More deployments heading to the Gulf

In recent days, there has been significant movement of U.S. assets toward the Gulf, ranging from B-52 bombers to the E-11 aircraft.

However, we should also note a further deployment, as yesterday three USAF Pilatus U-28A Draco (registrations 07-0779, 07-0793, 08-0700 – call signs DACHA41/3/5) made a stopover. Having departed from Portsmouth ANG Base and passed through NAS Rota Naval, they stopped at NAS Sigonella before continuing their journey to the Persian Gulf.

The U-28A is a modified, single-engine Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, part of the Air Force Special Operations Command’s manned airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) fleet. Operational squadrons include the 319th, 34th, and 318th Special Operations Squadrons, with the 5th and 19th SOS responsible for the airframe’s formal training.

The U-28A provides manned fixed-wing tactical airborne ISR support for humanitarian operations, search and rescue, as well as conventional and special operations missions.