Norfolk will eventually be the home for the Navy’s first carrier-based drone, the MQ-25A Stingray.
With a wingspan larger than an F/A-18, the drones will take over the air refueling role for aircraft stationed on the carriers. Still in development, Norfolk is not expected to see the first drones arrive until at least 2031.
At the moment, the Navy is seeking public comment for a draft environmental report. Base CommanderCapt. Matthew Schlarmann expects to field questions about the safety of flying unmanned drones in the skies around Naval Station Norfolk…