WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the 119th Air Wing “Happy Hooligans” in Fargo operating MQ-9 Reapers and the 319th Reconnaissance Wing in Grand Forks flying RQ-4 Global Hawks, North Dakota plays a critical and growing role in operating Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and is on the forefront of the next generation of technology.

Despite flying and conducting missions in combat zones, RPA crews do not have a formal combat identifier in their records due to their remote operational environment. Without this important distinguishment, RPA crew members who are transitioning to other military careers or leaving the service may face barriers to timely, high-quality mental health care services.

U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), introduced the bipartisan Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act. The bill will establish a status identifier for RPA crews who conduct combat operations to provide them with the recognition and access to services they deserve.

“Now more than ever, military missions use airborne ISR platforms to meet our national security objectives,” said Cramer. “Remotely Piloted Aircraft crews, including Fargo’s Happy Hooligans and the airmen from the 319th at Grand Forks, often play an integral role in achieving high-stakes, mission-critical objectives. The CARE for RPA Crews Act recognizes the accomplishments of RPA crews and identifies the appropriate resources to keep our airmen fit for duty.”

“Remotely Piloted Aircraft crew like those at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada perform combat operations but have no status identifier in their records for having done so, making it challenging to receive the support and care they deserve once they transition,” said Rosen. “That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to establish a status identifier for these crews in order to help improve the recognition they’ve earned and to ensure their future care. I’ll always fight to support Nevada’s servicemembers.”

Click here for bill text.