Reaping the rewards
The first MQ-9 Reaper to arrive at Holloman AFB has made its first local flight, expanding the capacity for the remotely piloted vehicle formal training unit. Instructors from the 432nd Operations Group, conducted the first flight.
Lt Col. James Merchant, Det. 3 commander, said the achievement was the result of a great effort by the entire base. "There were plenty of hurdles along the way, but everyone maintained focus, looked at the individual steps, from power and connections to pattern deconfliction and scheduling," Colonel Merchant said. "Everyone kept moving in a positive direction."
Members of the Reaper FTU have been preparing for this first flight for nearly a year, but only recently reached a fully operational capacity with the arrival of the first aircraft and qualified crew.
"The first flight is ... the first step to becoming independent of another base and wing to do our takeoff and landing," Colonel Merchant said. "Ultimately, it results in more flexibility for us as well, as we will be the only user of the aircraft."
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