214th Reconnaissance Group

The 214th Reconnaissance Group (214 RG) is a unit of the Arizona Air National Guard 162d Fighter Wing, stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona. If activated to federal service, the Group is gained by the United States Air Force Air Combat Command.

Overview
The 214th Reconnaissance Group flies the MQ-1B Predator over Afghanistan via satellite from ground control stations in Tucson. Arizona Air Guardsmen fly 24/7 operations saving American lives through the vital information they provide to troops on the ground.

Operations
Currently, the unit flies over Afghanistan on a continual basis flying 20 hours per day, seven days per week. Predator operations provide troops on the ground with both daylight and infrared video of selected targets. In addition, the aircraft is equipped with two laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire missiles.

Arizona Air National Guard Predator operations will first fill worldwide theater requirements, but will also likely evolve into providing direct defense for the homeland in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Northern Command.

A permanent facility located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base was completed in 2009.

Fraud scandal
A 2009 investigation found that two dozen group members had fraudulently collected $1.1 million in living expenses from the government over several years. In response, Colonel Gregg Davies was removed from command of the group on 23 November 2009 by Arizona Air National Guard commander Brigadier General Michael Colangelo. A state inspector general investigation later concluded that Davies' relief constituted "retaliation", but declined to reinstate him into the Guard.

Specifics

 * Lineage: Designated 214th Reconnaissance Group, and allotted to Arizona ANG, 2007
 * Extended federal recognition and activated, 29 August 2007


 * Assignment: 162d Fighter Wing, Tucson Air National Guard Base, Arizona
 * Components: 214th Reconnaissance Squadron
 * Station: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona