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New Mission for Moody Air Force Base May Bring Jobs to Valdosta

Moody Air Force Base
Posted at 6:04 PM, Sep 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-08 18:04:00-04

VALDOSTA, GA (WTXL) - Moody Air Force Base is one of five bases remaining in the running that may receive a new mission that would bring 434 new jobs to Valdosta. 

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson said that out of a pool of 19 bases from across the country, the U.S. Air Force is considering the Moody Air Force Base as a potential new location to bring its mission control and launch and recovery units in support of the new MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft Wing.

“The capabilities of the Air Force’s new unmanned aircraft to identify and eliminate enemy targets as well as collect intelligence is a huge asset in our fight against global terror, and the control, launch and recovery mission elements are critical to its success, said Isakson. "Moody is well positioned to accept this new mission, and our Valdosta community stands ready to welcome with open arms the military personnel and their families who would come with it."

The MQ-9 Reaper is an unmanned armed aircraft, or drone, designed to operate at medium altitudes, often for extended periods of time. Its primary mission is to eliminate targets and it can also be used to collect intelligence. 

The Air Force will continue to evaluate the remaining five bases, reducing it down to two final locations early next year. Final decisions are expected in summer 2017 and the winter of 2018.