Colorado National Guard opens drone base at Buckley

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The Associated Press

An RQ-7 Shadow 200 is launched on its initial flight at Volk Field Wednesday (Aug. 11). Members of Company B, Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 32nd Brigade, conducted the flight to test frequency compatability between the Army National Guard unit and the Air National Guard control tower. An $8 million training and storage facility for Company B is planned at Volk Field, with construction estimated to conclude in December 2012. Wisconsin National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson

AURORA, Colo. — The Colorado Army National Guard is opening a new facility at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora to train for drone combat.

The new facility dedicated on Sunday is a maintenance and training facility for the RQ-7 Shadow. Shadows are taken to Fort Carson and flown only in restricted air space. The drones are not equipped to carry bombs or rockets.

Army National Guard 1st Lt. Skye Robinson said the new facility cost $4 million and includes mission planning areas, classrooms, drone simulators and maintenance bays.

Army Capt. Myra Ramirez said the new facility will allow drone operators to train closely with troops before they are sent into battle, providing surveillance and intelligence on enemy targets.

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