The RQ-7B Shadow is an unmanned aerial vehicle that was operated by VMU-3 in southwestern Afghanistan. Each Shadow carries a camera, which surveys and streams video to higher headquarters and ground units. Cpl. Justin Boling — DOD
Marine Drone Operators Return From Afghanistan -- Sign on San Diego
Corps is expanding number of drone squadrons, adding weapons.
A Marine drone squadron is on its way home to Twentynine Palms after a seven-month tour in Helmand province, Afghanistan. About 120 Marines and sailors who operate unmanned aerial vehicles for the VMU-3 “Phantoms” are expected to arrive at the Marine combat center early Saturday morning.
The squadron used its fleet of RQ-7 Shadow drones to provide intelligence, search and reconnaissance support to Marine ground forces during more than 30,000 mission hours -- a new record for Marine unmanned aerial vehicle squadrons, according to Capt. Nicholas Mannweiler, a spokesman for the Marine combat center.
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My Comment: I knew that the Marines had their own UAV fleet .... but I am surprised that it is this big .... and growing.