For the eighth year in a row, the 432nd Maintenance Group at Creech AFB, Nev., has exceeded Air Combat Command’s standard for keeping remotely piloted aircraft mission-capable, according to its parent unit, the 432nd Wing. This record of achievement has made the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper “some of the most reliable aircraft platforms in the Air Force today,” states the wing’s June 2 release. While ACC’s standard MC rate for RPAs is 86 percent, the MQ-1 achieved a 95.4 percent MC rate and the MQ-9 held a 90.4 percent MC rate in the period from April 2013 to April 2014, states the release. “This high [mission-capable] rate is impressive because of the amount of hours these guys fly,” said a chief master sergeant with the 432nd MXG. “Crews burn up the hours on these planes and we’re still incredibly successful in terms of maintenance,” he said. The maintenance group comprises a mix of more than 400 airmen from across the Total Force and some contractors.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III outlined Dec. 4 the vital importance of U.S. defense investment keeping pace with that of China before issuing a statement warning that such competition would suffer “irreparable” damage if Congress opts for a yearlong continuing resolution, a real possibility being discussed by lawmakers after…