The U.S. Navy formally stood up its first squadron for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned surveillance plane during an Oct. 28 ceremony at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida.

The creation of Unmanned Patrol Squadron (VUP)-19 “marks a new era for naval aviation,” said Doug Shaffer, vice president of the Triton program for Northrop Grumman [NOC], the aircraft’s manufacturer. “This squadron will play a key role in the Navy’s worldwide maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting mission going forward.”

MQ-4C Triton during test flights in California. Photo: Northrop Grumman
MQ-4C Triton during test flights in California. Photo: Northrop Grumman

Pilots and sensor operators assigned to VUP-19 will fly the aircraft from Jacksonville after the planes are delivered. The Triton, a variant of the Global Hawk, will also be located at bases around the world, including Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.

The squadron’s commissioning came about five weeks after the Navy said it received Pentagon approval to begin low-rate production of the high-altitude, 24-hour endurance aircraft. The Navy plans to buy 68 Tritons and begin fielding them in fiscal year 2018. The Triton completed its 100th flight Oct. 17.