Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, was shut down for four hours over the weekend following reports of drones flying over and near the base.
The incident, which began on Friday evening, raised security concerns and prompted the base to implement precautionary measures. The shutdown was lifted early Saturday morning.
The 88th Air Base Wing confirmed the drone activity and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the base and its personnel.
Celebrate Trump's Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!
“We are taking all appropriate measures to safeguard Wright-Patterson and the residents,” said Robert Purtiman, a spokesperson for the 88th Wing. “You know, our units continue to monitor the airspace and are working with local authorities to ensure the safety of, again, our base personnel facilities and assets.”
The drones observed were described as small, unmanned aerial devices. Despite their presence, no operations on the base were disrupted, according to initial reports.
🚨#BREAKING: Listen as air traffic controllers Wright Patterson Air Force Base had to temporarily shut down due to unauthorized drone activity in the area
⁰📌#GreeneCounty l #OhioListen as air traffic controllers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Greene County, Ohio,… pic.twitter.com/BxvcXJWOEj
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) December 16, 2024
However, the sightings have prompted questions about security and airspace safety, especially amid ongoing national discussions about the use of drones.
It remains unclear whether the drones seen at Wright-Patterson are related to recent reports of larger, car-sized drones on the East Coast, which have also sparked concern.
Wright – Patterson Air Force Base, located in Ohio, had to shut down late Friday evening into Saturday morning due to the presence of unidentified drones.
Wright – Patterson is a key Air Base, operating a worldwide logistics system. It covers more than 8,000 acres of land (12.5… pic.twitter.com/ZxUlVyW64w
— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) December 16, 2024
The use of drones, both for recreational and commercial purposes, has become a growing issue nationwide.
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data from October 2024, nearly 800,000 drones are registered across the United States.
With their increasing prevalence, incidents like the one at Wright-Patterson are becoming more common, prompting calls for stricter regulations.
Florida State Representative Mike Waltz expressed the urgency of identifying those responsible for unauthorized drone activity. “We need to know who’s behind it,” Waltz said.
🇺🇸 MIKE WALTZ: WE NEED TO KNOW WHO IS BEHIND DRONES IN NO-FLY ZONES
Incoming National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz:
“It’s not necessarily somebody that’s just on the other end flying it.
They could be following pre-positioned GPS coordinates.
They could be coming, from… https://t.co/Y3Yb9LILM7 pic.twitter.com/PNxPH4ntwR
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) December 16, 2024
MORE NEWS: Liberals Are In A Panic Over ABC Settling With Trump, Worry About ‘Chilling Effect’ [WATCH]
Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota echoed the need for greater transparency and accountability. “The administration has repeatedly assured people that they are safe,” Klobuchar said. “However, one, we need a briefing for the members of the Senate to figure out what’s going on here. Two, we need more transparency.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) says senators “need a briefing” and “more transparency” on the mysterious drones seen over the East Coast, though she notes the Biden administration “has repeatedly assured people that they are safe.” She said she plans to work with the incoming… pic.twitter.com/cAXsNuBuyJ
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) December 15, 2024
The FAA has acknowledged the rising frequency of drone-related incidents and is advocating for stricter rules on their use.
MORE NEWS: Joe Rogan Says He’s ‘Genuinely Concerned’ About Drone Sightings After New Theory Emerges [WATCH]
This includes enforcing tougher penalties for individuals who violate existing drone laws. The FAA’s efforts aim to address both safety concerns and the potential for misuse of drones in sensitive areas like military bases.
The situation at Wright-Patterson highlights the need for continued vigilance in monitoring drone activity, particularly around critical infrastructure.
While no damage or operational disruptions were reported, the incident serves as a reminder of the evolving challenges posed by unmanned aerial devices.
Local and federal authorities are continuing to investigate the incident to determine the origins of the drones and whether any laws were violated.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.