2nd Special Operations Named 2022 Squadron of the Year

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) jointly presented 2022’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Squadron of the Year Award to the United States Air Force’s 2nd Special Operations Squadron (SOS) at a ceremony held at the Air Force Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference on 11 September 2023. The award is presented annually to the squadron determined to have distinguished itself via employment of RPA in meritorious service.

2022’s award was presented by Lieutenant General Jim Slife, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations for the U.S. Air Force; GA-ASI President David R. Alexander; and Mitchell Institute Dean Lieutenant General (Retired) David A. Deptula.

Known informally as the Scorpions, the 2nd Special Operations Squadron is based at Hurlburt Field (HRT), Florida. Throughout 2022, the Scorpions flew over 16,000-hours in support of Operation Enduring Sentinel, Operation Octave Shield, and Operation Inherent Resolve. Additionally, the squadron contributed to the execution of satellite launch and recovery operations during Emerald Flag, and demonstrated Reaper Agile Combat Employment. The Scorpions accelerated realization of the Department of the Air Force’s future concepts of operation for unmanned systems in the 2020s and beyond.

Mr. Alexander stated: “I was thrilled to present the award to the Scorpions for their extraordinary use of MQ-9A Reapers in the defense of our country. They expanded their use of Reapers and demonstrated how capabilities like Automatic Takeoff and Landing could be effectively executed from home units within the U.S. to anywhere in the world using satellite beyond-line-of-sight connectivity.”

The 2nd SOS flew demonstrations both in Large Force Exercises, including the first instance in which an MQ-9A conducted Agile Combat Employment as part of Emerald Flag 2022. The squadron also pioneered the combat employment of subject procedures in two discrete classified areas of responsibility (AOR).

GA-ASI continues to broaden the boundaries of UAS technology, expanding its product lineup to include new variants featuring more comprehensive capabilities. The company’s contributions to the field of unmanned systems have significantly enhanced military operations and paved the way for developments in civilian and commercial UAS applications. Incorporated in 1992, GA-ASI is an affiliate of General Atomics, an American energy and defense concern specializing in the research, development, and fielding of technologies germane to nuclear fission and nuclear fusion energy, and a producer of airborne sensors, meta-material antennas, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies.

FMI: www.ga-asi.com