Arkansas servicemembers have received national recognition for their contributions to U.S. defense, with the 184th Attack Squadron, known as the “Flying Razorbacks,” being awarded the 2024 General Atomics Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Trophy. This award is given to the top RPA squadron across all U.S. Air Force Active Duty, Reserve, and Guard units.
The 184th, part of the 188th Wing based at Ebbing Airbase in Fort Smith, was honored for its operational performance and technological capability in air defense. The squadron completed 314 combat sorties and provided nearly 6,000 hours of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions—work considered vital for monitoring threats and supporting ground forces.
According to a statement: “These guardsmen call Ebbing Airbase home and were recently honored with the 2024 General Atomics Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Trophy.”
Award officials highlighted that this footage plays an important role in protecting civilians and can provide real-time updates for immediate response. The squadron’s record includes becoming the first presidentially selected unit tasked with securing humanitarian airdrops by protecting both cargo and personnel delivering aid.
“In 2024, it became the first presidentially selected unit to ensure the security of humanitarian airdrops by protecting cargo and forces dispensing aid as well as ensuring safe and precise delivery. This distinction represented confidence in the 184th as a hallmark of mission readiness and professionalism,” according to the release.
The Flying Razorbacks also led MQ-9 Reaper operations within the U.S. Air Force, handling two-thirds of all non-traditional defensive counter-air engagements involving unmanned aerial systems.
“Additionally, the Flying Razorbacks led the U.S. Air Force in conducting MQ-9 Reaper operations, utilizing the remotely piloted aircraft to complete 66 percent of all non-traditional defensive counter-air and counter-small unmanned aerial system engagements,” stated officials.
Recognition for these achievements has been entered into Congressional Record so that it will be noted in official proceedings for years to come. Leadership visited Ebbing this month to meet with personnel directly involved in these missions.
“It is an honor to acknowledge the men and women of the 184th Attack Squadron for earning this prestigious award and the trust of our national security leaders,” reads another portion of commentary from officials. “Arkansas is proud to commend their dedication and hard work as well as congratulate them on their world-class commitment to bolstering the defense of our country.”
Ebbing Air National Guard Base has shifted from facing closure risks several years ago to being recognized as a critical asset for national security. The base now supports real-world operations through its attack squadron while also hosting training programs on advanced aircraft such as F-35s for allied partners—a result attributed to sustained support from state leadership.
