to Langley AFB, Air Combat Command headquarters, to

  • Reaper showcased at JB Charleston Air & Space Expo

    Remotely piloted aircraft pilots, sensor operators and maintenance personnel from Creech Air Force Base, Nev., showcased their MQ-9 Reaper alongside science, technology, engineering and math displays April 27-28, 2018, at the Joint Base Charleston Air & Space Expo at JB Charleston, S.C.

  • Sun setting the MQ-1 Predator: The final salute

    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

  • Sun setting the MQ-1 Predator: A history of innovation

    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

  • Doolittle legacy honored, RPA aviators continue to deliver justice

    There were moments, which through their pure magnitude galvanized the nation, inspiring those to act, forever altering the fabric of our lives. In the weeks following the attack on Pearl Harbor, one group of men would attempt the impossible and forever shift the course of history.Today, these men,

  • Fight’s On: CSAF shares combat-minded perspective

    Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein toured Creech for an in-depth look at the Remotely Piloted Aircraft enterprise and the many Airmen who work around the clock to assure mission success Jan. 9, 2017.As a former MQ-9 Reaper pilot, Goldfein has previous experience within the RPA

  • Next level of RPA operations, USAFCENT commander recognizes Airmen

    Lt. Gen. Jeffrey L. Harrigian, Air Forces Central Command commander, visited the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, which played a key role in the liberation of more than 99 percent of ISIS-held territory in in 2017, Jan. 8, 2018.Harrigian met with the 432nd WG/432nd AEW and 799th Air Base

  • COMACC visits Creech to discuss RPA enterprise future

    The Commander of Air Combat Command, Gen. Mike Holmes, and ACC Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Frank Batten, visited the men and women of Creech Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 6, 2018.Holmes and Batten met with Creech leadership to discuss future installation and mission opportunities. They also toured

  • 432nd Wing: Any time, any place, any condition

    The Airmen assigned to the 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron pride themselves on staying mission ready and recently hosted their first weapons load competition dressed in full chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives gear in more than three years December 8, 2017, at Creech.Like

  • Raqqah liberated: Combat RPAs in the fight

    U.S. forces, coalition partners and Syrian Democratic Forces liberated Raqqah, Syria from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’s control in early October. ISIS used the city as its capital for terrorist operations since January 2014. Combat remotely piloted aircraft such as the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9

  • Hawks Fly Solo

    The 6th Attack Squadron is the first formal training unit to implement solo flights for MQ-9 Reaper crews during initial training.

  • 386 AEW completes first flight of Block 5 MQ-9

    The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing successfully completed its first combat mission with the latest version of the MQ-9 Reaper in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, recently.The wing’s remotely piloted aircraft unit, the 46th Expeditionary Attack Squadron, transitioned its attack and reconnaissance

  • Return of the legacy: 867th ATKS turns 100

    CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. – The 867th Attack Squadron reflected on a remarkable heritage as it celebrated its 100th anniversary of its activation, Aug. 25, 2017, as the 92d Aero Squadron.

  • Inspired by air show, boy becomes USAF pilot

    Inspiration can be fleeting or it can be enduring. As seven-year-old boy, Richard felt this powerful drive during a family outing to an air show, he had no idea it would shape his future career helping him become a U.S. Air Force pilot. "Lethbridge was the first air show I went to when I was a kid,”

  • Providing freedom from terror: RPAs help reclaim Sirte

    In May 2015, Sirte, Libya, still recovering from the fallout of civil war, fell to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria forces. It took a year until the United Nations backed government of Libya, the Government of National Accord, launched an offensive to retake the city. On August 1, 2016, the

  • SecAF gets firsthand look at MQ-1, MQ-9 mission

    Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson visited Creech Air Force Base July 19, 2017 to get a closer look at the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper mission.During her visit Wilson toured the base and gained insight into the dominant persistent attack and reconnaissance mission the Airmen of the 432nd

  • MQ-9 model makes international debut

    The MQ-9 Reaper model made its first transnational debut at the Lethbridge International Air Show July 14-16, 2017, in Lethbridge, Alberta province, Canada.Sixteen Airmen from the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., assembled the MQ-9 and interacted with Canadian citizens on the mission and

  • Premier MQ-1, MQ-9 Wing changes hands

    The men and women of the leading MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper wing welcomed their new commander during the 432nd Wing change of command ceremony July 6, 2017, at Creech AFB. Col. Julian Cheater assumed command from Col. Case Cunningham in front of a crowd of Airmen, peers and family members while

  • MQ-9 maintainer’s innovation expedites engine training

    In order to enable airpower, the Air Force calls upon skilled and competent maintainers to perform all required functions to keep aircraft at the ready. This means maintainers must be properly trained to keep the mission going, so when Master Sgt. Eric, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Reaper

  • Air Force realigns Grand Forks AFB under Air Combat Command

    The Commanders of Air Mobility Command and Air Combat Command have agreed to the realignment of the 319th Air Base Wing, Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. to ACC effective June 13, 2017.  The move will align Grand Forks, which hosts active duty RQ-4 Global Hawk operations under the Air Force Major

  • Significant changes to Aviation Bonus Program

    As part of its retention efforts, the Air Force released details on the fiscal year 2017 Aviation Bonus Program (AvB) June 5, 2017. This year’s program implements an increase in maximum bonus amounts authorized in the fiscal 2017 National Defense Authorization Act in addition to more flexibility in

  • Total Force wingmen enable MQ-1, MQ-9 mission

    In the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper community, active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Airmen incorporate as a total force integration to provide 60 combat lines or 60 aircraft in the air, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This team of aircrew, maintenance and other

  • All in a night’s work: MQ-9s maximize airpower downrange

    As many Americans sleep soundly in their beds, Airmen in attack squadrons across the 432nd Wing flying the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper from cockpits in the continental U.S. are having decisive effects in the fight against violent extremism. In combat operations, last week, one MQ-9 squadron, in

  • MQ-1 squadron celebrates 100 years

    The 15th Attack Squadron patch depicting a pigeon clutching a telescope, harkens to the squadron’s long history of reconnaissance missions. On May 9, 2017, the 15th ATKS celebrated their 100-year anniversary and reflected on the unit’s extensive and honorable heritage, which coincidentally,

  • MQ-9 Reapers add to arsenal with first GBU-38 drop

    Airmen from the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing and the 26th Weapons Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., made history earlier this week, by employing the first GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition from an MQ-9 Reaper for training.

  • COMACC visits MQ-1, MQ-9 Airmen

    Gen. Mike Holmes, commander of Air Combat Command, visited the men and women of the 432nd Wing for the first time May 1-2, 2017, at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. During his visit, Holmes received a first-hand look at MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper, remotely piloted aircraft operations and the mission

  • No ground power, no air power

    He sits crouched, with the sleeves of his sand shirt rolled just beneath each elbow and a screwdriver in hand. A pair of yellow-lensed glasses are perched atop the bridge of his nose, protecting his concentrated gaze. With each rotation of his wrist, the screwdriver turns, its bright orange handle a

  • USAF prepares for all MQ-9 force

    For the past 21 years the Air Force has flown the remotely piloted MQ-1 Predator in combat, and for the last 10, the MQ-9 Reaper. Combined with a skilled aircrew, these aircraft provide consistent support in daily engagements making an impact downrange. While the MQ-1 has provided many years of

  • It takes a team to fly a Predator

    They may not see it, but U.S. service members and their enemies are directly impacted by MQ-1 Predators on the field of battle nearly constantly.These remotely piloted aircraft have two purposes: collecting intelligence and destroying enemy targets, and they are exceedingly good at accomplishing

  • MQ-1 airstrike stops car bomb

    The MQ-1 Predator aircrew sat in the ground control station focused intently on their screens. Tension filled the air as they assessed the situation and began calculating the risks of destroying an armored vehicle suspected of carrying explosives. The remotely piloted aircraft crew started their

  • Eye in the sky: MQ-1, MQ-9s provide increased awareness

    Situational awareness is the ability to know what is happening around a person at any given time. This is especially important for military members, more specifically, troops on the ground. For the men and women operating MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft, their skills of

  • AF selects Shaw AFB as the preferred location to host a new RPA unit

    The Air Force has selected Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, as the preferred location to base a new MQ-9 Reaper group, including mission control elements.  Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona; Moody AFB, Georgia; Mountain Home AFB, Idaho; and Offutt AFB, Nebraska, were named as reasonable alternatives

  • The evolution of the combat RPA

    In the 1980s, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency added modern day technology to the decades old idea of using remotely piloted aircraft for reconnaissance purposes. Little did DARPA or the Air Force know how impactful this development would be. As a result the Air Force immediately

  • First two enlisted pilots complete solo flights

    Two Air Force master sergeants became the first enlisted Airmen in six decades to complete solo flights, Nov. 3, during Initial Flight Training at the 1st Flying Training Squadron.Both soloed in a DA-20 Katana at Pueblo Memorial Airport as part of the Air Force’s IFT program, which is mandatory for

  • Bomb building: Creech leadership shadows Ammo Airmen

    Col. Case Cunningham, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, joined Chief Master Sgt. Michael Ditore, 432nd Wg/432nd AEW command chief, for Ditore’s shadow an Airman initiative with the Airmen of the 432nd Maintenance Squadron’s munitions flight April 27, 2016, at Creech Air Force Base,

  • Assuring maintenance quality for the MQ-1, MQ-9 mission

    Quality assurance (QA) Airmen in the maintenance world are known by many titles; the “best of the best”, the “eyes and ears”, and even “sharks in the water” for their "no nonsense" attitudes where maintenance is concerned.

  • Air Force approves RPA initiatives

    The Air Force recently approved two initiatives for the remotely piloted aircraft career field. First, eight RPA reconnaissance squadrons will be redesignated as attack squadrons. Second, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III authorized RPA aircrews to log combat time when flying an

  • RPA Airmen aim for excellence in annual load crew competition

    Airmen assigned to the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, work around the clock to bring support to the remotely piloted aircraft enterprise. Supplying the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper with munitions is just one way the 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons

  • COMACC addresses RPA health to Senate Armed Services Committee

    U.S. Air Force General Hawk Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, addressed plans to improve the health of the Air Force Remotely Piloted Aircraft enterprise Mar. 16 during a hearing of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee’s Airland Subcommittee in Washington, D.C.