Connors & Rumpf Meet with DMVA on Warren Grove Drone Training Program

September 3, 2009

Contact: Jason Smith / (609) 693-6700
Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, Senator Christopher J. Connors

Connors & Rumpf Meet with DMVA on Warren Grove Drone Training Program

Public Safety, Regional Economic Benefits Key Points of Discussion Raised by 9th District Delegation

Senator Christopher J. Connors and Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf met with Major General Glenn K. Rieth, the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) regarding the training program being facilitated at the Warren Grove Gunnery Range to operate the Shadow 200 RQ-7 Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System, also referred to as drones or UAVs.

The 9th District Legislators requested the meeting with Major General Rieth to discuss key aspects of the drone program; first and foremost, the safeguards in place to protect the public from any incident that could possibly occur from the operation of drones near populated areas.

Senator Connors and Assemblyman Rumpf issued the following statement regarding the meeting:

“During our meeting with Major General Rieth, we were provided with greater insight into how using this cutting-edge technology will provide our military with a unique ability to carry out vital operations and safeguard the lives of our fighting men and women by removing them from hostile situations. Additional information was provided regarding the steps the National Guard is taking to ensure the public is not put at risk as a result of operations conducted at the Warren Grove Range. This includes confining the drones’ flight paths to over just the Range, not residential areas. We were further assured that safety would be enhanced in that the drones will not be carrying any weapon systems.

“Considering its impressive capabilities, which are absolutely critical to protecting American lives in the battlefield, it is an almost certainty that the drone program will be an integral part of the military’s operations for years to come. Based on the information we were provided, we believe having the Warren Grove Range continue serving as a training site could offer our region and state tremendous long-term economic opportunities that would be linked directly to this vital program and the technology involved. Furthermore, bringing this emerging technology to our area could be integral in protecting the viability of the joint mega base comprised of Maguire Air Force Base, Fort Dix and the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station.

“This program offers our state a unique economic opportunity with a tremendous upside. It is our understanding that more than 20 other states are vying to be selected as the regional site for this training program. However, New Jersey has an existing footprint with the installations of the joint mega base. Because very little infrastructure upgrade is required, the Warren Grove Range presents itself as an ideal location.

“Since we have been assured that the drone program can be conducted safely and poses no risk to the general public, we believe that our state should take every measure to ensure that the Warren Grove Range remains the primary site for this training program for the entire Northeast.”