Training is done for the first 13 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle crews of the California Air National Guard’s 163rd Air Refueling Wing. The 163rd ARW gave up its last KC-135 tanker in early June. The wing first sent six crews—one pilot and one sensor operator each—to Creech and Nellis Air Force Bases in Nevada, for training beginning in January. They graduated in April and have been working with Air Combat Command’s 15th Reconnaissance Squadron at Creech until ANG completes Predator facilities at March ARB, Calif. Another seven crews graduated late last month. Wing officials expect to fully transition to the new mission by October.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
