Free Republic

Military drones used to track terrorists or insurgents in Afghanistan have also been flying across the U.S. homeland. Newly released documents show U.S. drone flights by the Air Force, Marine Corps and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for the first time. The Air Force has tested drones in U.S. skies ranging from hand-launched Ravens to the larger Reaper drones responsible for targeting and killing people overseas — all recorded through the Federal Aviation Administration licenses required to fly in national airspace. That information became public through a Freedom of Information Act request from the nonprofit digital rights organization Electronic...

Traffic keeps back from an amphibious assault vehicle from “Team Gator,” D Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5. Team Gator patrols the highways to keep them clear of improvised explosive devices and insurgent attackers. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva ‘Gators’ Prowl Highways Surrounding Fallujah Team Gator is tasked with keeping the main routes in the area open for Coalition and civilian traffic. By U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq, Aug. 28, 2006 -- Forget murky swamps or backyard swimming pools. Regimental Combat Team 5 (RCT-5) has “Gators” stalking...

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Feb. 2, 2006) -- A new vehicle is revving up to defend America’s troops against the threat of improvised explosive devices in Iraq. The Cougar and Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicle (JERRV) are new tools at Marines’ disposal to combat transportation threats. The vehicles feature a South African-inspired V-shaped hull, which is designed to distribute the impact of an IED or mine blast outward away from the crew compartment. The hull has already proven its worth in combat mission in Iraq. The RG-31, a similar but smaller vehicle than the Cougar, recently took...

AL ASAD, Iraq (Jan. 25, 2006) -- The Banshees of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1 are preparing to return home after six months of duty in support of Operation Iraq Freedom at Al Asad, Iraq. The EA-6B Prowler squadron based at Marine Corp Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., recently completed its mission of electronic warfare in support of II Marine Expeditionary Force and was relieved by VMAQ-2. The Banshees logged more than 800 flight missions, or sorties, which added up to more than 3,000 flight hours. "This was a very successful deployment for us," said Maj. John D. Thurman,...