WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released the following statement congratulating Shaw Air Force Base for being selected as the possible preferred home for a new MQ-9 Reaper group.

Graham said the MQ-9 group will consist of roughly 430 personnel conducting duties related to the mission command of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft. The first airmen could begin arriving as early as the beginning of fiscal year 2018.

The next step in the process is a full environmental analysis followed by the arrival of personnel to conduct missions.

Graham said:

“This announcement is a positive step in the right direction when it comes to Shaw AFB receiving a new MQ-9 Reaper group. The men and women at Shaw have proven time and time again that they are ready and capable of answering the call to protect our nation. I will continue to work with the Air Force and the members of our congressional delegation as the selection process moves forward.”

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BACKGROUND: https://www.airforcetimes.com/articles/more-bases-named-to-host-f-35-k-46-and-mq-9-operations?utm_content=buffer9ffe9&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer