They are not replacing the P-3 Orion with a UAV. Wherever you got that information is very misinformed. The P-3 Orion is being replaced by the 737 MMA (Multi Maritime Aircraft).
I am currently stationed at NAS Brunswick, and while on the record I have no comment, off the record, I wouldn't read too much into this. I don't think this base is going anywhere.
I agree, but the headline is misleading, then.
Not totally familiar with all the missions the P-3 does, and I doubt a UAV can do a MAD (I was an ASW type). Here's a couple links to show you what they are looking at. My guess is they keep the P-3s going and suppliment them with UAVs.
http://www.aviationnow.com/avnow/news/channel_awst_story.jsp?id=news/09204top.xml
http://www.deagel.com/pandora/?p=pm00092004
http://www.uav.com/products/predator_b_er.html
The military is getting into UAVs in a big way, the USAF just bought 144 Predator-Bs enough in addition to their current inventory to give them 15 full squadrons.
Also I gather there are very few pilots going through Pensacola, and the AF version of it.