ND North News

With the increasing importance of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operations in North Dakota, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and Jacky Rosen have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at recognizing the contributions of RPA crews in combat operations. The Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Crews Act seeks to establish a status identifier for these crews.

The 119th Air Wing "Happy Hooligans" in Fargo and the 319th Reconnaissance Wing in Grand Forks are key players in operating MQ-9 Reapers and RQ-4 Global Hawks, respectively. Despite their critical roles, RPA crews lack formal recognition in their records, which can hinder access to mental health services upon transitioning out of military service.

Senator Cramer emphasized the importance of airborne ISR platforms for national security objectives, highlighting the integral role played by RPA crews like those from Fargo's Happy Hooligans and Grand Forks' airmen. The proposed legislation aims to provide these crew members with deserved recognition and resources.

Senator Rosen echoed these sentiments, pointing out that RPA crews at places like Creech Air Force Base in Nevada also perform crucial combat operations without appropriate status identifiers. This bill intends to rectify that by improving recognition and ensuring proper care for these servicemembers once they transition.