Las Vegas City Council members learn ISR mission

by Airman 1st Class C.C.
432nd Wing, 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

2/11/2014 - LAS VEGAS  -- A group of more than 20 Las Vegas City Council members, including Mayor Pro Tem Stavros Anthony, received a firsthand look at the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance mission during a short visit Jan. 30.

During the tour, the officials viewed static displays of the MQ-1B Predator and MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft and learned about the abilities and functions of each aircraft. The council members also saw flight training simulators, which gave them a firsthand look at how RPAs carry out the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission to help protect forces on land and at sea.

Anthony said he and the other council members wanted to visit so they could learn about the base and interact with the men and women who perform maintenance, training and other duties vital to continuing the ISR mission.

"There are some outstanding military people doing outstanding things," said Anthony. "It's amazing how the RPAs are controlled by people [locally] and they're protecting soldiers all around the world."

Councilman Ricki Barlow said that it was impressive how much information the aircrafts provide and how the communication, ISR and other elements all come together to complete the mission.

In addition to educating local officials on the importance remotely piloted airpower, the visit was a great opportunity for city and base officials to explore ways to bolster the relationship between the base and the city of Las Vegas.

"The visit was a home run," said Chief Master Sgt. Butch Brien, 432nd Wing command chief. "It was a great opportunity for our Airmen to tell their story and showcase what they do best, 24/7, 365. I think it was a real eye opener for our guests and hopefully the visit drove home the importance of our mission here and the impact our Airmen who live in the local communities are making on a daily basis."