An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flight line at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 3, 2014.The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-mission, medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft that is employed primarily as an intelligence-collection asset and secondarily against dynamic execution targets. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Staff Sgt. John Bainter)

Commentaries

  • Memorial Day message from the commander

    Citizen Air CommandosMemorial Day allows us to pause from our operational world to remember the men and women who have given their lives in the defense of the freedoms we enjoy today.American flags are proudly displayed in town squares, on military installations, private homes, and government

  • Commander issues message on anniversary of 9/11

    Today marks the 21st anniversary of the attacks on our homeland that claimed nearly 3,000 lives at the World Trade Center, Shanksville, Pa., and the Pentagon. In the space of less than 90 minutes, our entire view of the world changed. What followed was more than two decades of combat, often times

  • Commander issues Labor Day message

    Citizen Air Commandos,Today we pause in recognition of Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of each September in honor of those who comprise the Nation's workforce.Labor Day has become a national tribute to workers everywhere including those on military installations and serving at locations

  • Commander issues Independence Day message

    Citizen Air Commandos,Today, communities across the country will celebrate the victory earned 246 years ago marking the birth of American Independence from British rule. Our Nation's early patriots deserve our enduring gratitude for the courage and valor they demonstrated on behalf of their fellow

  • Memorial Day message from the commander

    Citizen Air Commandos,As our nation pauses for Memorial Day, we are reminded once again that freedom is not free. It has come at great cost, paid for with the lives of our sons and daughters, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers and friends.Every American owes a tremendous debt to the courageous

  • Commander extends Thanksgiving Day message

    Citizen Air Commandos, As we enter the holidays, I’d like to once again commend you for what you do every day to defend America and protect our way of life. You have defended her interests during a period of unprecedented challenges facing our Nation. I hope you know how much I appreciate your

  • Commander issues Veterans Day message

    Citizen Air Commandos,Since 1776, Americans from every generation have had the honor and privilege to serve our nation. Each of you are part of the legacy of veterans who have answered this sacred calling to support and defend our nation’s Constitution often at a very high cost.As we approach

  • Wing pauses, remembers 9-11 attacks 20 years later

    Today marks the 20th Anniversary since that calm September morning in 2001 when our country, our people and our way of life came under attack.As we look back on those darkest of days, we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives that were taken far too soon. We look past the smoke, the flames and the

  • Commander issues Labor Day message

    Citizen Air CommandosToday we observe Labor Day, a time in which we honor the important role of our Nation’s workforce in preserving freedom and our way of life. It is a time for us to enjoy the fruits of our labor with friends and family. Many of us will celebrate by spending a day at the beach or

  • Commander issues Independence Day message

    Citizen Air Commandos & Families,On this, America’s 245th birthday, I am reminded how blessed we are by the foresight of our Nation’s founders who immortalized their vision of a free nation by signing the Declaration of Independence.Their belief that all Americans have a right to life, liberty and