Beale Partners with Local Law Enforcement, Yuba Applied Research Center to Enhance Airspace Security

  • Published
  • By 9th Reconnaissance Wing
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

The 9th Reconnaissance Wing is taking proactive steps to enhance installation security and counter potential threats posed by small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). In partnership with the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) and the Yuba Applied Research Center (YARC), the wing is implementing a new, integrated approach to airspace monitoring that strengthens the protection of personnel, critical assets, and the surrounding community.

 

This effort integrates multiple detection and tracking capabilities into a single common operating picture, providing security forces and wing leadership with improved situational awareness. This initiative leverages an industry-leading software platform (UNIFY.C2) vetted through the Department of War’s Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to rapidly field a proven capability.

 

“As a critical hub for global intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, ensuring the security of Beale Air Force Base is paramount to our national defense,” said Col. Ryan Typolt, 9th Reconnaissance Wing Deputy Commander. “This initiative is about readiness and innovation. By strengthening our partnerships with the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office and the Yuba Applied Research Center, we are not only protecting the installation but also contributing to the safety and security of the entire region.”

 

A key element of this initiative is the formal partnership between federal and local entities. Because potential sUAS threats are far more likely to originate off-base, maintaining community vigilance and a seamless connection with local partners is vital to overall installation security. The YARC serves as the connective tissue, translating the Air Force’s operational needs into locally executable projects and closing the legal and operational jurisdictional gaps.

 

“Yuba County is helping fill a critical national security gap,” said Lon Hatamiya, YARC Executive Director. “Our unique partnerships with Beale AFB and the YSCO are creating coordination frameworks and command-and-control concepts, with real assets and real airspace through applied research. We are turning Yuba County into a leading hub for C-sUAS innovation.”

 

This cross-jurisdictional defense net allows the YCSO to monitor potential threats and respond to sUAS activity outside the installation’s fence line, protecting both the base and Yuba County residents.

 

“Our partnership with Beale AFB ensures a seamless, coordinated response to any potential airspace threat,” said Yuba County Sheriff Wendell Anderson. “By working together, we create a layered defense that keeps our communities safe and are proud to be part of this forward-thinking security initiative.”

 

All drone operators are reminded that flying an sUAS over or near military installations is prohibited by federal law and could result in significant penalties. Community members who observe unauthorized drone activity near the installation are encouraged to report it immediately. For reporting procedures and more information on local drone regulations, please visit the Beale AFB Drone Awareness page at www.beale.af.mil.

 

For more information, please contact the 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs office at (530) 634-8887.