FORT IRWIN, Calif.-- A noncommissioned officer from 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery (Red Dragons) was recently recognized by the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin, Calif.
Sgt. Richard Eastburn was commended for his role in small unmanned aerial vehicle (SUAV) operations during the unit's training with 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, known as the "Dagger Brigade."
Eastburn was awarded a certificate of excellence by Col. Jeffrey Broadwater, NTC Operations Group commander, for achieving the most flight hours with the RQ-11 Raven during Decisive Action Rotation 15-06. As the senior Raven operator for B Battery, Eastburn flew more hours than any SUAV operator in the brigade and participating Air Force units.
He clocked 25 hours of flight time during the force-on-force exercise and completed nine flights in a single day. In addition to his outstanding efforts, Eastburn served as the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) operator in the battery operations center. As a testament to his ability to multitask, he supervised the fire direction center in processing fire missions, delivering rocket and missile fires in support of Dagger Brigade's mission as part of the constructive 52nd Infantry Division of the NTC.
"I honestly wasn't expecting to receive any award. All the Raven operators worked extremely hard and I'm proud of their achievements. At one point, we managed to complete landing, maintenance and preflight checks within 15 minutes before sending the drone back into the air," said Eastburn. "We were extremely lucky to be in one the few locations stateside where units can conduct night SUAV operations. While others slept, we took advantage of this rare opportunity to launch as many flights as we could."
Mirroring his success, Headquarters Battery, 3-13th FA, led by Sgt. Jonathan Fels, flew the second most Raven flights in the rotation, for a combined 40 operational hours for the "Red Dragon" Battalion.
First introduced in 2003, the RQ-11 Raven is a battery powered, hand-launched, remote controlled SUAV. Weighing only 4 pounds, it can reach altitudes up to 4,500 meters, travel 10 kilometers and stay aloft for one hour. Its flight path can be set to manual control or predesignated checkpoints by computer.
Although unable to carry armaments, it is equipped with a powerful 360 degree camera to provide day and night aerial intelligence, surveillance and target acquisition. By transmitting live video feed and GPS data back to the unit, the Raven provides company and battalion leaders with valuable real-time information and an extensive view of the battlefield.
During the exercise, 3-13th FA Soldiers used the RQ-11 Raven to expand area security, assist in the selection of artillery firing positions and perform route reconnaissance.
"I certainly gained a lot of experience being able to fly for many hours out here. I believe having the Raven in the air made a big difference, especially since we were constantly harassed at night. Our guys said they felt confident when they had to break for hygiene, food or sleep while we kept watch for the enemy," said Spc. Garret Murphy, Raven operator and ammunition crew member.
Development of the Red Dragon Battalion's SUAV program has made steady progress over the past year.
In the months leading up to the NTC, operators were challenged with several Raven training events and refresher courses.
Upon arrival at Fort Irwin, they passed a rigorous three-day certification to prove their overall proficiency with the Raven and knowledge of emergency procedures.
"In the beginning, few understood how to employ SUAVs to effectively support the battalion. Now we have seven operators, two master trainers and six RQ-11 Ravens. NTC was a great demonstration of the Raven's potential. I hope to see Soldiers getting more time to fly and commanders relying on the information obtained by the Raven during future field exercises," said 1st Lt. Christopher Stupnikov, battalion intelligence officer.
Three-13th FA leaders appreciated the role the RQ-11 Raven played in protecting the battalion's high value assets, particularly the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System.
"We used the Raven to monitor areas of interest during peak hours of opposing force (OPFOR) activity and to identify possible infiltration routes," said 1st Sgt. Chad Kaltved. "As a result, the 'Bulldogs' were able to focus on shooting rockets and other priorities of work."
Eastburn said the Raven played a crucial role during the final night.
"The Raven spotted small enemy teams moving toward our position. We had just enough time to shift our Soldiers and move crew-served weapons to engage them," he said.
Over 220 "Red Dragon" Soldiers returned to Fort Sill last weekend after a successful monthlong NTC rotation. Following well-deserved rest and relaxation, battalion personnel will begin preparations for future deployments.
Eastburn plans to attend the Master Raven Training Course at Fort Benning, Ga., and assist the ongoing development of the 75th Field Artillery Brigade's SUAV program.
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