Fire Scout returns from deployment

MAYPORT, Fla. - The Fire Scout unmanned helicopter returned from its first operational deployment today. The UAV was embarked aboard USS McInerney during its recent six-month deployment to the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility. Fire Scout can reach speeds of up to 85 knots, altitudes of 20,000 feet and fly for more than six hours on one tank of fuel. Fire Scout was kept up and running by Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42 Det. 7, who served as McInerney's air support. According to Lt. Tobias Walters of HSL-42 Det. 7, Fire Scout did well during its first deployment. He called it a technology that will integrate well with today's Navy. Among other things, the Fire Scout was used in drug bust. (Source: NNS, 04/15/10) Gulf Coast note: Fire Scouts are built in part in Moss Point, Miss.