9th Wing High Altitude Reconnaissance

• Origins in the Cold War: The 9th Wing High Altitude Reconnaissance traces its lineage to the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, activated in 1949 to monitor Soviet activities during the tense early years of the Cold War. • U-2 “Dragon Lady” Operations: The unit is renowned for operating the legendary Lockheed U-2, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft that can fly above 70,000 feet, evading most enemy air defenses. • SR-71 Blackbird Legacy: The 9th Wing was the exclusive operator of the SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft ever, capable of speeds over Mach 3 and altitudes above 85,000 feet. • Cuban Missile Crisis: Pilots from the 9th Wing flew critical U-2 reconnaissance missions over Cuba in 1962, providing photographic evidence of Soviet missile installations and helping avert nuclear war. • Global Reach: The 9th Wing’s aircraft have operated from all corners of the globe, from the Arctic to the Middle East, supporting intelligence and reconnaissance missions for U.S. and allied forces. • Beale Air Force Base: The unit has called Beale AFB, California, home since 1976, where it continues its vital intelligence-gathering mission with state-of-the-art technology. • First Combat Use of U-2: The U-2 was first used in combat reconnaissance by the 9th Wing during the Vietnam War, gathering intelligence for targeting and operational planning. • Transition to RQ-4 Global Hawk: The 9th Wing expanded its fleet to include the RQ-4 Global Hawk, an unmanned high-altitude, long-endurance reconnaissance drone, demonstrating adaptability to new technologies. • Decorated Unit: The 9th Wing has earned numerous awards, including Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and the Presidential Unit Citation for its exceptional performance in reconnaissance missions. • Secret Missions and Cold War Tensions: The unit’s missions often involved secret overflights of adversary territory, including the Soviet Union and China, risking international incidents but providing invaluable intelligence for national security.