Unmanned drones in Central New York

[Nordmadr]

I just read in the local newspaper here that they will be bring unmanned drones, 12 of them, to the Hancock Airfield in Syracuse. Clinton, Boehlert, and Gov. Pataki were all at a nice little ceremony about it. The newspaper did not describe WHY we needed unmanned drones in upstat New York ansd only referred to the purpose several times as the "mission". I found this to be a little creepy. These drones apparently have a range of under 500 miles, are primarily used for surveilance but can also be armed. I know we are fairly close to the DANGEROUS Canadian border and all, but other than that, I have a hard time coming up with a good reason for them to be here. Well a good reason that doesn't involve use against Americans and my handy dandy tin foil hat.

Maybe I just need a vacation.

Olaf

[babylonsister]

1. Ooh, can we have a link? nt

[Nordmadr]

6. I found an online link to the story

http://www.syracuse.com/news/poststandard/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1115714796170360.xml&coll=1

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. For training purposes?

At Fort Drum? I know that's in Watertown, but maybe there's some reason for the drones to be based in Syracuse.

Othe than that, dunno.

[jojo54]

3. It's G.W.'s version of Big Brother

and they'll create some kind of "deadly virus or flu" conspiracy, so that everybody will have to go to the doctors for a shot, which will really contain an electonic chip so they can monitor your every move.

:tinfoilhat:

[PATRICK]

4. Unmanned drones

in US territory? Sounds insane even if you save on health insurance benefits for pilots. Border patrol? Sounds stupid. Drones are for territories where humans or planes would be at risk.

Of course drones coasting in close in new radioactive wastelands...

Hopefully they will be shipped overseas, which means Iran.

[Cooley Hurd]

5. Hancock is an ANG base, and I assume the drones will be used...

...up near the Canadian border for surveillance. Surveilling WHAT is another matter.

On a related note, it appears the US Border Patrol isn't setting up the roadblock at mile 100 on I-87 anymore (100 miles SOUTH of the Canadian border). Perhaps the introduction of the drones is the reason?:shrug:

[Just Me]

7. That's ummm, geez, that's,...kinda' weird,...

,...and a bit spooky, too.

[Fire Walk With Me]

9. MAYBE WE'D BETTER INVADE IRAN BEFORE WE REALLY NEED THESE DRONES!

Spooky, yes.

[rooboy]

8. The purpose of the drones is to provide a PHOTO OPPORTUNITY. n/t

[Nordmadr]

10. Kick!

[yellowcanine]

11. Keep an eye on Bloomberg? He could be a terra-ist.