JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C –
The Joint Base Charleston Small Unmanned Aircraft System program office recently hosted training for Airmen from the 21st Combat Air Base Squadron, integrating sUAS into the squadron’s existing capabilities.
The training consisted of searching for missing persons, navigation of an aircraft mishap and executing night operations using thermal vision.
The goal of this training was to integrate sUAS into a commander's toolbox, which could act as a force multiplier during operations.
“It gives a commander instant aerial eyes in the sky,” said Gary Lain, 628th Civil Engineer Squadron Skydio platform instructor. “Within less than a minute the system can be brought out, unpacked and put in the air. In more of a strategic sense, it gives engineers the capability to conduct damage assessment after storms and battle damage after enemy activity.”
The 21st CABS, nested under the 21st Air Task Force, executes sustainment and warfighting functions when they are tasked to deploy. After completion of the training, each Airman was certified as a sUAS operator.
“I have a new appreciation for how critical sUAS technology is for the future fight,” said Tech. Sgt. Hunter Pryor, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron and 21st CABS station chief. “Now our team has several members, all from different career backgrounds, that can employ it effectively, which gives us a lot more flexibility in a contested environment.”
The training is part of Joint Base Charleston’s efforts to mature its sUAS capabilities, and as the program continues to make strides, it will be able to train more servicemembers and develop innovative uses for small unmanned systems.
“We were able to put together a great team of contractors and subject matter experts in the sUAS field,” said Chase Barron 628th CES sUAS program manager. “This helped us develop a concept of development that was really bulletproof.”
Joint Base Charleston initiated its sUAS program 18 months ago with funding from Air Force Air Force Installation Management Command. The full operational capability of the sUAS program on Joint Base Charleston is projected for early- to- mid August of this year.