Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in California has become the first U.S. military installation to begin 5G trials in the United States.

The next-generation, Ultra Wideband Service, mobile technology is being administered by Verizon.

“This is a critical step to accelerate the nation’s 5G aspirations,” said Lt. Col. Brandon Newell, director of technology and partnerships for the Marine Corps Installation Next program. “This effort is critical to national security. The establishment of this 5G living lab expedites the nation’s ability to leverage 5G for national defense.”

Newell went on to say that 5G will be used for a variety of installation implementation including energy management, connected vehicles, drones, and base security.

In early-June, the Pentagon identified seven military installations for “Tranche 2” of 5G communications technology prototyping and experimentation. In total, the DoD has selected 12 testing sites to host 5G experimentation.

Photo by Ohio Army National Guard Staff Sgt. George B. Davis