LOC17:43
14:43 GMT
BAGHDAD, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- US military forces operating in Iraq have been
supplied with the reconnaissance Predator aircraft, according to a statement
by the American Army.
The 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing has received a new MQ-1 Predator unmanned
aerial aircraft and has immediately put it into action.
"As far as getting a new aircraft, its not very often in the Predator
community you are launching a brand-new plane thats never been flown
operationally before," said Lieutenant Colonel Debra Lee, 46th Expeditionary
Reconnaissance and Attack Squadron commander.
After arriving here disassembled and packed in a crate, the remotely
piloted plane used for reconnaissance and strike missions if needed was
reassembled within two days and up and flying its perfect first trip into
Iraqi skies.
The pilotless plane will help provide overwatch and security for U.S. and
Coalition forces and Iraqi troops alike. (end)
ah.rk
KUNA 201743 Feb 09NNNN