Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Predator team deploys to support Haiti relief efforts

by Staff Sgt. Alice Moore, 432nd Wing Public Affairs

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) - Approximately 50 Airmen from the 432nd Wing here, along with RQ-1 Predator assets, deployed Jan. 22 to assist 12th Air Force and Air Forces Southern officials with providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in Haiti.

"The Hunters of the 432nd were called upon to provide a vital ISR capability to assist the people of Haiti," said Col. Pete Gersten, 432nd Wing and 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "We always stand ready at a moment's notice to carry out the mission at hand. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Haitian people and all those affected by this devastating earthquake."

The RQ-1 Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft.

In addition to providing support to relief operations in Haiti, Airmen in the 432nd Wg and 432nd AEW continue to support overseas contingency operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"We save lives each and every day," Colonel Gersten said. "Our no-fail 24/7 combat operations downrange will still continue as we must support the joint warfighter. However, we remain committed to providing assistance to Haiti."