491st Attack Squadron assists in MQ-9 training mission

An MQ-9 Reaper, assigned to the 491st Attack Squadron, can be seen on the flightline at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, New York, June 29, 2023. The 491st ATKS is responsible for assisting the Air National Guard at Hancock in producing approximately 66 aircrew per year, ensuring combat-ready Airmen are capable of piloting MQ-9s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini)

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491st Attack Squadron assists in MQ-9 training mission

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Koby Davis, 174th Attack Wing crew chief, inspects an MQ-9 Reaper at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, New York, June 29, 2023. The 491st ATKS is responsible for assisting the Air National Guard at Hancock in producing approximately 66 aircrew per year, ensuring combat-ready Airmen are capable of piloting MQ-9s. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini)

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491st Attack Squadron assists in MQ-9 training mission

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Blake Sumner, 174th Attack Wing MQ-9 Reaper sensor operator student, monitors the camera of an MQ-9 at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, New York, June 27, 2023. The 491st ATKS has been active at Hancock since 2018, and teaches and trains MQ-9 student pilots and sensor operators, both active duty and reserve, to efficiently operate an MQ-9 in mission environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini)

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491st Attack Squadron assists in MQ-9 training mission

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Loftus, 491st Attack Squadron student pilot, is seen monitoring and piloting an MQ-9 Reaper in a ground control station at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, New York, June 27, 2023. The 491st ATKS instructors train MQ-9 student pilots and sensor operators in real-world combat scenarios that will be present in operational environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini)

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491st Attack Squadron assists in MQ-9 training mission

Airmen From the 491st Attack Squadron and 174th Attack Wing conduct an MQ-9 Reaper training exercise at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, New York, June 27, 2023. The 491st ATKS instructors train MQ-9 student pilots and sensor operators in real-world combat scenarios that will be present in operational environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini)

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491st Attack Squadron assists in MQ-9 training mission

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Morgan Wilson, 174th Attack Wing crew chief, left, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mathew Main, 491st Attack Squadron crew chief, observe the data from an MQ-9 Reaper at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, New York, June 29, 2023. The 491st ATKS is composed of both active duty and Air National Guard personnel responsible for training student pilots and sensor operators how to operate an MQ-9 Reaper. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini)

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491st Attack Squadron assists in MQ-9 training mission

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Morgan Wilson, 174th Attack Wing crew chief, left, and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mathew Main, 491st Attack Squadron crew chief, conduct an inspection of an MQ-9 Reaper at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, New York, June 29, 2023. The 491st ATKS is composed of both active duty and Air National Guard personnel responsible for training student pilots and sensor operators how to operate an MQ-9 Reaper. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini)

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491st Attack Squadron assists in MQ-9 training mission

Airmen From the 491st Attack Squadron and 174th Attack Wing prepare to fuel an MQ-9 Reaper at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, New York, June 29, 2023.The 491st ATKS is composed of both active duty and Air National Guard personnel responsible for training student pilots and sensor operators how to operate an MQ-9 Reaper. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini)

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491st Attack Squadron assists in MQ-9 training mission

Published July 31, 2023
By Airman 1st Class Isaiah Pedrazzini
49th Wing Public Affairs

HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. -- Located over 2,000 miles away in the beautiful city of Syracuse, New York, lies Hancock Field National Guard Base, which is home to the 491st Attack Squadron.

The 491st ATKS is a detachment of the 49th Wing and is responsible for supporting the wing’s mission in training and developing MQ-9 Reaper pilots and sensor operators.

“As a geographically separated unit of the 49th Wing, the members of the 491st ATKS support the 49th Wing’s mission no differently than the Airmen stationed at Holloman,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Trent Leeper, 491st ATKS commander. “We work each day towards our common goal of building combat aircrew and leading and developing Airmen.”

Along with supporting Holloman’s mission, the 491st ATKS assists in providing training to student pilots belonging to the 174th Attack Wing, the primary wing operating out of Hancock.

“The 491st ATKS and the members of the 174th Attack Wing have an incredible working relationship,” said Leeper. “Our members have seamlessly integrated into the wing and together we support the MQ-9 formal training mission.”

The 491st ATKS produces approximately 67 aircrew annually, building combat aircrew as the rest of the 49th Wing proudly does in Holloman Air Force Base, NM.

“I am truly blessed to work alongside the men and women of the 491st ATKS, as these are some of the most innovative and passionate individuals I know,” said Leeper. “The squadron has made a lasting impact in its short time, and I know the Airmen that follow us will continue its legacy of excellence.”