214th Reconnaissance Group
| 214th Reconnaissance Group | |
|---|---|
 214th Reconnaissance Squadron - General Atomics MQ-1B Predator 06-3168 |
|
| Active | 2007-Present |
| Country |  United States |
| Allegiance |  Arizona |
| Branch |  Air National Guard |
| Type | Group |
| Role | UAV Reconnaissance |
| Part of | Arizona Air National Guard |
| Garrison/HQ | Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tuscon, Arizona. |
| Insignia | |
| 214th Reconnaissance Group emblem |  |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Reconnaissance | MQ-1 Predator |
The 214th Reconnaissance Group (214 RG) is a unit of the Arizona Air National Guard 162d Fighter Wing, stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tuscon, Arizona. If activated to federal service, the Group is gained by the United States Air Force Air Combat Command.
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Overview [edit]
The 214th Reconnaissance Group flies the MQ-1B Predator over Afghanistan via satellite from ground control stations in Tucson. Arizona Air Guardsmen fly 24/7 operations saving American lives through the vital information they provide to troops on the ground. [1]
Operations [edit]
Currently, the unit flies over Afghanistan on a continual basis flying 20 hours per day, seven days per week. Predator operations provide troops on the ground with both daylight and infrared video of selected targets. In addition, the aircraft is equipped with two laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.[2]
Arizona Air National Guard Predator operations will first fill worldwide theater requirements, but will also likely evolve into providing direct defense for the homeland in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Northern Command.
A permanent facility at Davis-Monthan was completed 2009, and hangar facilities at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, in 2011. Crews from the 214th RG launch local sorties from the Southern Arizona Army air field.
Fraud scandal [edit]
A 2009 investigation found that two dozen group members had fraudulently collected $1.1 million in living expenses from the government over several years. In response, Colonel Gregg Davies was removed from command of the group on 23 November 2009 by Arizona Air National Guard commander Brigadier General Michael Colangelo. A state inspector general investigation later concluded that Davies' relief constituted "retaliation", but declined to reinstate him into the Guard.[3]
Specifics [edit]
- Lineage: Designated 214th Reconnaissance Group, and allotted to Arizona ANG, 2007
- Extended federal recognition and activated, 29 August 2007
- Assignment: 162d Fighter Wing, Tucson Air National Guard Base, Arizona
- Components: 214th Reconnaissance Squadron
- Station: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona
References [edit]
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Air Force Historical Research Agency.
- ^ http://www.214rg.ang.af.mil/main/welcome.asp
- ^ Arizona activates ANG Predator unit at D-M
- ^ Wagner, Dennis, Arizona Republic, "Scandals led to Arizona Air Guard firings", Military Times, 17 September 2012
External links [edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Arizona Air National Guard |
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