The first-ever RQ-4 Global Hawk to touch down in Japan arrived at Misawa Air Base May 24. The remotely-piloted system was brought to Misawa AB to support US intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions and contingency operations throughout the Pacific theatre, and is scheduled to operate from Misawa AB between May and October.

A team of around 40 support and operations personnel from the 69th Reconnaissance Group, Detachment 1 also arrived on station and will remain here to support the Global Hawk mission during operating months.

According the detachment’s director of operations, the temporary rotation of the Global Hawk to Japan was decided, in part, as a result of the adverse impact of inclement summer weather on ISR operations in Guam. Given the number of sorties lost due to typhoons and thunderstorms, the need to look for alternate summer basing options arose.

The director explained that comprehensive studies were conducted weighing a variety of factors that ultimately determined Misawa AB to be the most ideal relocation site. He said factors including weather patterns, available facilities, ISR priorities, contingency operation requirements, and costs—among other issues—were taken into consideration.

“Our relationship with Japan is very important, so being here reinforces the strong partnership our country has with the Japanese government,” he said. “We’re confident these operations benefit both parties.”

The Global Hawk was requested to support relief efforts within 48 hours of the disaster, prompting crews to prepare and launch aircraft only nine hours after official notification.

While airborne, the Global Hawk was able to identify passable roads and territories to enable first responders to plan routes in and out of disaster areas. It also identified emergency landing zones in hazardous areas while providing uninterrupted coverage. Using long-range and infrared cameras, the remotely piloted aircraft provided commanders with more than 3,000 images of the disaster zone.