Joint Base San Antonio > News

Defender’s drone deploys in minutes to detect threats
July 11, 2023 — Tech. Sgt. Dustin Spooner, noncommissioned officer in charge of concepts and innovations for the Air Force Security Forces Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, has an innovative idea to enhance the operational success of small unmanned aerial systems across the Air Force enterprise... MORE

Air Force GeoBase safely integrates drones in AFCEC operations
May 19, 2021 — The Department of the Air Force is one step closer to safely and more widely integrating small unmanned aircraft systems into civil engineering operations, thanks to the Air Force GeoBase Program’s sUAS office... MORE

One World Terrain to allow Soldiers to train anywhere
July 19, 2019 — Carrying only a backpack and a drone, Soldiers could capture and eventually re-create entire sections of forests and steep mountains... MORE

Austin Drexler, researcher at the Institute for Creative Technology in Los Angeles, helps Maj. Gen. John George use special interactive goggles to view One World Terrain 3D interactive simulation data. George is deputy director, Army Futures and Concepts Center.

How Drone Operators and Airfields Share the Sky
October 18, 2017 — Small unmanned aircraft systems, often called “drones,” are becoming increasingly popular. Drones are easily purchased and make good gifts for hobbyists and commercial users alike. Recent improvements in technology help operators fly their drones higher, faster, longer, and further than ever. Additionally, drones are getting heavier and larger in size... MORE

Commercial users (those people who operate drones for profit) must request a waiver to fly within five miles of any airport. They can contact JBSA easily by dialing 210-652-7827 to start the process.

Army South Soldier uses drone to assist in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts
September 11, 2017 — Out of thousands of volunteers in the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, a major assigned to U.S. Army South, found a unique way to offer his support through a special skillset... MORE

An aerial photo taken by a drone belonging to Maj. Michael Stump, U.S. Army South fire support officer, of flooded ranch in Ezzell, Texas, affected by Hurricane Harvey. The aerial footage was used by the Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative to determine if there was a disruption of power to residents in the area.

What you need to know about drones and small unmanned aircraft systems
December 21, 2016 — Drone technologies have advanced to the point where they are safe and affordable to own and will likely find their way into many homes over the holidays. These systems can be a lot of fun for people of all ages and appear to be here to stay. But before you fly, there are some important things to know about operating drones, also known as small unmanned aircraft systems, or SUAS, at 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio locations. ... MORE

Drone technologies have advanced to the point where they safe and affordable to own and will likely find their way into many homes over the holidays. These systems can be a lot of fun for people of all ages and appear to be here to stay. But before you fly, there are some important things to know about operating drones, also known as small unmanned aircraft systems, or SUAS, at 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio locations.