432d Operations Group
Encyclopedia
The 432d Operations Group is the flying component of the United States Air Force
432d Wing
, stationed at Creech Air Force Base
, Nevada
.
The Group is also responsible for all air traffic control, airfield management, and weather services for RPA operations at Creech AFB, NV
Activated in 1991 as the 432d Operations Group when its parent 432d Fighter Wing converted to the Objective Wing organization. Controlled two squadrons of F-16 Falcon tactical fighters at Misawa AB, Japan
, 1991-1994. Unit inactivated along with parent organization when 35th Fighter Wing
was assigned to Misawa and 432d Wing and component organizations were redesignated.
The unit was again reactivated in 2007 when its parent 432d Wing
stood up at Creech AFB, Nevada
. The unit has control over several squadrons which operate unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. As the 432d Air Expeditionary Group, the unit consists of combat-ready Airmen who fly the MQ-1B Predator and MQ-9 Reaper aircraft to support United States and Coalition warfighters. The 19th Attack Squadron and 30th Reconnaissance Squadron are stated at Tonopah Test Range Airport
, Nevada
and operate the USAF's RQ-170 Sentinels.
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
432d Wing
432d Wing
The 432d Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to Air Combat Command, stationed at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. The group operates unmanned reconnaissance aircraft which provide real-time reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision attack against fixed and time-critical targets...
, stationed at Creech Air Force Base
Creech Air Force Base
Creech Air Force Base , formerly known as Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Field, is a United States Air Force base located one mile north of the central business district of Indian Springs, in Clark County, Nevada, United States. It is about northwest of Las Vegas and northwest of Nellis Air...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
.
Overview
The 432d Operations Group/Expeditionary Operations Group employs Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in 24/7/365 Combat Air Patrols in support of combatant commander needs, and deploys combat support forces worldwide. This includes combat command and control, tactics development, intelligence support, weather support, and standardization and evaluation oversight for United States Air Force Air Combat Command, United States Air Forces Central Command, Air Force Material Command, Air National Guard, Royal Air Force, and Air Reserve Command RPA units.The Group is also responsible for all air traffic control, airfield management, and weather services for RPA operations at Creech AFB, NV
Units
- 11th Reconnaissance Squadron11th Reconnaissance SquadronThe US Air Force 11th Reconnaissance Squadron flies MQ-1 Predator UAV's and is currently stationed at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada. The 11th oversees the training of pilots and sensor operators assigned to the MQ-1....
(11 RS)
- The 11 RS It is the United States Air Force's first and premiere MQ-1B Predator formal training unit that conducts 5 basic and advanced training courses: Initial Qualification (IQT), Instructor Upgrade Training (IUT), Foreign Officer Course (FOC), Senior Officer Course (SOC), and Launch & Recovery Course (LR)
- 15th Reconnaissance Squadron15th Reconnaissance Squadron15th Reconnaissance Squadron flies MQ-1 Predator UAV's and is currently stationed at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada. The 15th Reconnaissance Squadron is one of the first armed Remotely Piloted Aircraft squadrons. The squadron provides combatant commanders with persistent ISR,...
(15 RS)
- 15th Reconnaissance Squadron
- The 15 RS is one of the first armed Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) squadrons. The squadron provides combatant commanders with persistent ISR, full-motion video, and precision weapons employment. Global operations architecture supports continuous MQ-1B Predator employment providing real-time actionable intelligence, strike, interdiction, close air support, and special missions to deployed war fighters.
- 17th Reconnaissance Squadron17th Reconnaissance SquadronThe 17th Reconnaissance Squadron is a squadron of the United States Air Force. It is assigned to the 57th Operations Group, and stationed at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada.-Overview:...
(17 RS)
- 17th Reconnaissance Squadron
- The 17 RS is the U.S. Air Force's only dual aircraft, combat coded squadron. A highly-disciplined multifunctional team, the squadron develops and utilizes new Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems tactics, techniques and procedures while operating the MQ-1B Predator and MQ-9 Reaper. The 17th RS organizes, trains and equips forces to provide special capabilities and tactics to combatant commanders and warfighters for worldwide operations requiring remotely piloted aircraft.
- 18th Reconnaissance Squadron18th Reconnaissance SquadronThe 18th Reconnaissance Squadron is a squadron of the United States Air Force. It is assigned to the 432d Operations Group, and stationed at Creech Air Force Base Nevada.-Mission:...
(18 RS)
- 18th Reconnaissance Squadron
- The 18 RS provides combatant commanders with persistent ISR, full-motion video, and precision weapons employment. Global operations architecture supports continuous MQ-1B Predator employment providing real-time actionable intelligence, strike, interdiction, close air support, and special missions to deployed war fighters.
- 20th Reconnaissance Squadron20th Reconnaissance SquadronThe 20th Reconnaissance Squadron is a United States Air Force unit, based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. It currently flies the MQ-1 Predator. It is part of the 432d Wing and the 432d Operations Group..-References:...
(20 RS) - 42d Attack Squadron42d Attack SquadronThe 42d Attack Squadron of the United States Air Force flies MQ-9 Reaper UAVs and is currently based out of Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada. The 42d will oversee the training and combat deployment of aerial vehicle and sensor operators assigned to the new MQ-9 Reaper...
(42 AS)
- 20th Reconnaissance Squadron
- The 42 AS was the USAF's first MQ-9 Reaper RPA attack squadron. Operates medium altitude MQ-9 multi-sensor platform to locate, identify, and destroy enemy positions. The squadron provides combatant commanders with deployable precision engagement capabilities for time critical targets, air interdiction, close air support, strike coordination, and reconnaissance. The 42d ATKS also distributes real-time imagery and combat assessment to theater and national-level leadership.
- 30th Reconnaissance Squadron30th Reconnaissance SquadronThe 30th Reconnaissance Squadron is reconnaissance test squadron assigned to the 432d Air Expeditionary Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada...
(30 RS), stationed at Tonopah Test Range AirportTonopah Test Range AirportTonopah Test Range Airport , also Senior Trend project site PS-66, is located near the center of the Tonopah Test Range, southeast of Tonopah, Nevada and northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a major airfield with a runway, instrument approach facilities, and nighttime illumination...
.
- 30th Reconnaissance Squadron
- The 30 RS operates the USAF's RQ-170 Sentinels.
- 19th Attack Squadron (19 AS), stationed at Tonopah Test Range AirportTonopah Test Range AirportTonopah Test Range Airport , also Senior Trend project site PS-66, is located near the center of the Tonopah Test Range, southeast of Tonopah, Nevada and northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a major airfield with a runway, instrument approach facilities, and nighttime illumination...
- 432d Operations Support Squadron
- 19th Attack Squadron (19 AS), stationed at Tonopah Test Range Airport
History
- For additional history and lineage, see 432d Wing432d WingThe 432d Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to Air Combat Command, stationed at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. The group operates unmanned reconnaissance aircraft which provide real-time reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision attack against fixed and time-critical targets...
Activated in 1991 as the 432d Operations Group when its parent 432d Fighter Wing converted to the Objective Wing organization. Controlled two squadrons of F-16 Falcon tactical fighters at Misawa AB, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, 1991-1994. Unit inactivated along with parent organization when 35th Fighter Wing
35th Fighter Wing
The 35th Fighter Wing is an air combat unit of the United States Air Force and the host unit at Misawa Air Base, Japan. The 35 FW is part of Pacific Air Forces Fifth Air Force.-Mission:...
was assigned to Misawa and 432d Wing and component organizations were redesignated.
The unit was again reactivated in 2007 when its parent 432d Wing
432d Wing
The 432d Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to Air Combat Command, stationed at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. The group operates unmanned reconnaissance aircraft which provide real-time reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision attack against fixed and time-critical targets...
stood up at Creech AFB, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
. The unit has control over several squadrons which operate unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. As the 432d Air Expeditionary Group, the unit consists of combat-ready Airmen who fly the MQ-1B Predator and MQ-9 Reaper aircraft to support United States and Coalition warfighters. The 19th Attack Squadron and 30th Reconnaissance Squadron are stated at Tonopah Test Range Airport
Tonopah Test Range Airport
Tonopah Test Range Airport , also Senior Trend project site PS-66, is located near the center of the Tonopah Test Range, southeast of Tonopah, Nevada and northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a major airfield with a runway, instrument approach facilities, and nighttime illumination...
, Nevada
Nevada
Nevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
and operate the USAF's RQ-170 Sentinels.
Lineage
- Established as 432d Operations Group and activated on 31 May 1991
- Inactivated on 1 Oct 1994.
- Reactivated on 1 May 2007
- Designated as 432d Air Expeditionary Operations Group and placed in provisional status when components are deployed into combat areas by Air Combat Command.
Assignments
- 432d Fighter Wing, 31 May 1991-1 Oct 1994
- 432d Wing432d WingThe 432d Wing is a United States Air Force unit assigned to Air Combat Command, stationed at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. The group operates unmanned reconnaissance aircraft which provide real-time reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision attack against fixed and time-critical targets...
, 1 May 2007
- Air Combat CommandAir Combat CommandAir Combat Command is a major command of the United States Air Force. ACC is one of ten major commands , reporting to Headquarters, United States Air Force ....
when components are deployed into combat areas.
Components
- 13th Fighter Squadron13th Fighter SquadronThe 13th Fighter Squadron is part of the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base, Japan.-History:The 13th flew antisubmarine patrols in the Gulf of Mexico from, June–August 1942 and served as an operational and replacement training unit from, April 1942–October 1943...
, 31 May 1991-1 Oct 1994 - 14th Fighter Squadron14th Fighter SquadronThe 14th Fighter Squadron is part of the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base, Japan. It operates the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducting air superiority missions.-History:...
, 31 May 1991-1 Oct 1994
- 11th Reconnaissance Squadron11th Reconnaissance SquadronThe US Air Force 11th Reconnaissance Squadron flies MQ-1 Predator UAV's and is currently stationed at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada. The 11th oversees the training of pilots and sensor operators assigned to the MQ-1....
, 1 May 2007-Present - 15th Reconnaissance Squadron15th Reconnaissance Squadron15th Reconnaissance Squadron flies MQ-1 Predator UAV's and is currently stationed at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada. The 15th Reconnaissance Squadron is one of the first armed Remotely Piloted Aircraft squadrons. The squadron provides combatant commanders with persistent ISR,...
, 1 May 2007-Present - 19th Attack Squadron, 1 May 2007-Present
- 17th Reconnaissance Squadron17th Reconnaissance SquadronThe 17th Reconnaissance Squadron is a squadron of the United States Air Force. It is assigned to the 57th Operations Group, and stationed at Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada.-Overview:...
, 1 May 2007-Present - 20th Reconnaissance Squadron20th Reconnaissance SquadronThe 20th Reconnaissance Squadron is a United States Air Force unit, based at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. It currently flies the MQ-1 Predator. It is part of the 432d Wing and the 432d Operations Group..-References:...
, 2011-Present - 30th Reconnaissance Squadron30th Reconnaissance SquadronThe 30th Reconnaissance Squadron is reconnaissance test squadron assigned to the 432d Air Expeditionary Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada...
, 1 May 2007-Present - 42d Attack Squadron42d Attack SquadronThe 42d Attack Squadron of the United States Air Force flies MQ-9 Reaper UAVs and is currently based out of Creech Air Force Base in Indian Springs, Nevada. The 42d will oversee the training and combat deployment of aerial vehicle and sensor operators assigned to the new MQ-9 Reaper...
, 1 May 2007-Present - 62d Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron
Stations
- Misawa AB, JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, 31 May 1991-1 Oct 1994 - Creech AFB, NevadaNevadaNevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
, 1 May 2007-Present
- 19th AS and 30th RS operate from Tonopah Test Range AirportTonopah Test Range AirportTonopah Test Range Airport , also Senior Trend project site PS-66, is located near the center of the Tonopah Test Range, southeast of Tonopah, Nevada and northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a major airfield with a runway, instrument approach facilities, and nighttime illumination...
, NevadaNevadaNevada is a state in the western, mountain west, and southwestern regions of the United States. With an area of and a population of about 2.7 million, it is the 7th-largest and 35th-most populous state. Over two-thirds of Nevada's people live in the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which contains its...
, 1 May 2007-Present
Aircraft
- F-16 Falcon, 1991-1994
- RQ-1 PredatorRQ-1 PredatorThe General Atomics MQ-1 Predator is an unmanned aerial vehicle used primarily by the United States Air Force and Central Intelligence Agency...
, 2007-Present - MQ-9 ReaperMQ-9 ReaperThe General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper is an unmanned aerial vehicle , capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight operations, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for use by the United States Air Force, the United States Navy, the CIA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Royal...
, 2007-Present - RQ-170 Sentinel, 2007-Present