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 5:13 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:13:26 GMT
The family of the 5-year-old kindergartner abducted in broad daylight from her Philadelphia school is now planning on suing the city and the school district.
The family of the 5-year-old kindergartner abducted in broad daylight from her Philadelphia school is now planning on suing the city and the school district.
Monday, May 20 2013 4:38 PM EDT2013-05-20 20:38:01 GMT
A century-old community staple in Cherry Hill was up for auction Monday. The Woodcrest Country Club has experienced some financial problems recently, and after efforts from the township and the Freeholders
Cherry Hill's Woodcrest Country Club went up for auction Monday, with a pending sale in place after an offer from a Marlton-based developer.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:36 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:36:33 GMT
Philadelphia Police have released surveillance video hoping that someone will recognize the suspect wanted a fatal stabbing. At 5:09 AM, on April 16, police were called out to the 400 block of Vollmer
Philadelphia Police have released surveillance video hoping that someone will recognize the suspect wanted a fatal stabbing. At 5:09 AM, on April 16, police were called out to the 400 block of Vollmer
Monday, May 20 2013 2:22 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:22:16 GMT
Tuesday morning will feature another round patchy fog. It will be a mild and muggy start with temps in the mid 60s for the city and around 60 for the suburbs. Look for more clouds than sun with highs the low 80s. There could be a few spotty showers during the day.
Monday, May 20 2013 2:21 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:21:09 GMT
A picture taken of the rare Ben Franklin bust, valued at $3 million. The bust was stolen from a Brywn Mawr home in August.
A housekeeper has been sentenced to six years in federal prison in the theft of a Benjamin Franklin bust stolen in suburban Philadelphia and reportedly worth $3 million.Andrea Lawton, 47, of Mobile, Ala.,
A housekeeper has been sentenced to six years in federal prison in the theft of a Benjamin Franklin bust stolen in suburban Philadelphia and reportedly worth $3 million.Andrea Lawton, 47, of Mobile, Ala.,
