CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. (AP) — The U.S. Navy is considering Wallops Island as its home base for the next generation of surveillance drones.Media outlets report that business and government leaders gathered Tuesday in Chincoteague, as part of the Wallops Island Regional Alliance, to call upon the Navy to select the Wallops Flight Facility as the East Coast home base for the still-under-development MQ-4C Triton.The new drones are intended to accomplish several tasks, including reconnaissance missions over ocean and coastal regions, without putting humans at risk.
Wallops Island Regional Alliance President Peter Bale says the move could bring 400 full-time jobs to the area.
Wallops Island is one of three sites under consideration. Navy officials are expected to make their choice within months.
The initial operational capacity for the Tritons is now planned for 2018 with full operating capability hoped for in 2023.
