By Senior Airman Eugene Oliver, 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs / Published July 14, 2020
A U-2 Dragon Lady rests in a hangar at RAF Fairford, England, July 7, 2020. The U-2 aircraft assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., are currently deployed to RAF Fairford as part of the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. The aircraft supplements a variety of missions that enhance regional and global security in support of U.S. and NATO allies and regional partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eugene Oliver)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas, right, 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron (ERS) aircrew flight equipment technician, assists Capt. Joshua, center 99th ERS U-2 Dragon Lady pilot, with his suit preparations at RAF Fairford, England, July 8, 2020. The U-2 aircraft assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., are currently deployed to RAF Fairford as part of the 99th ERS. The U.S. Air Force is engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eugene Oliver)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua, left, 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot, receives suit preparations at RAF Fairford, England, July 8, 2020. The U-2 aircraft assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., are currently deployed to RAF Fairford as part of the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. The aircraft supplements a variety of missions that enhance regional and global security support in support of U.S. and NATO allies and regional partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eugene Oliver)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua, 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot, receives suit preparations prior to takeoff at RAF Fairford, England, July 8, 2020. The U-2 aircraft assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., are currently deployed to RAF Fairford as part of the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eugene Oliver)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua, 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot, rests prior to takeoff at RAF Fairford, England, July 8, 2020. The U-2 aircraft assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., are currently deployed to RAF Fairford as part of the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. The aircraft supplements a variety of missions that enhance regional and global security in support of U.S. and NATO allies and regional partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eugene Oliver)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua, center, 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron U-2 Dragon Lady pilot, fist bumps an Airman from the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron prior to takeoff at RAF Fairford, July 8, 2020. The U-2 aircraft assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., are currently deployed to RAF Fairford as part of the 99th ERS. The aircraft supplements a variety of missions that enhance regional and global security in support of U.S. and NATO allies and regional partners. The U.S. Air Force is engaged, postured and ready with credible force to assure, deter and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eugene Oliver)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua, right, 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron (ERS) U-2 Dragon Lady pilot, climbs into the cockpit of a U-2 aircraft while Senior Airman Cynthia, 99th ERS physiology support technician, helps transport his oxygen at RAF Fairford, England, July 8, 2020. The U-2 aircraft assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., are currently deployed to RAF Fairford as part of the 99th ERS. The aircraft supplements a variety of missions that enhance regional and global security in support of U.S. and NATO allies and regional partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eugene Oliver)
U.S. Air Force Col. Kurt A. Wendt, right, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, performs a video interview in a hangar at RAF Fairford, England, July 7, 2020. Wendt conducted the interview as part of the 2020 Virtual Royal International Air Tattoo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eugene Oliver)
A U-2 Dragon Lady takes off from the runway at RAF Fairford, England, July 8, 2020. The U-2 aircraft assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, Calif., are currently deployed to RAF Fairford as part of the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. The aircraft supplements a variety of missions that enhance regional and global security support in support of U.S. and NATO allies and regional partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eugene Oliver)