An MQ-8B Fire Scout assigned to the “Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 lifts off from the flight deck during flight quarters aboard the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7). Detroit is deployed to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility to support Joint Interagency Task Force South’s mission, which includes counter illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

The Northrop Grumman MQ–8 Fire Scout is an unmanned autonomous helicopter developed by Northrop Grumman for use by the United States Armed Forces. The Fire Scout is designed to provide reconnaissance, situational awareness, aerial fire support and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/Released)