IRAQ. Balad. May 8, 2008.
Balad Airbase is located in Northern Iraq approximately 68 kilometers North of Baghdad. Balad Airbase is one of the largest Airbases in Iraq.
The Predator medium altitude endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system is a theater asset intended to provide a cued and non-cued reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting acquisition capability. The long dwell capability is intended to provide the theater commander with continuous imagery coverage of any area of interest. A capability is also being developed for the Predator to carry and fire the Hellfire laser-guided antitank missile, making it the first U.S. unmanned system to employ live weapons.
Erc. Jessi MORSE (left) and Capt. Jessi Grandy, both Predators's pilots.