The 214th Attack Group flies the MQ-1B Predator over Afghanistan via satellite from ground control stations in Tucson. Arizona Air Guardsmen fly 24/7 operations saving American lives through the vital information they provide to troops on the ground.[4]
Operations
Currently[when?], the unit flies over Afghanistan on a continual basis flying 20 hours per day, seven days per week.[citation needed]
Predator operations provided U.S. troops on the ground with both daylight and infrared video of selected targets. In addition, the aircraft could carry two laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfireair to surface missiles.[5]
Arizona Air National Guard Predator operations will first fill worldwide theater requirements, but will also likely evolve into providing direct defense for the homeland in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Northern Command.
A permanent facility located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base was completed in 2009.
Fraud scandal
A 2009 investigation found that some members of the 214 RG may have fraudulently collected reimbursement for living expenses from the government over several years. In response, Colonel Gregg Davies was removed from command of the 214 RG on 23 November 2009 by Arizona Air National Guard commander, Brigadier General Michael Colangelo. A state inspector general investigation later concluded that Davies' relief constituted "retaliation," but declined to reinstate him into the Air National Guard. Brigadier General Michael Colangelo was subsequently relieved from his post in command of the Arizona ANG.[6]
In late 2013, following his retirement from the Air Force and Air National Guard, Colonel Davies was indicted by the Arizona Attorney General, Tom Horne on fraud charges. Also indicted were seven other officers and thirteen enlisted airmen from the 12 RG. The indictment contends that all named defendants falsified their home addresses so they could collect temporary duty allowances (per diem, etc.) while performing Federalized service at their home station.[7] The charges were subsequently dropped in 2014. Some cases were dropped via prosecution diversion agreements, some were dropped with prejudice and in at least one case the prosecution and Pima county judge ruled that an accused officer was wrongfully indicted.[8]
Specifics
Lineage: Designated 214th Reconnaissance Group, and allotted to Arizona ANG, 2007
Extended federal recognition and activated, 29 August 2007
