About 280 additional military and civilian personnel will be based at Whiteman Air Force Base after Monday’s announcement that Whiteman will house one of two new MQ-1 Predator Drone control operations.
The Predator drones are unmanned aircraft that can serve in both reconnaissance and combat situations and are controlled remotely. While the MQ-1 Remote Split Operation squadron and ground control station will be housed at Whiteman, the vehicles themselves can be deployed around the world and have been used extensively in Afghanistan and Iraq.
District 4 Rep. Ike Skelton hailed the added mission as further proof of the value of Whiteman.
“In last year’s defense bill, I was able to have an amendment that included expanding the size of the base by 1,100 acres. Over the last year I have been pushing for additional missions at Whiteman. The Predator is one of them,” Skelton said. “I’m pleased the Air Force realized the importance of Whiteman in naming this mission. “
Skelton said Whiteman is “the perfect place for it."
“It is a secure base. This mission will mean a stronger economy in the area with the addition of 280 people and their families. They can fly these Predators anywhere around the globe from Whiteman — they are an essential part of the war effort and will be controlled from right there in heart of America,” Skelton said.
Skelton said the unit is expected to be operational by February.
Missouri senators Kit Bond, a Republican, and Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, also celebrated the announcement.
“The troops at Whiteman have always been at the tip of the military’s spear and the addition of the Predator mission makes this Missouri base one of the most important in the war against terrorism,” said Bond in a prepared statement on Monday. “The Predator is one of our most important and effective weapons in gathering intelligence and carrying out strikes on terrorists.”
McCaskill said: “As the home of the B-2 bomber, Whiteman Air Force Base already plays a critical role in defending our nation. The decision is further testament to the capabilities of the world class team at Whiteman. I’m proud that we will be operating these Predator missions out of Missouri and that Whiteman will continue to be at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and our efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq.”
The Air Force also announced that Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., will be home to an additional 280 personnel at ground control stations for an MQ-9 Reaper squadron, which should be operational in May 2012.
According to an Air Force fact sheet on the drones, the MQ-1 Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, unmanned aircraft system. Its primary mission is interdiction and conducting armed reconnaissance against targets. The aircraft can carry two laser-guided anti-tank missiles.
The Predator system was designed in response to a Department of Defense requirement to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information in combat situations.
“I see an expanded role for UAVs as the years go by,” Skelton said.
“However, there will always be a place for manned aircraft. They are an excellent investment. This is a mission that will last a long, long time and it is at Whiteman, which certainly pleases me.”
-Dennis Rich, The Sedalia Democrat
