Silent eye in the sky: Predators keep constant vigil Published March 6, 2007 By Senior Airman Candace Romano 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFNEWS) -- Anyone outside the Balad Air Base perimeter thinking of causing harm to those working and living here better think again. They're being watched from above by a Predator -- one with keen eyesight. As the MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle flies virtually undetected in the lower atmosphere. It keeps a silent vigilance, with its state-of-the-art reconnaissance cameras scanning the terrain for any suspicious activities around Balad Air Base. An essential part of the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron's mission, are the members operating and supporting the Predator. They protect the lives of Balad personnel by providing base defense through armed, airborne reconnaissance. "We're doing as much as we can in devoting our resources toward base defense, searching for IEDs [improvised explosive devices] and watching for suspicious activities," said Capt. Matt Wieder the 46th ERS director of operations and Predator pilot. "Our strength lies in the fact we're virtually undetected, can provide real-time video, and have the ability to strike if needed. What the insurgents don't know is we're watching things as they happen," he said. In the event of mortar attacks, the Predator can locate the origin and pass on intelligence to ground forces that can then apprehend suspects. In the past three months, approximately 25 insurgents were apprehended through Predator base defense missions, said Maj. Craig Babbitt the 46th ERS commander. Thanks to its 'round-the-clock eye-in-the-sky and immediate-strike capabilities, IED locations can be detected and passed on to convoys, and direct threats to the base can be neutralized. "The Predator provides base defense by countering rocket and mortar attacks and providing protection from IEDs," said Airman 1st Class Lucas Froschheiser a 46th ERS Predator sensor operator. "The Predator is saving lives and keeping people inside the wire safe, even if they don't hear or see it in the sky." While the engine can be described as resembling the sound of a small Cessna aircraft on takeoff, the UAV is nearly inaudible from the ground when flying at normal altitudes. The highly developed Multi-spectral Targeting System sensor aboard the aircraft provides a live video feed, which the pilot and sensor operator on the ground are able to watch for suspicious activities. The UAV's optical resolution capability allows it to detect and track suspicious activities and movement from as high as 25,000 feet, Airman Froschheiser said. The Predator also carries AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, which are guided to the target by the sensor operator. Predator video feed is monitored in real time, around the clock, by Airmen and Soldiers responsible for the defense of Balad and Logistical Support Area Anaconda. The joint effort employs a variety of sensors and tactical surveillance to monitor the installation's perimeter and surrounding areas. "We report any suspicious activities to the Predator," said Capt. Steve Lovett of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. "In minutes, we can be on top of the activity, confirming it through our cameras and the Predator feed." Quick reaction times and joint operations benefit both services, working together for base defense, and avoiding putting security forces personnel in harm's way. "The technology and resources the Air Force and Army employ save lives every day, whether they are coalition or Iraqi forces," Captain Lovett said. "It's a combined, seamless effort with Airmen and Soldiers working together, all on the same page, incorporating information from the Predator." With all the manpower, aircraft and equipment working around the clock to ensure the safety of the base and protect its resources, Balad personnel can sleep a little easier knowing every second of the day, someone is watching out for threats or suspicious activities. "We stay on our toes, always adapting and challenging ourselves," Airman Froschheiser said. "We never allow ourselves to become complacent in base defense." Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) Click here to view the comments/letters page