Overview

• Seventh Air Force activated the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Kunsan Air Base on Sept. 29–30, confirming a permanent Reaper deployment after years of rotational presence.
• Lt. Col. Douglas J. Slater assumed command of the unit, which is aligned under the 8th Fighter Wing.
• Air Force officials say MQ-9 operations will strengthen U.S.–ROK intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance across the region and reinforce alliance commitments.
• The service declined to disclose how many aircraft or personnel are assigned, citing operational security.
• The activation revives a World War II-era 431st designation, and follows recent MQ-9 training in South Korea including Freedom Flag drills and an inert JDAM drop at Jikdo Island.