N.Y. Air National Guard opens new training center

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The Associated Press

An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flight line of Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 19, prior to maintenance that will keep it flying and training the next generation of Air Force pilots and sensor operators. The MQ-9 Reaper is a medium-to-high altitude, long endurance unmanned aircraft system. The MQ-9’s primary mission is as a persistent hunter-killer against emerging targets to achieve joint force commander objectives. The MQ-9’s alternate mission is to act as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset, employing sensors to provide real-time data to commanders and intelligence specialists at all levels.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Aaron Montoya/Released)Staff Sgt. Irma Hinton, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron F-22 Raptor weapons load-crew member, reviews a checklist ensuring each step is followed in the correct order during the second quarter load-crew competition at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., July 19. The F-22 load-crew competed against MQ-9 Reaper and German Air Force Tornado aircraft load-crews. For the competition, points are awarded during the weapons loading, tool kit inspection, and uniform inspection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kasey Close/Released)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The 108th Attack Squadron of the New York Air National Guard has opened a new $3.5 million facility at Hancock Field near Syracuse to train students to operate the MQ-9 Reaper weapon system.

The building was dedicated Sunday to Maj. Gen. Robert Knauff, who served as 174th Wing commander from 1996 to 2003 and as commander of the New York Air National Guard until his retirement in 2009. He died in a glider accident last year in Arizona.

Knauff is credited with developing the plan to transition the 174th Attack Wing from flying F-16 fighter jets to the remotely piloted MQ Reaper drone.

Sunday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by some of New York’s top military brass, including Maj. Gen. Patrick Murphy, adjutant general of New York, and Maj. Gen. Verle Johnston, commander of the New York Air National Guard.

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