In an August 31 ceremony, the Nauticus National Maritime Center, Norfolk, Virginia, welcomed the first unmanned aerial vehicle to their collection. The Pioneer Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a donation by the Navy and Pioneer UAV, Inc., the vehicle manufacturer.

Since its inception in the 80s, Pioneer has flown over 22,000 hours in direct support of Navy operational commanders by providing the imagery intelligence necessary to enable force deployment decisions. Pioneer has a low radar cross section and a small infrared signature that minimizes its detection.

A significant part of the Nauticus exhibition is the battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. The Navy's Pioneer UAV served aboard the Wisconsin during Operation Desert Storm. In a now famous event, Iraqi soldiers surrendered to a Pioneer, knowing that once the UAV had their positions, a storm of naval gunfire would soon follow. This marked the first such surrender to an unmanned vehicle. The vehicle on display at the Nauticus was onboard the Wisconsin at the time of the surrender.

On hand to welcome the guests was Richard Conti, executive director of the Nauticus. "We are thrilled to have this addition to our museum collection. It is a perfect match to have the Pioneer here," he said.

Rear Admiral Jack Chenevey, Program Executive Officer, Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation, noted that this is the third Pioneer to be placed in a museum. "That might make some of you believe this vehicle is fast becoming a relic. That's simply not true. Pioneer continues to be the UAV workhorse for the Navy." He went on to talk about Pioneer's current operations supporting Joint Task Force Exercises, carrier air wings, and border patrol and counter drug operations in California.

The mayor of Norfolk, Paul Fraim was also pleased with the UAV addition. "Having Pioneer here lends a great deal of excitement to the facility and the city of Norfolk," he said. During the ceremony, Fraim presented Chenevey with a wooden, hand carved image of the Wisconsin, while Chenevey presented the mayor with a Pioneer certificate of ownership, commemorating the event.

The Nauticus is an interactive science and technology center exploring the power of the sea, features hands-on exhibits including computer and video interactives, films on a giant screen, exotic aquaria, touch pools, shark touching and national-caliber exhibits.

For more information about the Pioneer UAV, visit the website at www.strikenet.js.mil. Then click on PMA-263.

PHOTO CUTLINE: Rear Adm. Jack Chenevey presents Norfolk Mayor Fraim with a Pioneer certificate of ownership, marking the transfer of the vehicle to the museum.