MQ-9 Reapers Headed to 163rd Air Reconnaissance Wing at March Air Reserve Base

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) announced that six MQ-9 Reaper aircrafts are headed to the 163rd Air Reconnaissance Wing at March Air Reserve Base. The aircraft are set to replace the existing MQ-1 Predators.

"I am pleased to hear that the 163rd Air Reconnaissance Wing at March is set to receive MQ-9s to replace its MQ-1s," said Rep. Calvert. "As I have said before, it only makes sense to locate MQ-9s at facilities that have infrastructure and resources already in place to train military UAV pilots. I know that the assets and experiences of the existing schoolhouse at March will allow it to successfully perform its critical mission with these new aircraft. For years to come, the MQ-9s will play an invaluable role in support of our national security as well as responding to natural disasters."

"I want to personally thank Representative Calvert for his strong leadership in support of lifesaving air assets, both here in California for first responders and for our servicemembers in battle overseas," said Major General David Baldwin, Adjutant General of California. "The recapitalization of old RPA assets will help ensure the future of the 163rd Air Reconnaissance Wing's mission at March Air Reserve Base."

Currently, the 163rd Air Reconnaissance Wing operates a Predator Formal Training Unit (FTU) at March Air Reserve Base. The unit's schoolhouse Predators are stored, maintained, launched and recovered at Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA). Six MQ-9 Reapers will replace the Predators at SCLA.

Rep. Calvert's efforts in support of the MQ-9 Reaper program and to locate the aircraft with the 163rd Air Reconnaissance Wing at March Air Reserve Base includes the following:

• Supported an effort to include a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act to urge the Air Force to prioritize the replacement of MQ-1 Predators with MQ-9 Reapers at locations, like March, with existing FTU schoolhouses.

• Requested increased funding for the procurement of additional MQ-9 Reapers in FY14. The FY14 Omnibus Appropriations Act provides $349,217,000 for the procurement of 20 MQ-9 aircraft, an increase of eight aircraft above the President's request.

• Requested language that was included in the FY14 Omnibus Appropriations Act that requires the Air Force to submit a report on its Reaper UAV placement strategy. Below is the specific Appropriations bill report language regarding the report requested by Rep. Calvert:

"The Committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a report to the congressional defense committees with the fiscal year 2015 budget request providing a detailed, location- by-location schedule for the basing of MQ–9 Reapers including, where appropriate, the replacement and planned disposition of MQ–1 Predator aircraft to be replaced by the MQ–9. The report shall also include the criteria by which the Air Force determines the order of priority for MQ–9 beddown locations and the impact that MQ–1/MQ–9 transition will have on existing MQ–1 flying training units."