Factors like mission requirements, communications infrastructure, and reserve component recruiting will be key as the Air Force decides which base will host remotely piloted aircraft ground control stations for an Air Force Reserve Command unit. These Reservists will operate MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper vehicles in support of Air Force Special Operations Command, service officials stated Wednesday in a release. The Air Force is planning to issue the list of candidate locations early next year and then render its final basing decision next June once the environmental impact analysis process has concluded.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…