Unmanned aircraft makes trek to AAFB
The first aircraft landed at the Yigo base after an 18-hour flight from California. Pilots and sensor operators who flew the aircraft are from the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron out of Beale Air Force Base.
By KUAM Newsby Nick Delgado
Guam - Andersen Air Force Base welcomed the RQ-4b Global Hawk unmanned aircraft last week. The first aircraft landed at the Yigo base after an 18-hour flight from California. Pilots and sensor operators who flew the aircraft are from the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron out of Beale Air Force Base.
The military is hoping to conduct procedural testing with the aircraft on Andersen, as the Global Hawk prepares to go through the Department of Defense-directed initial operation test and evaluation process. The U.S. Air Force reports that they anticipate providing humanitarian support in the future for areas that suffer from hurricanes and volcanic eruptions.
The landing on Guam marks a historical step for the squadron and for the 9th Reconnaissance Wing. The team is also working with PACAF officials to ensure that the operation runs smoothly.