An MQ-9 Reaper approaches the runway at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, April 29, 2024. The 89th Attack Squadron, a tenant unit at Ellsworth, coordinated with Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, to fly an operational MQ-9 to Ellsworth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dylan Maher)
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden on Friday recognized a remotely piloted aircraft squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base for its role in a June U.S. military operation that officials say helped end a 12-day war between Israel and Iran.
A news release from the governor said that “for the safety of all those involved,” Friday was “the first day the governor could publicly acknowledge” the squadron’s involvement in the operation.
The 89th Attack Squadron remotely pilots MQ-9 Reaper drones from ground control facilities at the base near Rapid City. In June, the squadron participated in Operation Midnight Hammer, which culminated in strikes on Iranian nuclear sites ordered by President Donald Trump, according to the governor’s office.
The operation destroyed three Iranian nuclear sites, according to statements from the Trump administration. Trump said at the time that the strikes were intended to end Iran’s nuclear weapons program, calling them a “spectacular military success.”
Rhoden praised the squadron for what he described as “heroic service and sacrifice in defense of America and our freedoms.” He declared Friday as “89th Attack Squadron Appreciation Day” in South Dakota.
The governor’s office said the squadron conducted 177 hours of intelligence operations and provided information that helped safeguard more than 17,000 U.S. troops and informed the president’s decision-making on the military strikes.
Rhoden presented the recognition during a ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
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