The 214th Attack Group employs the MQ-9 Reaper through remote split operations from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz and from Ft. Huachuca in Sierra Vista, Ariz. The unit also flies the RC-26 Condor aircraft from Tucson International Airport The unit flies daily combat missions, providing troops on the ground with around the clock intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and precision attack and local domestic Incident Assessment and Awareness flights over the United States in support of national and state objectives.
The unit’s launch and recovery facility out of Libby Army Airfield at Fort Huachuca operates the remotely piloted aircraft to train aircrew for mission currency and conduct takeoffs and landings, one of five such units in the United States. The unit is also prepared to support local agencies and fulfill state mission requirements.
History:
The 214th Reconnaissance Group began MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted aircraft operations under the Arizona National Guard on July 16, 2007 as a direct result of the Guard's expanding role in the Total Force initiative. On April 1, 2014 the unit was aligned under the Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Wing located at the Tucson International Airport and three years later the group was redesignated the 214th Attack Group. The name change brought with it a new air frame, the MQ-9 Reaper. In 2017, the RC-26 was re-aligned under the 214th Attack Group to consolidate efforts and take advantages of efficiency under both similar mission-tasked air frames. On April 1, 2023 the RC-26 was retired from the US Air Force.
Organization:
The 214th, also known as "The Black Sheep," is divided into two squadrons: the 214th Attack Squadron and the 214th Operational Support Squadron and one detachment including both operations and maintenance personnel. The unit employs both full- and part-time military personnel.
Overseas Contingency Operations:
The 214th has flown more than 5,000 sorties and provided more than 93,000 flying hours of combat mission support in of contingency operations in Southwest Asia. Providing overhead full-motion video to U.S. intelligence agencies and close air support to troops in contact.
Future:
The 214th will continue to support the war fighter on the ground flying overseas contingency operations from Davis-Monthan. The Fort Huachuca unit will continue to train launch and recovery operations as well as be ready to support local agencies in time of crisis.
Point of Contact:
162nd Wing Public Affairs
1650 E. Perimeter Way, Tucson, Ariz. 85706
DSN 844-6192 or (520) 295-6192