Photo By Master Sgt. Jessica Wilson | U.S. Air Force Col. Jonathan Esparza, 188th Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Lt....... read more read more
Subscribe
EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. —Ten years ago, the 188th Wing began a new chapter in its history.
What began as a major transformation following the conversion of the wing’s A-10 Thunderbolt II mission has evolved into a nationally recognized remotely piloted aircraft enterprise, combining MQ-9 Reaper operations and intelligence mission to deliver combat capability around the world.
On Aug. 19, 2026, the 188th Wing celebrates the 10th anniversary of its remotely piloted aircraft mission at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, marking a decade of operational growth, combat experience and innovation.
The milestone represents more the wing's evolution from a traditional fighter mission into a multi-faceted organization capable of providing persistent intelligence and strike capabilities across the globe.
“Although the aircraft changed, the people who volunteered to cross-train into the MQ-9 mission expanded the ‘Flying Razorbacks’ reach across the globe on a year-round basis,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Munoz, 188th Operations Group commander. “From the height of the Global War on Terror to today's humanitarian and counter-terrorism operations, our Airmen have constantly adapted. They mastered evolving technologies and tactics, and continue to lay the groundwork for future growth across the entire Operations Group.”
From Warthogs to Reapers
The origins of the 188th Wing’s RPA mission can be traced to the wing’s transition away from the A-10 mission.
The first two A-10 Thunderbolt II’s “Warthogs” departed the 188th on September 10, 2013, beginning a significant transformation for the Fort Smith based Air National Guard unit. As the A-10 mission came to an end, the wing inactivated its 188th Maintenance Group onJune 7, 2014.
The transformation also brought new organizations and capabilities to Ebbing. The 188th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group was established along with the 153rd Intelligence Squadron, 288th Operations Support Squadron and 188th Intelligence Support Squadron.
The 123rd Intelligence Squadron relocated from Little Rock Air Force Base to Ebbing, further expanding the wing’s intelligence capabilities.
The 188th Operations Group underwent its own transformation.On June 7, 2014, the184th Fighter Squadron was re-designated as the 184th Attack Squadron, formally aligning the unit with its new remotely piloted aircraft mission. The organizational changes became official May 1, 2015, following completion of the organizational change request.
By fiscal year 2016, the 188th Wing was flying the MQ-9 Reaper. Since then, the mission has continued to expand in both capability and global impact.
A Decade of Operational Impact
Over the past decade, 188th Operations Group Airmen have accumulated more than 59,700 flight hoursand conducted more than 3,100 sortiesin support of operational requirements.
Those numbers represent thousands of hours of experience built through years of training, deployments and real-world operations. The mission's impact extends far beyond the skies above Arkansas.
In 2025 alone, the 188th Wing deployed 309 members to four Combatant Commands, supporting combat and humanitarian operations while aligning with the National Defense Strategy.
Over the past decade, the 188th Operations Group has supported more than 52 exercises and operations, demonstrating the unit’s ability to provide responsive, combat-ready RPA capabilities across a wide range of operational environments.
Recognized Among the Air Force's Best
The 188th's decade of RPA operations has produced numerous operational achievements, but one of the most significant came in 2025 when the 184th Attack Squadron was named the recipient of the 2024 General Atomics Remotely Piloted Aircraft Trophy.
The award recognizes the top RPA squadron across the U.S. Air Force's active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve components.
The 184th distinguished itself by executing 314 combat sorties and providing 5,972 hours of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of three operations.
The squadron also became the first unit tasked by the President of the United States to provide overwatch for humanitarian aid airdrops. The 184th Airmen also led the Air Force in MQ-9 non-traditional defensive counter-air and counter-small unmanned aerial system engagements.
The accomplishments demonstrated how far the mission had progressed from its early days of transition.
“I am immensely proud of the 184th Attack Squadron and the entire 188th Operations Group, whose combined experience, efforts, flexibility, and support earned the title of Best RPA Squadron in the Air Force,” said Munoz. “Winning the General Atomics Trophy validates what an Air National Guard unit can offer the Combat Air Forces. Whether we are providing humanitarian relief overwatch or leading the Air Force in counter-UAS engagements, our Guardsmen are delivering decisive combat power on a moment's notice while simultaneously preparing for the high-end, contested fights of tomorrow.”
The group’s success demonstrates the capability of Air National Guard Airmen to provide combat power on short notice while remaining prepared for the future fight.
“The MQ-9 mission transformed more than the aircraft we fly—it transformed the 188th Wing and expanded what our Airmen are capable of delivering to the nation,” said Col. Jonathan Esparza, 188th Wing commander. “For the past decade, our Airmen have proven that the Air National Guard can provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and decisive combat capability anywhere it is needed. As we enter our second decade of remotely piloted operations, we are building on that experience while integrating new technologies, advanced training and joint capabilities to ensure the 188th Wing remains ready to answer the nation’s call and prepared for whatever comes next.”
Built for the Future
The 188th's RPA mission has continued to evolve alongside the changing character of warfare.
What began as a transition from the A-10 mission has developed into an integrated enterprise combining remotely piloted aircraft operations, intelligence, weather, and mission support.
The past decade has also demonstrated the value of the Air National Guard's ability to provide experienced Airmen and combat-ready capabilities while maintaining a strong connection to the communities they serve.
As the 188th Wing enters its second decade of remotely piloted operations, the mission continues to adapt to an increasingly complex operational environment.
The next chapter will build on the foundation established by the Airmen who guided the wing through its transformation from Warthogs to Reapers, from a single fighter mission to a diverse organization capable of delivering intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and combat effects around the world.
Ten years after the first MQ-9 operations began, the 188th Wing's remotely piloted aircraft mission is no longer a new capability. It is a proven combat mission—and one positioned to continue evolving for the next generation of warfare.
“The MQ-9 was our Wing’s first step into the future of modern warfare. Now, by integrating our Reaper personnel with 5th-generation Foreign Military Sales (FMS) training and advanced Range operations, the 188th Operations Group isn't just preparing for the future fight—we are building the arena for it,” said Munoz. “We are creating a premier training environment that benefits not only our Arkansas joint military members, but the entire Total Force.”
-30-
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.19.2026 14:36 |
| Story ID: | 572761 |
| Location: | FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 188th Wing Marks a Decade of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operations, by MSgt Jessica Wilson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
