The US Eglin Air Force Base complex has been selected as a candidate for an Air Force Reserve Command MQ-1 Remote Split-Operations (RSO) squadron.

The Eglin base will accept a single MQ-1 RSO squadron consisting of 140 personnel and associated equipment.

Detailed on-the-ground evaluations of the candidate complex, covering a range of operational and facility issues, will be conducted.

The survey results will be presented to the USAF secretary and chief of staff, who will then select one location as a preferred alternative, which will be announced in summer 2011.

The MQ-1 RSO squadron’s primary mission is to support the MQ-1 Predator aircraft operations that conduct close air support, air interdiction, as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.