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The new Block 5 MQ-9 Reaper is loaded with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, a GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb and a GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition April 13, 2017, at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. On 23 June, 2017, the latest version of the MQ-9 Reaper, the Block 5 variant, was successfully flown in combat in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The aircrew flew a sortie of over 16 hours with a full payload of weapons including GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. During the mission, the crew employed one GBU-38 and two Hellfires while providing hours of armed reconnaissance for supported ground forces. The Block 5 is equipped with improved electrical and communications systems which provides better software and hardware upgrades for future operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christian Clausen)
170413-F-YX485-276.JPG Photo By: Senior Airman Christian Clausen

Jun 28, 2017
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. - The new Block 5 MQ-9 Reaper is loaded with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, a GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb and a GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition April 13, 2017, at Creech Air Force Base, Nev. On June 23, 2017, the Block 5 variant, flew its first successful combat mission June 23, 2017, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The Block 5 is equipped with improved electrical and communications systems which provides better software and hardware upgrades for future operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christian Clausen)


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Davis-Monthan AFB Resources

U.S. Southern Command AoR Information

Mission:

Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH) is the Air Force component command to U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). AFSOUTH conducts security cooperation activities and provides air, space, and cyberspace capabilities throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In support of USSOUTHCOM, AFSOUTH deters aggression, defeats threats, rapidly responds to crises, and works with allied and partner nations to build regional capacity and ensure a secure, free, and prosperous Western Hemisphere.

Headquarters:

AFSOUTH is headquartered at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, U.S. Mission Focus Areas:

●      Strengthening Partnerships — Cultivate a network of collaboration and trust to counter mutual threats. Engage with allies, partners, academia, NGOs and industry.

●      Counter Threats — Project airpower, presence, and influence to secure the US homeland and western hemisphere.

●      Building our Team — Professional Airmen 24/7. Be Ready! Prioritize. Take care of our AFSOUTH family.

Organization & Component Units:

 

●      Air Forces Southern (AFSOUTH) — Air Force component to USSOUTHCOM.

●      612th Air and Space Operations Center (Davis-Monthan AFB) — Plans and executes theater air, space, and cyberspace operations.

●      SICOFAA - (Davis-Monthan AFB) —El Sistema de Cooperación entre las Fuerzas Aéreas Americanas.

●      Forward Operating Locations — Support operations and cooperation throughout the region (Curaçao; Guantánamo Bay, Cuba; Muñiz, Puerto Rico; Soto Cano, Honduras).

Forces and Organ:

AFSOUTH historically was the designation for the U.S. Air Force’s Twelfth Air Force in its role as the air component for USSOUTHCOM. As of a September 11, 2024 change of command, AFSOUTH was elevated to a Service Component Command, giving it a broader warfighting and strategic role in preparing and presenting airpower effects in the USSOUTHCOM area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Current as of March 2026)