2023 Air Force MQ-9 REAPER First Takeoff

A U.S. Air Force MQ-9A Reaper, assigned to the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing, prepares for takeoff from Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 26, 2023. The remotely piloted aircraft was being used in Service Level Training Exercise (SLTE) 5-23, a Marine Corps exercise, and its participation is critical to increasing joint capabilities, proficiency and lethality. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Ariel O’Shea)