A new mission for the former Willow Grove Naval Air Station was officially unveiled Friday.
The Horsham base will soon be the home to a new high-tech drone command center.
You saw it first on FOX Monday, when we broke the story the day before the official announcement.
The new facility will remotely control un-manned drone missions across the world. And for the first time the fighter wing selected for the mission is talking.
The Pennsylvania Air National Guard's 111th Fighter Wing was chosen to take on this new mission.
They will become the ground control station for the MQ-9 "Reaper" drone.
The new command center is set to open in October, but it's going to take two years before it's fully operational.
The base is expecting this mission to bring around 250 new jobs to the area. This includes security personnel to turn the base into a 24-7 operation.
The commander of the 111th fighter wing explained how this command center will work, saying that the drones will take off from outside our country. No drones will fly out of the Horsham base.
Still, there are security concerns. The commander said the Air Force does have extensive plans in place to keep surrounding residents safe.
FOX 29's Thomas Drayton has more details in the video report above.
Friday, February 22 2013 4:55 PM EST2013-02-22 21:55:05 GMT
Every 12 minutes, a child is born who will be diagnosed with autism. It's a developmental disorder that can affect a child's social and communication skills at an early age.
Every 12 minutes, a child is born who will be diagnosed with autism. It's a developmental disorder that can affect a child's social and communication skills at an early age.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:24 AM EDT2013-05-20 14:24:20 GMT
The person who bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in New Jersey has yet to claim the prize. The winner matched all six numbers in Friday's drawing
The person who bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in New Jersey has yet to claim the prize. The winner matched all six numbers in Friday's drawing
Monday, May 20 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:48:34 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:40:41 GMT
It was a soupy start today. We can expect many clouds, some sun, lots of humidity, and a chance of pop up showers any time. At least it'll be warmer: High around 80-degrees today.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. Warm temps stick around, too. And we do mean stick...because it'll be humid, too.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:01 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:01:26 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-05-20 14:36:21 GMT
Connecticut commuters endured slow trips to work Monday following last week's train collision that that injured 72 people and disrupted rail service into New York City.
Connecticut commuters endured slow trips to work Monday following last week's train collision that that injured 72 people and disrupted rail service into New York City.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:58 AM EDT2013-05-20 09:58:10 GMT
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
The Connecticut Department of Transportation and Metro-North Railroad released the following information regarding service on the New Haven commuter rail line
