NS Mayport to be operating base for US military drones
The US Naval Station Mayport, located in Florida, has been chosen to be the East Coast Forward Operating Base for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS).  The technology is built by the Northrop Grumman Corporation. Construction of the facility will begin this year, with the first Triton UAS due to be sent to the facility in 2020. Approximately 400 UAS personnel will be deployed to the base, and will rotate on deployment outside the US. The Triton UAS fleet forms a part of the US Navy Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force, offering advanced surveillance and intelligence capabilities. 

U.S. Naval Station Mayport in Florida will be the East Coast forward operating base for MQ-4C Triton reconnaissance and surveillance drones. U.S. Navy photo

Feb. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. Naval Station Mayport in Florida has been selected by the Navy as the East Coast Forward Operating Base for MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft systems. About 400 Triton unmanned aerial system personnel are to be stationed at the base and will support rotational deployments outside the continental United States. Advertisement

Facility construction will begin this year and the first Triton UAS will arrive at the facility in 2020, the Navy said.

"The MQ-4C Triton's advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities bring enhanced battlespace awareness for the fleet to achieve full spectrum superiority," said Adm. Phil Davidson, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces.

The Navy's Triton UAS fleet is part of the U.S. Navy's Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force, which is headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla.

The MC-4C Triton is manufactured by Northrop Grumman.

The Navy utilizes a "remote split" operational concept -- mission crews are located at a main operating base while the aircraft and their maintenance personnel are located at a forward operating base.

NS Mayport will be the launch and recovery site for four forward-based MQ-4C Triton drones and the consolidated maintenance hub for as many as four additional aircraft.

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