About this Unit
The 432nd Wing, originally activated as the 432nd Observation Group in 1943, has a distinguished history within the United States Air Force. Over the decades, it has undergone several redesignations and mission changes, including service in Vietnam as a tactical reconnaissance and fighter wing. In 2007, the unit was reactivated at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, as the 432nd Wing, becoming the first U.S. Air Force unit dedicated solely to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations. Today, the 432nd Wing operates MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-170 Sentinel drones, providing intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike capabilities in support of U.S. and allied operations worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 432nd Wing traces its heritage back to 1943 as the 432nd Observation Group, where it provided aerial reconnaissance for the U.S. Army during World War II.
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Vietnam War Service: Reactivated in 1966 as the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, it played a crucial role in the Vietnam War, flying RF-4C Phantom II aircraft for intelligence and surveillance missions.
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Pioneers of UAV Operations: The 432nd Wing became one of the first U.S. Air Force units to operate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), marking a new era in aerial warfare.
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Home of the MQ-1 Predator: The wing was the first to fly the MQ-1 Predator, a remotely piloted aircraft that revolutionized intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as precision strike capabilities.
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Creech Air Force Base: The 432nd Wing is based at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, a hub for remotely piloted aircraft operations and training.
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Global Operations: The wing’s remotely piloted aircraft have supported operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and many other locations, providing vital ISR and strike capabilities to U.S. and coalition forces.
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MQ-9 Reaper Integration: The 432nd Wing was at the forefront of integrating the MQ-9 Reaper, an advanced UAV capable of both ISR and precision strike missions.
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24/7 Combat Missions: Operators routinely conduct continuous, around-the-clock missions, often piloting aircraft over conflict zones from thousands of miles away.
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Expanding Roles: The wing’s mission now includes conducting combat search and rescue, close air support, and even humanitarian assistance, in addition to traditional reconnaissance.
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Symbolic Emblem: The wing’s emblem features a black panther, symbolizing stealth, strength, and readiness—qualities essential to its reconnaissance and combat roles.
