386th EAMXS, 46th EATKS launch MQ-9 Reaper

Airman 1st Class Johnathan, 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, checks ice detector functionality while Airman 1st Class Brandon, 386th EAMXS avionics specialist, inspects the pitot-static probes during a MQ-9 Reaper launch at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Feb. 21, 2019. The MQ-9, a remotely piloted aircraft, is utilized to perform close air support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Arielle Vasquez)

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386th EAMXS, 46th EATKS launch MQ-9 Reaper

Airman 1st Class Johnathan, 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, communicates with a 46th Expeditionary Attack Squadron pilot and sensor operator during MQ-9 Reaper preflight operations at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Feb. 21, 2019. The Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft primarily designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance collection, can also perform close air support, combat search and rescue, precision strike and other critical functions, making it an indispensable asset. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Arielle Vasquez)

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386th EAMXS, 46th EATKS launch MQ-9 Reaper

Airman 1st Class Johnathan, 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, and Airman 1st Class Brandon, 386th EAMXS avionics specialist, conduct flight control checks while communicating with a 46th Expeditionary Attack Squadron pilot and sensor operator during preflight of a MQ-9 Reaper launch at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Feb. 21, 2019. The MQ-9 utilizes satellites in space to perform their main mission; however, an antenna fixed to the ground provides the launch and recovery team to carefully land the multi-role asset without the worry of delay. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Arielle Vasquez)

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386th EAMXS, 46th EATKS launch MQ-9 Reaper

Staff Sgt. Donald, 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew team chief, conducts the end of runway inspections prior to MQ-9 Reaper launch at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Feb. 21, 2019. The MQ-9 utilizes satellites in space to perform their main mission; however, an antenna fixed to the ground provides the launch and recovery team to carefully land the multi-role asset without the worry of delay. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Arielle Vasquez)

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386th EAMXS, 46th EATKS launch MQ-9 Reaper

Capt. Derrick, 46th Expeditionary Attack Squadron pilot, and Staff Sgt. Marcus, 46th EATKS MQ-9 sensor operator, check aircraft system operations during preflight of an MQ-9 Reaper at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Feb. 21, 2019. MQ-9 aircrew have the ability to swap out mid-flight after their shift to ensure seamless mission continuation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Arielle Vasquez)

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386th EAMXS, 46th EATKS launch MQ-9 Reaper

An MQ-9 Reaper turns out of a parking ramp at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Feb. 21, 2019. The MQ-9, a remotely piloted aircraft, is utilized to perform close air support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Arielle Vasquez)

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386th EAMXS, 46th EATKS launch MQ-9 Reaper

Published March 1, 2019
By Staff Sgt. Arielle Vasquez
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The MQ-9, a remotely piloted aircraft, is utilized to perform close air support and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.