New career field pilots graduate

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Two members of Beale Air Force Base were recognized as the first RQ-4 Global Hawk pilots in the new 18X career field during a winging Jan. 13. They began training in October 2011 after a decision to establish undergraduate training for remotely piloted aircraft pilots across the service. The new career field is designated for RPA pilots coming from non-rated career fields as well as newly commissioned officers. The pilots will begin flying operational and humanitarian missions immediately in support of combatant commanders worldwide. (Source: AFNS, 01/19/12) Gulf Coast note: Global Hawks are built in part in Moss Point, Miss.; military aviators are trained in Northwest Florida; the Coast Guard trains unmanned systems pilots at the Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Ala.