Mission Assurance and Insight for MQ-1 Predator Operations

In September, the Chapter welcomed a large turnout to hear Col. Bobbi Doorenbos, USAF, commander of the 214th Reconnaissance Group, for its first fall 2014 professional development luncheon. Col. Doorenbos shared how her Arizona Air National Guard unit executes a 24/7, Title 10 mission operating MQ-1 Predators overseas. Attendees learned the utility, capabilities and challenges of the aircraft, including persistent presence, the reliance on distributed and pre-positioned line of sight communications to operate and land, how sensor video is fused and distributed and how operators overcome the lack of sensory feedback flying via screens instead of in the aircraft. Col. Doorenbos gave specific thanks for communicators' critical mission assurance role for MQ-1 operations. At the luncheon, Regional Vice President Larry Bingaman also presented the chapter with its third consecutive Model Chapter of the Year Award and swore in the Board of Directors: Maj. Chad Richardson, USAF, president; Tom Flannery, executive vice president; Maj. Jason Carlson, USAF, vice president, membership; Capt. Stacie Voorhees, USAF, vice president, programs; Capt. Doug Oh, USAF, vice president, academic affairs; Master Sgt. Wendee Roberson, USAF, vice president, enlisted affairs; Tech. Sgt. Miguel Bonilla, USAF, treasurer; and Lt. Brooke Leigh, USAF, secretary. Unable to attend due to a deployment was Lt. Brandon Bendigo, USAF, vice president Young AFCEANs.

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