06/18/2026
The drone activity is complete at the airport. I appreciate everyone’s patience during this activity. Below is a note that I received today from the coordinator of this exercise. Again, I really appreciate everyone’s understanding. I know we caused a few delays in folks plans but overall everyone was very understanding.
Soldiers and Army civilians from the United States Army active duty, Reserves, and Mississippi National Guard aviation elements evaluated a fully autonomous unmanned aircraft cargo delivery system at the Diamondhead Airport from June 11th through the 17th led by the Sustainment Future Capability Directorate from Fort Lee, Virginia. It is believed this is the first time the Army has conducted a Soldier planned and executed fully autonomous parachute drop. These six parachute drops and numerous capability evaluation flights were conducted in favorable weather conditions, and in adverse weather conditions with high winds and rain. The UAS was also able to demonstrate austere take-off and landing abilities by landing on the unimproved surface area of the grass strip on the side of the runway. The culminating event consisted of a flight and parachute drop (all without human intervention) from Gulfport International Airport to Diamondhead Airport in adverse weather conditions. During this evaluation, seven General Officers visited the Diamondhead airport to include: the Commanding General of Fort Lee Virginia who also serves as Commanding General, United States Army Combined Arms Support Command / Sustainment Center of Excellence, the Commanding General of the 377th Theater Sustainment Command, the Commanding General of the Deployment Support Command, the Deputy Commanding General of the 200th Military Police Command, the Commanding General of the 143rd Sustainment Command, and the Deputy Commanding General of the 75th Innovation Command. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Bradley Holliday for his incredible assistance in supporting this event. Diamondhead Airport was the perfect location and was crucial to the excess of our event. We also enjoyed engaging with the residents who came out to observe our activities – everyone was so friendly. Thank you Diamondhead.
