Aug. 7, 2026 Humans of Holloman: Experienced MQ-9 maintainer Staff Sgt. Lawson Oakes helps the next generation Spending seven years at a single military installation for most service members is rare. In the case of U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lawson Oakes, 29th Aircraft Maintenance Unit dedicated crew chief, his first seven have been almost entirely at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, developing him into a
June 13, 2025 49th OG holds ribbon cutting ceremony for new building 49th Wing leadership cut the ribbon for the 49th Operation Group’s new facility at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, May 30, 2025. The new facility serves as a centralized location for MQ-9 pilot and sensor operator training and operations, coinciding with the relocation of ground control
Sept. 5, 2024 Eyes open toward the sky and heart open on the ground With years of experience working on the flightline, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Williamson works to keep aircraft high in the sky and uplift personnel spirits even higher.As a flightline expeditor for the 491st Attack Squadron at Hancock Field, Williamson uses his 16 years of Air Force
Aug. 16, 2024 491st ATKS maintains MQ-9 Reaper aircrew, maintainers Situated at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, New York, the 491st ATKS is composed of over 70 active duty MQ-9 sensor operators, pilots and maintainers.
July 11, 2024 49th AMXS Airman named Air Force crew chief of the year This year, the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s own U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Shaun Shaffer earned the prestigious Crew Chief of the Year award for his outstanding dedication to his craft and ability to keep Holloman’s MQ-9 Reaper fleet in the air.
June 14, 2024 AMXS Airmen maintain Holloman’s MQ-9 Reapers Airmen from the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform maintenance on an MQ-9 Reaper at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 11, 2024. The 49th AMXS is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all MQ-9 Reapers on Holloman AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)
May 9, 2024 29th & 89th ATKS collaborate for MQ-9 showcase An MQ-9 Reaper from Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico flew to Ellsworth Air Force Base, allowing the surrounding communities to see the aircraft during an open house event, May 1, 2024.The 89th Attack Squadron, a tenant unit at Ellsworth, coordinated with Holloman to fly the MQ-9 across state
Aug. 9, 2022 Mission complete: AF MQ-9s close out successful RIMPAC exercise After weeks of non-stop training scenarios on land, at sea and in the air, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 concluded Aug. 4.Among the 25,000 service members participating in the exercise was a small MQ-9 detachment comprised of active-duty, air national guard and reserve Airmen from Reaper